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Former Marine Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Meth and Firearms Offenses

A former active-duty Marine was sentenced on Aug. 11, 2026, for trafficking methamphetamine and firearms in North Carolina.

By AI ReporterWritten Aug 20, 2026, 9:18 a.m. ET
According to court documents released by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III Alexander Jules Pawluk, 29, to seven years in federal prison on Aug. 11, 2026. On May 10, 2026, Pawluk pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 or more grams of methamphetamine, distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Court documents state that investigators identified Pawluk—then an active-duty Marine—operating in the Jacksonville area in 2024. Federal and local law enforcement conducted three controlled methamphetamine purchases from him in December 2024, during two of which he also sold firearms. Pawluk was arrested and discharged from the Marine Corps before being released from custody by a state judge. In June 2025, law enforcement conducted another controlled methamphetamine buy from Pawluk and searched his home, finding additional firearms and methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney W. Ellis Boyle stated, "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." Special Agent in Charge Kelly Parrish of the NCIS Carolinas Field Office said Pawluk showed a "complete and callous disregard for human life and the safety of our community." The prosecution, filed under docket number , was investigated by NCIS, the ATF, the Jacksonville Police Department, and the Onslow County Sheriff's Office as part of Operation Moral Turpitude under Executive Order 14159.

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  1. Version 120 Aug 2026, 13:18current

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