A Sanford resident, Antwan Lopez Clemons, received a sentence of over 11 years in prison in Winston-Salem for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine. Acting United States Attorney Randall S. Galyon announced the sentence for Clemons, who pled guilty to several charges, including the distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The 45-year-old was sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Loretta C. Biggs to 135 months of imprisonment along with five years of supervised release. Alongside these penalties, Clemons was ordered to forfeit a Winchester Double Star 5.56 rifle and a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun.
Court documents showed that Clemons sold 712.85 grams of fentanyl on seven occasions in Lee County between February 16 and April 2, 2024. In March of that year, he also sold over 200 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Harnett County. During searches of properties linked to Clemons, authorities found additional amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, Suboxone, M522 pills, and marijuana, along with firearms.
Clemons entered his guilty plea on October 9, 2024, under federal law, including violations of sections 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B), among others.
Acting United States Attorney Randall S. Galyon stated, "We are committed to protecting communities in the Middle District of North Carolina from the devastating impacts of fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution."
Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte, commented on the sentence: "This sentencing sends a clear message: those who traffic fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into our communities will be held accountable."
The investigation involved the Sanford Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Laura Jeanne Dildine prosecuted the case.