A Sampson County man has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after being found with a significant quantity of drugs and firearms. Antonio Tamoya Mondragon, who pleaded guilty on November 7, 2024, was sentenced today.
Court documents reveal that Mondragon, aged 45 and originally from Mexico, entered the United States illegally. He began distributing drugs in 2008. Authorities started investigating him in 2019 and conducted controlled purchases of methamphetamine from him three times.
The investigation led to a traffic stop and subsequent search warrants on April 18, 2023. Law enforcement observed activity at Mondragon's residence involving package transfers into a vehicle. During the traffic stop, nearly 9 kilograms of cocaine were discovered hidden in the car's headliner. Following this, another vehicle leaving Mondragon's house was searched, revealing 7 kilograms of fentanyl, 9 kilograms of cocaine, 2 kilograms of heroin, 144 grams of methamphetamine, a drug ledger, and eight guns with ammunition. A search of Mondragon’s house resulted in the seizure of $28,881 in cash and an additional firearm.
"Subsequent interviews and investigation made clear that the drugs, guns, and cash all belonged to Mondragon," said Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
The case was investigated by the DEA, Sampson County Sheriff's Office, and SBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Lemons prosecuted the case.
Further details can be accessed through related court documents available on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina's website or via PACER under Case No. 7:24-CR-040.