Franklin County Drug Dealer Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison for Selling Fentanyl that Killed a Man

WILMINGTON, N.C. - 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. In November 2024, law enforcement searched Inmate Mendoza's house and found 102 bindles of a fentanyl and heroin mixture.

"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."

"The Franklin County Sheriff's Office has made addressing drug trafficking in our county a priority and this case and the results of it are proof that we can and will hold those individuals accountable for the tragedies they cause when dealing drugs that kill. I am grateful for our investigators and the relationships we have with HSI and the EDNC United States Attorney's Office to partner together to enhance our efforts." said Franklin County Sheriff, Kevin White.

Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. HSI and the FCSO investigated the case, and Assistant United States Attorney Casey L. Peaden prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North CarolinaLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. or on PACERLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-365-M-RJ.