Sandra J. Hairston United States Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of North Carolina
A Greensboro man received a 10-year prison sentence for his role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, according to an announcement by Acting United States Attorney Randall S. Galyon of the Middle District of North Carolina. Michael Humberto Gutierrez, aged 31, was sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Loretta C. Biggs. In addition to 120 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release, Gutierrez was ordered to forfeit several firearms.
Court records indicate that Gutierrez was part of a drug trafficking organization based in California and involved in distributing methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine in North Carolina. During late 2023 and early 2024, he coordinated with a co-defendant to import substantial quantities of narcotics from California to Greensboro. Unbeknownst to Gutierrez, he was in contact with an undercover agent about selling drugs and firearms. On January 24, 2024, Gutierrez was in a car accident where he hid a bag containing 980 grams of methamphetamine. Law enforcement later conducted a search of his residence, discovering drugs and loaded weapons.
On October 8, 2024, Gutierrez pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a significant quantity of methamphetamine. "Fentanyl and methamphetamine continue to devastate communities in the Middle District of North Carolina," stated Acting United States Attorney Galyon. "We are dedicated to holding those responsible for distributing these drugs accountable in the court of law."
Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte, commented, "This sentencing is another step forward in our ongoing mission to protect our communities from the devastating impact of drug trafficking. By dismantling this criminal network and seizing dangerous drugs, HSI and its partners are making our neighborhoods safer and sending a clear message that these illegal activities will not be allowed to thrive."
The investigation involved the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, Greensboro Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations, with MDNC Assistant United States Attorney Laura Jeanne Dildine prosecuting the case.
