A Scotland Neck man was sentenced Friday to 192 months in prison for narcotics and firearm violations while on post-release supervision for a prior federal felony.  

Gerard Roderkus Fenner, 40, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, marijuana, and methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a felon. He entered the plea in April.   

According to court documents and other information presented in court, on November 26, 2019, Rocky Mount Police Officers responded to the Days Inn after receiving a 911 call about a fight involving a firearm. The caller said the fight was over drugs. 

Officers responded to the hotel room in question and found the door locked.  

The occupant, eventually identified as Fenner, refused to open the door.  

Concerned Fenner was tossing evidence out the third-story window, officers went to the outside window just in time to find Fenner jumping. Landing hard on the ground after the 30-foot jump, Fenner was immediately arrested. 

Officers found over $4,000 cash stuffed in Fenner’s underwear.  Back in the hotel room, officers discovered heroin and fentanyl mixtures, marijuana, over 800 methamphetamine pills, and a loaded firearm.  

At the time Fenner was serving a term of post-release supervision stemming from a federal firearm charge in 2013.   

In issuing a 168-month sentence for the conviction and a 24-month consecutive sentence for the revocation of supervision, the court noted the danger posed by the narcotics and firearm involved in Fenner’s trafficking.

“Our mission here at the Rocky Mount Police Department is to improve the quality of life in the city of Rocky Mount by building partnerships to reduce crime,” Chief Robert Hassell said. “We value our partnership with our federal law enforcement agencies, who assist us in creating a safe environment for all citizens who reside and visit Rocky Mount, North Carolina. The Rocky Mount Police Department will continue to work with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies while providing the highest level of police services.” 

G. Norman Acker III, acting United States  attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge James C. Dever III. The Rocky Mount Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.