Asheville Man Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Firearm Possession

Brandon Mathews, 40, of Asheville, has been convicted of felony trafficking in opium/heroin and felony possession of a firearm by a felon. The Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office confirmed his guilty plea.

Mathews’ conviction is based on two incidents where he was found in possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and an illegal “ghost gun.” The incidents occurred on Nov. 19, 2022, and Dec. 20, 2022.

During the first incident, Mathews was arrested at 40 Merrimon Avenue, where police found plastic bags containing fentanyl and methamphetamine in his possession, totaling 12 grams. The substances were confirmed through laboratory testing.

In the second incident on Dec. 20, 2022, deputies discovered drug paraphernalia and a loaded “ghost gun” in Mathews’ vehicle during a routine stop for driving with a revoked license. A K-9 search indicated the presence of illegal substances and firearms.

Due to Mathews’ history of multiple felony convictions, which include assault, breaking and entering, and larceny, he has been sentenced to 70-93 months in prison for the recent drug trafficking and firearm charges. Additionally, he has been ordered to pay a fine of $50,000.