A federal judge sentenced Cordell Antonio Mendoza to 21 years in federal prison for selling fentanyl that caused an individual in Franklin County, North Carolina to overdose and die.
On February 17, 2026, Inmate Mendoza pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell and possess with the intent to sell heroin and fentanyl, and selling of fentanyl resulting in death.
"Selling poison that you know kills people goes far beyond just run of the mill drug dealing. The defendant accepted death as the cost of doing business, and went right back to the street to find his next victim after he knew of at least one dead customer. 21 years in federal prison protects the residents of the EDNC for decades and punishes this murderous scofflaw for his heinous crimes. Simple Lesson: Drugs Kill, Prison Awaits – Do Right." said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
In October 2024, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) found an individual at his home in Franklin County who died from a drug overdose. FCSO found fentanyl in the victim’s pocket with the label “Try This” and empty fentanyl bindles in the trash can eponymously labeled “Dead on Arrival.” FCSO and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case and determined that Inmate Mendoza sold the victim the deadly fentanyl just over an hour before the victim was found dead. Two days later, Inmate Mendoza spoke on a recorded telephone call describing how one of his customers had died from an overdose from using his product, before immediately pivoting to say he would keep selling drugs.
“This sentence underscores the relentless efforts of federal and local law enforcement to deliver justice when drug trafficking leads to a tragic loss of life,” said Mark M. Zito, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in North and South Carolina. “The combined dedication of the FCSO, HSI, and the EDNC United States Attorney’s Office demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting the community. HSI will continue to pursue and hold accountable those dealers who knowingly distribute deadly fentanyl, recognizing the devastating impact these actions have on families and neighborhoods.”
Cordell Antonio Mendoza, 21 years in federal prison, Wilmington, N.C. (February 17, 2026)
Defendant: Cordell Antonio Mendoza
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to sell and possess with the intent to sell heroin and fentanyl, and selling of fentanyl resulting in death
City and State: Wilmington, North Carolina
Exact Date: February 17, 2026
Sentence: 21 years in federal prison
Related Federal Cases
- Luis Fernando Huerta Ayon, Fentanyl Trafficking, North Carolina 2025 · North Carolina
- Janusz Pachomow, Fentanyl Trafficking, North Carolina 2026 · North Carolina
- Eleven Charged in Heroin, Cocaine, and Fentanyl Trafficking, South Carolina 2019 · Washington
- Shoun Lamelle Wright Jr., Drug Trafficking with Gun, North Carolina 2024 · North Carolina
- Timothy Markee Gayton, Fentanyl Trafficking, South Carolina 2023 · South Carolina
Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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