Greensboro man sentenced to 10 years in federal court for drug offense, officials say

WINSTON-SALEM - Michaell Humberto Gutierrez, a 31-year-old man from Greensboro, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his role in a California-based drug trafficking operation. Gutierrez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Randall S. Galyon of the Middle District of North Carolina.

U.S. District Judge Loretta C. Biggs handed down a 120-month prison sentence along with an additional five years of supervised release. In addition to his prison term, Gutierrez was ordered to forfeit several firearms, including multiple handguns and an AK-style rifle.

Gutierrez was part of a West Coast operation trafficking meth, fentanyl, and cocaine into North Carolina from December 2023 to February 2024. He was found to have coordinated shipments of narcotics to Greensboro, where he intended to sell them, unbeknownst to him that he was frequently in contact with an undercover agent regarding these transactions.

His legal troubles escalated on January 24, 2024, when he crashed his vehicle and fled the scene, leaving behind a bag containing 980 grams of methamphetamine. Subsequently, a search warrant executed at his residence revealed additional methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and numerous firearms, highlighting the severity of his criminal activities.

This case underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the damaging effects of drug trafficking in the region. Officials noted that dismantling such networks and seizing illegal drugs and firearms are crucial in enhancing community safety. The investigation involved several agencies, including the Guilford County Sheriff's Office and Homeland Security Investigations.