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Franklin County Fentanyl, Heroin, and Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to Over 10 Years in Prison

Read the original article on the US Justice Department website.

WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Ahmod Talley to over 10 years in federal prison for selling fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in Franklin County. On January 14, 2026, Inmate Talley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell and possess with the intent to sell heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, possession with intent to sell heroin and fentanyl, possession with intent to sell cocaine, and two counts of possession of a gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

“We recognize the devastating impact drug addiction and overdoses have on families in our communities. This sentence sends a message, understand clearly: when you sell deadly poison to our kids and families just to make a little bit of money, you will pay serious consequences. Dope dealers lose their freedom for decades. This prolific drug dealer earned every day of his prison sentence, and the residents of Eastern North Carolina will be safer while he’s locked up. Simple Lesson: Drugs Kill, Prison Awaits – Do Right.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.

The investigation into Inmate Talley’s drug dealing started after a fatal drug overdose in Franklin County. Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated and determined that Inmate Talley sold fentanyl to the victim three days before the death. Ultimately, law enforcement pulled Inmate Talley over, and found a loaded .40 caliber handgun, bindles of fentanyl labeled “Try This” (like the ones found in the overdose victim’s house) and bindles perversely labeled “Life Support.” Law enforcement searched Inmate Talley’s house, finding a .380 caliber pistol, cocaine, and marijuana. They also searched Inmate Talley’s grandmother’s house, where they found a rifle and 350 bindles of a heroin and fentanyl mix stamped “Life Support” and, apparently marketed at children, “Goosebumps.”

“Today’s sentence underscores the power of coordinated law enforcement efforts to hold drug dealers accountable when their actions cost someone their life,” said Mark M. Zito, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte. “Through the combined work of the FCSO, HSI, and our partners in the Eastern District of North Carolina, HSI remains committed to targeting those who distribute lethal fentanyl and other narcotics in our communities at the expense of public safety.”

Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. FCSO and HSI investigated the case, and Assistant United States Attorney Casey L. Peaden prosecuted the case.

Lee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotic Agents concluded a drug investigation that resulted in the arrest of Felipe Jaimes Jr. (32) and Leemary Davila Rosado (39).

Deputies: Lee County couple accused of selling fentanyl with child present

Read the original article on the WRAL News website.

Felipe Jaimes Jr. and Leemary Davila Rosado

Two people from Lee County were arrested Thursday after being accused of selling fentanyl with a child present, deputies said.

Lee County deputies said an investigation found that 32-year-old Felipe Jaimes Jr. and 39-year-old Leemary Davila Rosado were working together to sell and deliver fentanyl in Lee County.

According to deputies, the pair had their child present with them while they were delivering the drugs.

The two were each charged with:

4 counts of trafficking fentanyl
3 counts possession with intent to sell and deliver fentanyl
3 counts of exposing child to controlled substnace
2 counts of felony conspiracy
3 counts of possession of drug paraphernalia

During their first court appearances, both Jaimes and Rosado were given a $2 million bond each.

Fentanyl-related deaths decline as trafficking routes remain a threat: sheriff’s office

Read the original article and watch the video on the WLOS ABC13News website.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Fentanyl-related deaths in Buncombe County have declined from a recent peak, but law enforcement officials say the drug continues to move into the community through established trafficking routes and remains a serious threat.

Data from the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner shows Buncombe County recorded 66 fentanyl-positive deaths in 2025, down from 82 in 2024 and significantly lower than the peak of 144 deaths in 2022.

Emergency department data shows a similar trend. Buncombe County recorded 336 overdose-related emergency room visits in 2024, compared to 521 in 2023, according to state health data.

Still, Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Chris Stockton said the presence of fentanyl remains widespread.

“It’s funneling in across Buncombe County. There’s not just one singular common spot. It can be anywhere,” Stockton said.

Stockton said what investigators see locally is tied to a broader supply chain driven by demand within the community.

*MARCH 31, 2026 – Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Chris Stockton said the presence of fentanyl remains widespread. (Photo: WLOS Staff)*

“You have local folks within the community that know of demand and they just source out to find folks who are eventually linked into much larger organizations,” Stockton said.

Those larger networks often begin outside western North Carolina.

“Most prevalent ones we’re seeing right now are starting at a port in either Charleston or Wilmington,” Stockton said. “They’ll make their way from there to Charlotte, Knoxville, and Atlanta, and from there into our community.”

Investigations into fentanyl cases can begin in several ways, including overdose calls, tips, or information from other agencies.

