A Roanoke Rapids man Friday was sentenced to 87 months in prison for distributing fentanyl and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.

Elijah Tyler Thorne, 25, pleaded guilty to the charges on October 26.

The charges came after complaints of drug activity led to an investigation that uncovered drugs and illegal guns in Thorne’s residence on Carolina Rest Home Road in August of 2022.

“Thorne’s illicit fentanyl operation will no longer be a thorn in the side of Halifax County,” said United States Attorney Michael Easley. “This case is just one example of our strong partnership with local law enforcement to make our communities safer by getting fentanyl and illegal guns off of our streets.” 

Halifax County Tyree Davis said, “This successful prosecution represents the ongoing commitment of our local, state, and federal partners to identify the most dangerous and prolific offenders in Halifax County.”

Davis said, “It is crucial for us to concentrate our resources on those individuals who cause our community the greatest harm. We appreciate our law enforcement partners and look forward to our continued work together.”

According to court records and other evidence presented in court, numerous complaints of drug activity led to an investigation into Thorne. 

A search warrant executed on his residence recovered marijuana, fentanyl, flualprazolam pills, eutylone, a synthetic cathinone similar to MDMA, and MDMA pills.  

Thorne was also found to be in possession of a handgun and a 50-round drum magazine. Thorne has previous felony convictions for robbery and drug possession, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm. 

Jimmie Thorne Jr., who was arrested in the sting, received five years probation with electronic home monitoring in January for possession of a firearm by a felon. Six months of that monitoring come with a curfew, according to court records.