Major Methamphetamine Trafficker In Burke County Is Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - A major drug trafficker responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in and around Burke County was sentenced to 25 years in prison today, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term imposed, Gregory Travis Gowan, 53, of Morganton, N.C., was ordered to serve five years under court supervision upon completion of his prison sentence.

Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which oversees the Charlotte District Office, and Sheriff Banks Hinceman of the Burke County Sheriff's Office join U.S. Attorney King in making today's announcement.

According to today'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 methamphetamine in Burke County and was a major source of supply for local dealers.

On August 21, 2024, 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 today's announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the DEA and the Burke County Sheriff's Office for their investigation of the case.

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