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A Stanly County man was sentenced to federal prison Tuesday for firearm and drug offenses, according to Matthew G.T. Martin, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. 

Earl Christopher Terry Jr., 34, also known as “E” and “E-Magic,” pleaded guilty on Oct. 15, 2019, to one count of possession of ammunition by a previously convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. On Feb. 26, Terry was sentenced by United States District Judge Loretta C. Biggs to 75 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. 

On April 18, 2019, the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Terry’s home in Badin, finding $9,212 and several dozen rounds of ammunition. In the woods across from the residence, deputies found a Smith & Wesson model M&P 40 and a .40-caliber handgun next to a bag containing heroin and fentanyl. Analysis later showed Terry’s DNA was on the handgun.

Because Terry had a prior felony conviction in Stanly County for three counts of felonious indecent liberties with a child, he could not possess a firearm or ammunition under federal law. Terry was arrested on state charges but released on bond. On May 7, 2019, the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office received additional information about Terry involving narcotics, and again executed a search warrant on his residence, finding additional heroin and fentanyl. 

Judge Biggs also ordered forfeiture of the handgun and ammunition found in the woods across from Terry’s residence.