A federal judge sentenced Mark Anthony Cavello, 52, of Dallas, Texas, to 18 years in federal prison on July 7 after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, and money laundering.
The investigation began in March 2021 when federal law enforcement identified Cavello as a key supplier leading a drug trafficking organization based in Dallas. According to court documents, Cavello’s operation spanned at least a decade and involved large quantities of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. The organization used mail packages, wire transfers, phone communication, and occasional in-person meetings for drug distribution. Authorities said Cavello used multiple homes for concealment purposes and maintained a construction job during the day while using his legitimate business and relatives’ bank accounts to launder proceeds from drug sales. From 2017 through 2022, he was identified as a major supplier transporting meth from Texas into Eastern North Carolina.
Between September 2021 and March 2022, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted three controlled purchases from Cavello totaling about eleven pounds of highly potent methamphetamine. The drugs were mailed from Texas into Eastern North Carolina with payments sent back via mail.
“Drug dealing and violent gun crimes are always closely connected,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “When we take down a drug trafficking network, we’re cutting off the flow of dangerous drugs and reducing the level of violence and gun crimes that threaten our communities.”
“This investigation highlights the reach and impact of interagency cooperation. This is a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of our local, state and federal partners to keeping our communities safe,” said Chief Ashley L. Weaver of the Jacksonville Police Department.
This prosecution is part of Operation Polar Bear under the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159: Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The Homeland Security Task Force is described as a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels operating within United States borders.
Ellis Boyle made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II; agencies involved included ATF, DEA as well as police departments from Jacksonville and Goldsboro.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina prosecutes federal crimes such as this case while promoting community safety initiatives like Project Safe Neighborhoods; it operates out of courthouses across several cities including Raleigh, Wilmington, Fayetteville, New Bern, Greenville, and Elizabeth City, employs over one hundred staff members, and covers regions with major military installations, according to the official website.