Former Marine sentenced to 7 years in federal prison for meth trafficking, firearms offenses
ONSLOW COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A former U.S. Marine has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison after admitting to trafficking methamphetamine and firearms in the Jacksonville area, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Alexander Jules Pawluk, 29, was sentenced Tuesday after pleading guilty on May 10, 2026, to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to federal prosecutors, investigators identified Pawluk as an active-duty Marine involved in drug trafficking in the greater Jacksonville area in 2024.
Authorities said federal and local law enforcement conducted three controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Pawluk in December 2024. During two of those transactions, investigators said he also sold firearms. He was arrested after the controlled buys and initially held in state custody.
After his arrest, Pawluk was discharged from the Marine Corps and later released from custody by a state judge.
Federal officials said he resumed selling drugs after his release. In June 2025, investigators conducted another controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Pawluk before executing a search warrant at his home, where they recovered additional methamphetamine and firearms.
“While it is tragic to see a Marine betraying his oath to protect and serve his country, nobody gets away with crime in Eastern North Carolina. Drugs kill families and communities,” U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle said in a statement.
Special Agent in Charge Kelly Parrish of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service Carolinas Field Office said Pawluk continued trafficking drugs and firearms despite previous law enforcement intervention.
“NCIS and our law enforcement partners remain unwavering in our mission to protect our Navy and Marine Corps communities,” Parrish said.
