In Re Powell

It is settled law that cumulative sentences may be imposed on conviction or plea of guilty of two or more offenses charged in separate counts of the same indictment. S. v. Moschoures, 214 N.C. 321, 199 S.E. 92; S. v. Graham, 224 N.C. 341, 30 S.E. 2d 151; S. v. Chavis, 232 N.C. 83, 59 S.E. 2d 348. However, jurisdiction to inflict separate, cumulative punishments in such cases is dependent upon the fact that distinct violations of the law have been committed, and in order that separate offenses charged in one indictment may carry separate punishments, they must rest on distinct criminal acts.…