Habitual Felon Sentenced for Possessing a Firearm and Drugs

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Bryan Bowen, 30, of Wilmington, North Carolina plead guilty on Monday in New Hanover County Superior to one count of possession of firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possessing a schedule I controlled substance while also attaining habitual felon status.

Judge Kent Harrell of Pender County sentenced the defendant to a total minimum of 58 months and a total maximum of 82 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections.

According to the press release, the evidence presented in court and other evidence shows that on March 28, 2024 at around 1:40 PM, detectives with the Wilmington Police Department Vice and Narcotics Unit and the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division executed a search warrant on the defendant’s home at 208 North 11th Street in Wilmington based on reported drug transactions and unauthorized alcohol sales that had been occurring at the residence. When detectives arrived to execute the warrant, they saw the defendant Bryan Bowen throw a black bag while on porch of the residence. Detectives then seized the bag and inside they discovered a Glock 19X pistol. The defendant also had a plastic bag containing 3.17 grams of synthetic cannabinoids in his pocket.

In addition, a 16-year-old juvenile was located with the defendant at the residence, and he was found in possession a second handgun that was concealed in the waistband of his pants. Detectives then discovered this second weapon had previously been reported stolen.

In a post-arrest interview Bryan Bowen admitted that he brought the Glock 19 firearm with him to that house to protect himself from rival gang members. He also said that the juvenile on scene was his little cousin that was also armed to protect the defendant.

The defendant obtained habitual felon status based on multiple prior felony convictions for other firearm and drug offenses.