Convicted Felon on State Probation Sentenced to 10 Years on Drug and Gun Charges

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Nazae Dion Maewether, 24, of Asheville, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl and illegally possessing a firearm in Asheville, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

According to filed documents and court proceedings, while Maewether was on probation for 2024 state convictions of possession with intent to manufacture, sell, and deliver cocaine, common law robbery, and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, law enforcement initiated an investigation into Maewether for distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and firearms. Between August and November 2025, Maewether sold an undercover agent two firearms, more than 231 grams of fentanyl, and over 59 grams of methamphetamine. On November 5, 2025, law enforcement stopped Maewether's vehicle and arrested him. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement recovered over 73 grams of fentanyl, 14 grams of cocaine, and $1,040 in U.S. currency.

"Maewether was given a second chance but instead chose to sell fentanyl, methamphetamine, and guns," said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. "A 10-year sentence sends the message that putting dangerous drugs and firearms on our streets comes at a price."

In May 2026, Maewether pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Asheville Police Department, the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hess of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.