A federal grand jury in Asheville, North Carolina, has issued indictments against several individuals on charges related to unlawful firearm possession, straw purchasing of firearms, and trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine. The announcement was made by Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Ferguson emphasized the importance of the Justice Department’s mission to protect communities from the dangers posed by drugs and guns. “Through Operation Take Back America we are stepping up our efforts to remove illegal firearms from our communities, eliminate drugs in our neighborhoods, and make sure our streets are safer for everyone,” he said.
Among those indicted is Bryan Austin Herron, 23, from Marshall, N.C., charged with unlawful possession of a RugerEC9S 9mm handgun on August 5, 2024. The indictment notes his prior felony conviction for attempting to traffic methamphetamine.
John Quentin London, 39, of Hendersonville, N.C., faces charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and unlawful possession of two firearms: a Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver and a 9mm pistol.
Jason Mills, 46, also from Hendersonville, is charged with multiple counts related to distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine in the areas of Henderson and Buncombe Counties in early 2024.
Christopher O’Brien Moore, 30, of Shelby, N.C., is accused of unlawful possession of a Glock .40 caliber pistol and ammunition, despite a prior conviction of federal racketeering conspiracy and state felonies.
Dontavis Raheem Pressley, 36, also from Shelby, N.C., is charged with unlawful possession of a Glock 9mm pistol, knowing he was prohibited due to his felon status.
In Asheville, Tia Marche Ray, 33, is accused of five counts of straw purchasing firearms. Between July 2020 and August 2022, Ray allegedly acquired six firearms through false pretenses from dealers in Buncombe County.
The charges remain allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. U.S. Attorney Ferguson acknowledged the efforts of various law enforcement agencies in the investigations that led to these charges, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and several local sheriff's offices and police departments.
These cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville under Operation Take Back America. This initiative seeks to counter illegal activity affecting community safety by leveraging resources from the Department of Justice.