Riegelwood man sentenced to prison after cocaine found near Wilmington school

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — A Riegelwood man has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to possessing cocaine within 1,000 feet of a Wilmington high school.

George Devon McNair, 51, pleaded guilty Thursday in New Hanover County Superior Court to possession of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school, a Class E felony.

Judge R. Kent Harrell sentenced McNair to between 23 and 40 months in prison.

According to prosecutors, Wilmington police stopped a Chevrolet Tahoe associated with McNair on May 11, 2025. Officers knew McNair had an outstanding warrant and a revoked driver’s license.

The vehicle stopped in the parking lot of the Howard Johnson motel at 3901 Market Street, where officers had seen it coming and going earlier that day.

Police arrested McNair without incident. During a search, officers found $272 in cash and 6.89 grams of cocaine in his pockets.

Prosecutors said the cocaine was divided into 28 small plastic bags, consistent with packaging used for selling drugs in small amounts.

The motel parking lot is within 1,000 feet of Mosley Career Readiness Academy, located at 3702 Princess Place Drive. That proximity elevated the charge to a Class E felony.

According to prosecutors, McNair has previous convictions for possession of cocaine with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver in 2001 and 2002, along with a cocaine trafficking conviction in 2009.

McNair was taken into custody following his court appearance.

Assistant District Attorney David Joyner prosecuted the case.