A Charlotte man was arrested for trafficking over 63 kilos of cocaine immediately after being released from prison.
Back in 2012, 28-year-old Matthew Gerard Hendy was convicted of conspiring to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 kilograms of marijuana, money laundering by concealment, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime – he was sentenced to 138 months of prison.
As soon as he was released from prison, the 42-year-old Hendy set up delivery for 63 “bricks” of pure cocaine. Law enforcement intercepted the load on Dec. 9 when a tractor-trailer arrived at a meeting location. When Hendy saw officers on scene, authorities say he tried to flee. He later admitted he ordered the 63 kilograms, according to the US Justice Department.
Hendy now faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years because of the prior conviction, and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The court has not yet set a sentencing date.
Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, announced the case alongside the ATF Charlotte Field Division and the Union County Sheriff’s Office. He also credited the U.S. Probation Office for assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa is prosecuting the case.
