Asheville -- April 22, 2026: – Two local residents have been sentenced to significant federal prison terms for their roles in a large-scale methamphetamine distribution operation. U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson announced the sentences on April 13, 2026, following an investigation into trafficking activities in and around the Asheville area.
Sentencing Details
Jennifer Fox, 45: Ordered to serve 139 months (nearly 12 years) in prison.
Michael Isaac Robinson, 47: Ordered to serve 120 months (10 years) in prison.
Supervised Release: Both defendants were ordered to undergo five years of supervised release following their incarceration.
Investigation and Evidence
Federal authorities and local law enforcement conducted an investigation that revealed Fox and Robinson served as a primary source of supply for a network of local distributors.
Key evidence presented during the case included:
Volume: The defendants were found to be trafficking kilogram quantities of methamphetamine, selling at least one pound every two weeks.
Seizures: Law enforcement recovered 412 grams of actual methamphetamine and 180 grams of marijuana hidden within a secret compartment in Fox's home.
Cash: A total of $26,211 in U.S. currency was seized from a safe inside Fox's residence.
Legal Proceedings
Michael Robinson pleaded guilty on April 9, 2025, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jennifer Fox was found guilty by a federal jury on August 5, 2026, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Both individuals are currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the Federal Bureau of Prisons once a facility is designated. The case was a collaborative effort involving the DEA, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office.
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