“All of the above,” Stockton said. “They can start with an overdose, a community complaint, or information from other agencies.”

While deaths have declined in recent years, Stockton said fentanyl remains especially dangerous compared to other drugs.

“With fentanyl specifically, it takes a very, very minute amount to bring very quick, sudden death,” he said. “That was not something that we dealt with 20 years ago.”

Stockton said recent declines in overdose deaths may be tied to factors such as increased availability of naloxone, improved training for recognizing overdoses and expanded response programs in Buncombe County. However, he said those improvements have not eliminated the problem.

*FILE – pictured fentanyl.{ } (Photo credit: Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office)*

“At the same time, those fatalities are tragically still happening very often,” he said.

Law enforcement officials also point to the overlap between drug trafficking and firearms as a continuing concern. Stockton said narcotics operations often involve weapons used to protect drugs and money, increasing the risk of violence.

Even with arrests and enforcement efforts, Stockton said the issue continues to evolve.

“Yes, we do see recidivism very commonly,” he said. “And at the same time, humans are very adaptational creatures. If I’m really good at something and I can make a lot of money doing it, it would take a very significant motivator for me to change my behavior.”

He added that there is no simple solution.

“There is no instant solution to that problem,” Stockton said. “As long as there is a demand, people will find a way to bring the supply.”

WNC couple charged after child tests positive for drugs, deputies say

Read the original article and watch the video on the FoxCarolina website.

MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. (FOX Carolina) – The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office reports a couple were arrested after child tested positive for drugs.

A detective spoke with 39-year-olds Preston and Bethany Hensley on Jan. 13 after a referral from the McDowell County Department of Social Services, officials said.

Deputies report an investigation led to the children in the Hensley’s home being tested for narcotics exposure. A search warrant was also executed at their residence in Marion before 17 grams of cocaine were located.

Preston & Bethany Hensley(McDowell County Sheriff’s Office)

The Hensley’s were both charged with exposing a child to a controlled substance, possession of cocaine and maintain a vehicle, dwelling or place for controlled substance.

Bethany was issued a $75,000 secured bond on the first charge and a $20,000 secured bond for the other two. Preston was initially denied bond for the first charge due to being out on pretrial release. He was issued a $25,000 bond for the other charges.

Deputies say 3-year-old exposed to meth & cocaine while in vehicle

Read the original article and watch the video on the WITN website.

CRAVEN COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) – A Pamlico County man and woman are in jail under multi-million dollar bonds after their arrest on Wednesday for drug trafficking.

The Neuse River Narcotics Task Force stopped a vehicle on U.S. 70 near the Tuscarora Rhems Road exit.

Inside were Choncey Sawyer, Jenna Barnes, and a three-year-old child, along with fentanyl and cocaine, according to deputies.

Sawyer, 34, of Bayboro, is charged with two felony counts trafficking fentanyl, felony conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, felony possession with intent to manufacture, sale, & deliver fentanyl, felony possession with intent to manufacture, sale, & deliver cocaine, felony maintaining a vehicle for sale of controlled substance, and felony exposing a child to control substances.

The 30-year-old Barnes, of Grantsboro, is charged with two felony counts trafficking fentanyl, felony conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, felony possession with intent to manufacture, sale, & deliver fentanyl, felony possession with intent to manufacture, sale, & deliver cocaine, felony maintaining a vehicle for sale of controlled substance, and felony exposing a child to control substances.

The two were charged under a new law that makes it a felony for anyone to allow someone under 16 to be exposed to drugs.

Sawyer, who was already awaiting trial on other drug charges, was given a $4-million bond, while Barnes is being held on a $2-million bond.

The child was turned over to family members, according to deputies.

North Carolina man charged after 22-year-old dies of fatal drug overdose, deputies say

Read the original article on the WYFF 4 website.

MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. —

A man in McDowell County, North Carolina, has been charged after a 22-year-old’s death was ruled an overdose.

On July 10, 2025, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a cardiac arrest.

When deputies arrived, they found Garrett Shepard dead at a home.

In February 2026, an autopsy reported Shephard had died from toxic levels of fentanyl and cocaine in his body. There were no signs of trauma or injury.

Investigators determined 46-year-old James Curtis Johnson was responsible for distributing the drugs to Shepard and was charged with felony death by distribution.

“This case is a tragic reminder of the deadly consequences tied to fentanyl and illegal drug distribution,” said Chief Deputy Nathan Mace. “When individuals choose to sell or share these substances, they are putting lives at risk—and in this case, it cost a young man his life.”