Hickory Woman Handed 15 Year Prison Term For Trafficking Meth

34-year-old Samantha Marie Vono of Hickory was sentenced Thursday, November 14 to 15 years in prison followed by five years under court supervision for trafficking methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced that Vono was classified as a career offender as a result of multiple prior drug trafficking convictions for possessing meth with the intent to distribute it to others. Catawba County Sheriff Don Brown II was among those who joined U.S. Attorney King in making the announcement.

According to court documents, in December 2021, Officers conducting a drug investigation in Catawba County identified Vono as a local distributor of meth. In January of 2022, Officers followed Vono as she went to Charlotte where they watched as she met with her supplier at an apartment complex and then traveled back to Catawba County. Officers stopped Vono’s vehicle for a traffic violation and multiple outstanding warrants. During a search of the vehicle, Officers found 160 grams of meth.

Vono was released on bond pending sentencing and confined to her apartment on home detention with electronic monitoring. During that time, Vono set up a robbery in her apartment with three other co-conspirators. One victim was shot. Two of Vono’s young children were home at the time of the incident. Officers encountered Vono as she attempted to clean up the bloody crime scene. She also attempted to obstruct the police investigation.

On June 14, 2023, Vono pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. She has a Superior Court date in Newton coming up on November 18 for possession of a firearm by a felon. Vono is in custody and will be transferred to a Federal facility.

Story: Ralph Mangum-WHKY