Morganton Man Sent To Prison For Trafficking Drugs

37-year-old Jaboris Rashawn Francis of Morganton, was sentenced to serve 11 to 15 years in prison following his conviction for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine during Caldwell County Superior Court last Thursday (January 29).

The Honorable Daniel A. Kuehnert, Superior Court Judge from Burke County, imposed terms of the active sentence after Francis entered a guilty plea. The defendant also was assessed a mandatory fine of $550,000.

On January 27, 2025, deputies from the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on the defendant’s vehicle along Connelly Springs Road after determining he had outstanding warrants from McDowell County. Francis (pictured) attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by deputies. They discovered that he had trafficking amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine in his possession.

The case was investigated by the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office. Chief Assistant District Attorney Mitch Walker prosecuted the matter for the State.

Story: Rob Eastwood-WHKY