Smathers pled guilty to methamphetamine and fentanyl charges and also admitted having attained habitual felon status. In North Carolina, three prior felony convictions enhance the punishment on a fourth felony convictions, and Smathers had three separate prior felony convictions at the time of his new offenses. His new charges came out of a probation search at his home May 10, 2018. The plea deal also included the revocation of that probationary sentence.

With reports about drugs, guns and multiple offenders staying at 4500 Dutch Cove Road, probation officers and members of the Haywood County Crime Suppression Unit converged for an unannounced probation search. Smathers and four other known drug users were located and charged. Meth, fentanyl, paraphernalia and cash were seized from several locations around the home. 

“The house at 4500 Dutch Cove Road has been a problem for Dutch Cove residents for quite some time,” said District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch. “And with the help of Sheriff Greg Christopher, his deputies and the Haywood County Probation Office, we’re sending a message to the community with the sentencing of Matthew Smathers that we hear you and will pursue justice for you to the best of our abilities.”

In a separate incident, William Dillian Thomas Plemmons, 28, of Canton, pled guilty last week to firearm, drug and habitual felon charges. He received 84 to 113 months in prison. He was arrested in a traffic stop on Nov. 29 in Haywood County. 

Anthony Keith Hampton, 59, of Waynesville, also pled guilty last week to firearm, drug and habitual felon charges and received 26 to 44 months in prison.