Mooresboro man gets 22.5 years for meth, gun sales

Ronald Keith Goode sold nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine and 12 firearms to an undercover agent during an investigation in Rutherford and Cleveland counties.

A Mooresboro man with prior methamphetamine trafficking convictions was sentenced on Oct. 6 to 22½ years in federal prison for selling methamphetamine and firearms during an investigation involving Rutherford and Cleveland counties.

Ronald Keith Goode, 53, received a 270-month prison sentence followed by five years of supervised release, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina.

Goode pleaded guilty on Oct. 1, 2025, to distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Investigators identified Goode as a methamphetamine and firearms trafficker in February 2025, according to court documents described by federal prosecutors. Authorities determined he transported large quantities of methamphetamine from the Atlanta area into Rutherford and Cleveland counties.

Between March and May 2025, an undercover agent met with Goode several times at his Mooresboro residence and purchased approximately 998 grams of pure methamphetamine and 12 firearms.

During one purchase, the agent saw four separate pound-sized bags containing approximately 2 kilograms of methamphetamine. Prosecutors said Goode also discussed receiving as much as 10 kilograms from his supplier.

“Nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine and a dozen firearms were just the beginning of what investigators uncovered in this case,” U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson said. “Goode was a repeat trafficker who continued to bring dangerous drugs and guns into our communities. Today’s sentence makes clear that chronic offenders will face serious consequences in the federal system.”

Authorities arrested Goode on July 2, 2025. A search of a shed on his property uncovered a loaded .40-caliber Glock pistol, a loaded .22-caliber Marlin rifle, an unloaded 9 mm Masterpiece Arms pistol, ammunition, magazines, a ballistic vest, a digital scale and a small amount of white powder, according to prosecutors.

Investigators also seized two loaded pistol magazines and a large digital scale from his residence.

Goode’s prior South Carolina methamphetamine trafficking convictions prohibited him from possessing firearms.

The court docket shows Goode later sought to withdraw his guilty plea and obtain a new attorney. A magistrate judge approved the attorney change in January. Goode withdrew his request to withdraw the plea on April 2, according to federal court records.

“Drug dealing and firearms trafficking is a deadly combination that puts communities at risk,” said Alicia Jones, special agent in charge with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

ATF led the investigation with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hess prosecuted the case.