Asheville Man Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Possession of Illegal ‘Ghost Gun’

Asheville Man Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Possession of Illegal ‘Ghost Gun’

An Asheville man, Brandon Mathews, 40, has been convicted and sentenced for drug trafficking and possession of an illegal “ghost gun.” The Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office announced the verdict on May 29 after Mathews pleaded guilty to felony charges.

Incidents Leading to Conviction

Mathews was involved in two separate incidents that resulted in the discovery of illegal substances and firearms. The first incident occurred on November 19, 2022, when Asheville police responded to a suspicious vehicle parked on Merrimon Avenue. Mathews was found in the vehicle and subsequently arrested. During a search, officers uncovered plastic bags containing fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of a fentanyl-methamphetamine mixture, totaling 12 grams. A month later, on December 20, 2022, deputies from the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office stopped Mathews for driving on a revoked license. A K-9 alert led to a search of his vehicle, revealing drug paraphernalia and a loaded “ghost gun,” an unserialized and untraceable firearm.

Previous Convictions

Mathews had a history of felony convictions spanning two decades, including assault with a deadly weapon, breaking and entering, habitual misdemeanor assault, eluding arrest with a motor vehicle, larceny, and multiple domestic violence-related charges.

Sentencing

As a result of his recent charges, Mathews will serve 70-93 months in prison and must pay a $50,000 fine. North Carolina law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms, making Mathews’ possession of the “ghost gun” a violation of state statutes.

Conclusion

Mathews’ conviction serves as a reminder of the consequences of drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession. The Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office continues to uphold the law and prosecute individuals who engage in criminal activities.