Burke County man sentenced 14 years for meth trafficking

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – A Morganton man was sentenced to 14 years in prison Thursday from his methamphetamine trafficking conviction, the Department of Justice reports.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Western North Carolina, 54-year-old Allen Lee Henson was sentenced to 168 months followed by five years of supervised release.

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 methamphetamine and then re-distributing it to others within the area. During the investigation, BCSO investigators used a confidential source to purchase the drugs from Henson at his residence on at least two occasions.

On April 23, 2021, records indicate law enforcement executed a search warrant at Henson’s home, where deputies reportedly seized distribution quantities of methamphetamine, marijuana, digital scales, drug paraphernalia, and $23,733 in cash.

Court records show that on Feb. 10, 2022, Henson met with an undercover officer (UC) in Caldwell County, where Henson sold the UC more than 71 grams of methamphetamine.

On Nov. 15, 2023, Henson pled 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 DEA and the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Lenoir Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hess in Asheville prosecuted the case.

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