Grey Alan Hester, a 50-year-old resident of Candler, North Carolina, was sentenced to 21 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release on drug and firearm charges. The sentencing took place on December 11, 2025. The announcement was made by Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to court records, between 2021 and 2023, Hester was involved in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl in Buncombe and Jackson Counties. On July 11, 2023, officers from the Cherokee Indian Police Department encountered Hester at Harrah’s Casino as he attempted to use a fake identification card. During this encounter, law enforcement seized more than $11,380 in cash, fentanyl, and a loaded pistol from Hester's person. Further searches of his backpacks revealed additional quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine, a pistol equipped with a machinegun conversion kit (commonly referred to as a “Glock Switch”), an extended magazine loaded with ammunition, digital scales, and other drug paraphernalia.
Subsequently, on July 14, 2023, law enforcement searched Hester’s home in Buncombe County. They discovered more fentanyl and methamphetamine along with several firearms: a stolen pistol, a semi-automatic shotgun, a rifle, an AR-style privately made firearm chambered in 5.56mm caliber, and multiple rounds of ammunition. Due to a prior felony conviction, Hester was legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Hester pleaded guilty on June 20, 2025 to charges including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; being a felon in possession of a firearm; and possession of a machine gun. He is currently held in federal custody pending transfer to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Russ Ferguson expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Cherokee Indian Police Department (CIPD), and Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office in investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher S. Hess prosecuted the case.
The prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a national initiative that combines resources from various Justice Department programs such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). This initiative aims to address illegal immigration issues as well as dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime.
