Sandra J. Hairston United States Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of North Carolina
A Sanford, North Carolina man has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison following his guilty plea related to drug trafficking charges. Antwan Lopez Clemons, 45, received a 135-month prison sentence and five years of supervised release from Senior United States District Judge Loretta C. Biggs in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
Clemons was convicted for distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. As part of the sentence, Clemons must forfeit two firearms: a Winchester Double Star 5.56 rifle and a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun.
Between February 16 and April 2, 2024, Clemons sold fentanyl on seven different occasions in Lee County, totaling 712.85 grams. In March 2024, Clemons also sold over 200 grams of methamphetamine in Harnett County. Subsequent searches of properties linked to Clemons uncovered large amounts of drugs, including 1,638 grams of methamphetamine, 4 grams of fentanyl, and 2,073 grams of marijuana, among other substances and firearms.
Clemons pled guilty on October 9, 2024, to charges related to the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine under 21 U.S.C. regulations. "We are committed to protecting communities in the Middle District of North Carolina from the devastating impacts of fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution," Acting United States Attorney Randall S. Galyon stated. "We will continue working closely with the dedicated law enforcement professionals in this district to hold those responsible for this scourge accountable before the law."
Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte, emphasized, "This sentencing sends a clear message: those who traffic fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into our communities will be held accountable... We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to bring justice to those who profit from addiction and endanger lives."
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Sanford Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The prosecution was led by MDNC Assistant United States Attorney Laura Jeanne Dildine.
