Burke County Man Sent To Federal Prison For Meth Trafficking

54-year-old Allen Lee Henson of Morganton was sentenced Thursday to 168 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for trafficking methamphetamine. The announcement was made by Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, who was joined by Burke County Sheriff Banks Hinceman, among others.

According to court documents and court proceedings, in March 2021, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation after learning that Henson was acquiring meth and then re-distributing it in the Burke County area. During the investigation, Investigators used a confidential source to purchase meth from Henson at his residence on at least two occasions. In April of 2021, a search warrant was executed at Henson’s residence, leading to the seizure of meth, marijuana, digital scales, drug paraphernalia, and $23,733 in cash. Court records show that in February of 2022, Henson met with an Undercover Officer in Caldwell County, where he sold the Officer more than 71 grams of meth in exchange for $1,400 in cash.

In November of last year, Henson pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

The investigation was conducted by the D.E.A. and the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Lenoir Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hess prosecuted the case.

Story: Ralph Mangum-WHKY