Tonya Maria Owen from Transylvania County, North Carolina, was sentenced Monday to 10-13 years in state prison after pleading guilty to drug and gun charges, plus habitual felon status. The case arose from two incidents: smuggling fentanyl into jail in October 2024 and a September 2025 probation search uncovering meth, fentanyl, a firearm, and ammo at her home.
Case Background
- First Incident (Oct. 31, 2024): While incarcerated at Transylvania County Detention Center, Owen hid fentanyl in her sock (initially claiming it was crushed Xanax), admitting later it came from a body cavity. She bonded out after.
- Second Incident (Sept. 22, 2025): Sheriff’s deputies searched her residence per probation terms, finding drugs in her purse and a loaded gun in her bedroom.
Charges and Outcome
She faced possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and firearm possession by a felon—consolidated under her habitual felon plea (requiring three prior felonies in NC). This sentencing reflects NC’s tough stance on repeat offenders mixing drugs and guns. As you follow regional law enforcement stories near SC, Transylvania County’s proximity might make this one noteworthy.
