RALEIGH, N.C. — A convicted felon from Wake County has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison after authorities discovered he posted a video of himself pointing a gun on Facebook Live.
Diamonique Shawn Newton, 33, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced. Newton pled guilty to the charge on March 24, 2025.
Facebook Live Sparks Federal Investigation
In February 2024, Raleigh Police Department (RPD) officers were alerted to images and video footage posted by Newton on Facebook, showing him holding a firearm. Newton, who has a known felony record, is prohibited from possessing firearms.
On February 26, Newton streamed a Facebook Live video, repeatedly pointing a firearm at the camera. Based on that evidence, RPD obtained and executed a search warrant at his home three days later.
Illegal Firearms and Drugs Found During Search
During the February 29 search of Newton’s residence in Raleigh, officers recovered:
- Two firearms (one confirmed as stolen),
- Over 180 grams of marijuana, and
- Drug paraphernalia.
Newton admitted to purchasing the stolen gun “off the street” and claimed it as his own.
Long Criminal History
Newton’s criminal record spans nearly 20 years, including:
- Two felony convictions for possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana (2011 and 2018),
- A 2013 conviction for attempted possession of a firearm by a felon.
Federal Sentence and Law Enforcement Response
U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III handed down the 78-month sentence. The case was investigated by the Raleigh Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)…