United States of America v. Kenneth Charles Kinard

Raleigh, North Carolina criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with Brandished Gun at State Trooper After High-Speed Chase

Pitt County Man Who Brandished Gun at State Trooper After High-Speed Chase Sentenced to Nearly Nine Years in Prison

A New York man was sentenced to 120 months in prison for robbing Lowest Price Tobacco and Vape in Knightdale. On September 19, 2024, Mekhi Marquise Hooi pled guilty to Hobbs Act Robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.



According to court documents and other information presented in court, Mekhi Hooi, 20, entered the Lowest Price Tobacco and Vape in Knightdale. Hooi then charged the clerk while brandishing a 9mm firearm, and demanding the clerk put money and tobacco products in a bag. During the robbery, Hooi threatened to shoot the clerk if he did not move faster. Hooi fled the scene and was ultimately apprehended in New York City and extradited to North Carolina to face his charges here.



Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Knightdale Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Loeser prosecuted the case.