A Sampson County man has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking and firearms charges. Antonio Tamoya Mondragon, 45, admitted to distributing drugs and was found in possession of 30 kilograms of narcotics and nine firearms, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced yesterday.
The case against Mondragon unfolded back in 2019 when controlled purchases of pure methamphetamine were conducted during an investigation by law enforcement. Even though the drugs and guns all belonged to him, in an investigation conducted in 2019, law enforcement began with controlled purchases of pure methamphetamine from Mondragon on three occasions, as detailed in court documents.
It all came to a head on April 18, 2023, in a series of incidents starting with surveillance at Mondragon's home and followed by a traffic stop that revealed a secret stash. Nearly nine kilograms of cocaine were discovered hidden in the vehicle's headliner. A second vehicle leaving Mondragon's residence after the stop contained even more drugs, including seven kilograms of fentanyl, nine kilograms of cocaine, two kilograms of heroin, and an assortment of methamphetamine, along with eight guns and ammunition. While these events were unfolding, searches also led to the seizure of $28,881 in cash and another firearm from Mondragon’s home.
In a statement obtained by the Department of Justice's official website, Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar highlighted the collaborative effort of the DEA, Sampson County Sheriff's Office, and the SBI in investigating this intricate case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Lemons was credited for prosecuting the case, resulting in Mondragon's hefty prison sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The drugs, guns, and cash, which represented a significant menace to the community, were neutralized thanks to their concerted efforts.
For more information on this case, visit the Department of Justice’s announcement.
