Description: Greensboro, North Carolina criminal defense lawyer represented defendant charged with unlawfully transporting and dealing in firearms.

Beginning in January 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) learned that Timothy Jay Norman, age 47, of Browns Summit, North Carolina was selling firearms to various persons, including a convicted felon, while employed as a North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) trooper. During the investigation, the FBI learned that Norman held out for sale, using the convicted felon as a “middleman,” various firearms, which included decommissioned NCSHP service weapons: Sig Sauer P226 .357 semi-automatic pistols; Arma Lite, AR-15 5.56mm semi-automatic rifles, and Beretta, Model 1201FP, 12-gauge shotguns. Thereafter, law enforcement agencies conducted three successful controlled purchase operations.

Specifically, on or about May 12, 2021, law enforcement, using a confidential human source, purchased a decommissioned Sig Sauer P226 .357 semi-automatic pistol, with the NCSHP badge engraved on top of the slide, in a case with two magazines, for $1,600 from Norman. On or about June 8, 2021, agencies, using a source, purchased a Beretta 12-gauge shotgun and an Arma Lite AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, one magazine, one soft black case, and one 50-round drum magazine from Norman at his home in Browns Summit, for $3,200. Finally, on or about June 24, 2021, law enforcement conducted a third successful controlled firearms evidence purchase from Norman, wherein Norman sold a NCSHP Sig Sauer P226 .357 semi-automatic pistol from his patrol car to a source at a closed gas station. Norman received $2,000 in FBI case funds in exchange for the decommissioned weapon. As to all of these firearms, records from the Federal Firearms Licensee (“the FFL”) where Norman purchased them establish that Norman made a significant profit as a result of the various transactions. The records also showed that Norman had purchased thirty-six firearms from the FFL since January 1, 2021.

On July 7, 2021, investigating agencies executed a search warrant on Norman’s home and seized thousands of rounds of ammunition and over fifty firearms. In Norman’s patrol car, they found two more firearms (neither of which was NCSHP-issued), including one AR-15 rifle that Norman purchased from the FFL earlier that year. There was also an envelope with over $2,000 in cash, which included FBI buy money from one of the controlled buy operations referenced above.

Norman was ordered to pay a $15,000 fine and will face three years of supervised release in addition to his 37-month prison sentence.

Sandra J. Hairston, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, made the announcement. Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and North Carolina State Highway Patrol-Internal Affairs Division investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney JoAnna G. McFadden.

18:922(a)(1)(A), 923(a), and 924(a)(1)(D); Willfully engage in the business of dealing firearms while not being a licensed dealer
(1s)

Outcome: 06/02/2022 Minute Entry for proceedings held before JUDGE CATHERINE C. EAGLES:Sentencing hearing as to TIMOTHY JAY NORMAN held on 6/2/2022 as to Count 1s. Counts 1, 2-3, and 2s-3s dismissed. The Court adopts the Presentence report with amendment as to certain factual matter and changes to the Guideline calculation. The Court accepts the plea agreement. Defendant shall surrender to the United States Marshall on July 14, 2022 at noon or report directly to designated institution at own expense. AUSA JoAnna McFadden present on behalf of the Government. Attorneys Joshua Howard and John Dowling, III present as counsel for defendant. Defendant present on pretrial release. (Court Reporter Briana Bell.) (Winchester, Robin) (Entered: 06/02/2022)

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