Morganton Man Gets 25-Years For Trafficking Meth

53-year-old Gregory Travis Gowan of Morganton was sentenced to 25 years in prison Thursday (May 2). The sentence is in connection to a meth trafficking operation in and around Burke County. The announcement was made by Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term imposed, Gowan was ordered to serve five years under court supervision upon completion of his prison sentence. Sheriff Banks Hinceman of the Burke County Sheriff’s Office was among those joining U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.

According to Thursday’s sentencing hearing and documents filed with the court, in February 2022, law enforcement investigating Gowan’s drug trafficking activities executed search warrants at Gowan’s residence and vehicle in Burke County. Law enforcement seized over $100,000 from Gowan’s residence and vehicle, as well as a quantity of methamphetamine, and items consistent with drug distribution.

Subsequently, law enforcement executed additional search warrants at Gowan’s garage and residence, and more drugs and cash were seized. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement determined that Gowan was responsible for trafficking more than 60 kilograms of meth in Burke County and was a major source of supply for local dealers.

On August 21, 2023, Gowan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Gowan is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the DEA and the Burke County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case.