WILMINGTON — Prosecutors say a Wilmington man who pleaded guilty to drug charges in New Hanover County Superior Court this week learned how to make crack cocaine over the Internet.
Sherman Leon Pearson, 43, pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges of possession with intent to sell cocaine, possession with intent to sell heroin, possession of a firearm by a felon, and attaining the status of a habitual felon, according to District Attorney Ben David.
Drug agents with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Pearson’s home in the 1200 block of South 6th Street on April 27. During a search of Pearson’s bedroom, detectives found heroin, 20 grams of crack cocaine and a .22 Walther handgun under the mattress.
Detectives discovered through their investigation that Pearson had been purchasing powder cocaine and converting it to crack cocaine before selling it, David said. Pearson disclosed he learned how to make crack cocaine over the Internet.
Pearson purchased the Walther handgun from someone on the street about a month before his arrest. At the time of his arrest on the charges, he was not legally able to possess a firearm. According to the North Carolina Department of Corrections, Pearson had several felony drug convictions in New Hanover and Bladen counties.
“This case highlights one of the dark sides of the Internet and shows that drug dealers will find ways to protect their products. Fortunately, we have vigilant detectives in order to combat this activity,” said Assistant District Attorney Timothy Severo, who prosecuted the case for the state.
Pearson was represented by attorney Andrew Nettleman. Superior Court Judge Ebern T. Watson sentenced Pearson to 66-118 months in prison.
