(All information and photos supplied by the Mitchell County Sheriff's Department)

Masters, Ledford Arrested In Undercover Operation

Audra Biddix Masters

Jackie Myrle Ledford Jr.

On July 26, 2010 Mitchell County Sheriff’s Detective R.V. Wiseman and Spruce Pine Police Detective S.B. Hughes conducted an undercover operation involving the sell of prescription pain pills.

Audra Biddix Masters, age 46, of 90 Mine Branch Road, Burnsville, N.C. and Jackie Myrle Ledford Jr., age 35, of 504 Upper Hanging Road, Spruce Pine, N.C. were arrested.

Detective Wiseman had received information that Masters would be going to the doctor on this date and would be receiving a prescription for Hydrocodone. Masters had advised a concerned citizen she would like to sell the whole prescription.

Detective Wiseman had an undercover operative who knew Masters to contact her and make arrangements to purchase the Hydrocodone. An arrangement was made with Masters and the undercover operative to purchase the Hydrocodone.

Detective Wiseman and Hughes began surveillance of the doctor’s office where Masters was going. The detectives observed Masters and Ledford arrive at the doctor’s office. Masters went in and Ledford waited in the vehicle. After an extended period of time Masters exited the doctor’s office. Masters and Ledford then proceeded to CVS Pharmacy to get the prescription filled.

When Masters had the prescription she contacted the undercover operative. Masters told the undercover operative to meet her at Walmart.

The undercover operative met Masters and Ledford in the parking lot at Walmart. The undercover operative purchased fifteen 10/650 milligram Hydrocodone pills from Masters. Once the transaction was complete the undercover operative gave the signal and law enforcement moved in to make the arrest.

As Detective Wiseman approached the vehicle he observed Masters give Ledford the bottle of Hydrocodone. Ledford immediately threw the bottle of Hydrocodone under his seat.

Masters and Ledford were taken into the custody.

Deputy S.E. Davis transported Masters to the Sheriff’s Office to be processed. Spruce Pine Police Officer Steve Turbyfill transported Ledford to the Police Department to be processed.

Detective Wiseman obtained arrest warrants on Masters for possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule II controlled substance, sell and delivery of Schedule II controlled substance, trafficking in opium by possession, trafficking in opium by selling, maintaining a vehicle for selling controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Masters was placed under a $200,000.00 secured bond and was transported to the Rutherford County Jail. Masters is scheduled to appear in Mitchell County Court on August 18, 2010.

Detective Wiseman obtained an arrest warrant on Ledford for simple possession of Schedule II controlled substance.

Ledford was placed under a $5,000.00 bond and was released. Ledford is scheduled to appear in Mitchell County Court on August 18, 2010.

Assisting in the operation was the North Carolina Highway Patrol and North Carolina Probation Officers.

Sheriff Fox thanked the concern citizen who called in this information. This just shows not only does it take law enforcement but people in the community getting involved to combat illegal drug activity.

Sheriff Fox went on to say the cooperation between the different agencies also plays a big part in fighting the sell of illegal drugs. Sheriff Fox said this county is fortunate to have such cooperation between all the law enforcement agencies.

Sheriff Fox further advised he is blessed with Detective Wiseman and Hughes for working so close together. People of Mitchell County just don’t know the long number of hours these two detectives work.

Sheriff Fox advised anyone with information on illegal drug activity could contact the Sheriff’s Office at 828/688-1364. All information is kept confidential.
 

GRAND JURY PRESS RELEASE

On June 28, 2010 Mitchell County Grand Jury met. Mitchell County Sheriff’s Detective R.V. Wiseman dominated the Grand Jury List. Out of the twenty six individuals presented before the Grand Jury, seventeen were drug cases presented by Detective Wiseman.

The Grand Jury returned True Bills of Indictments on all seventeen presented by Detective Wiseman.

The following persons were indicted.

Courtney Briggs, of Burnsville was indicted for selling Schedule II controlled substance, possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule II controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Christopher Carpenter, of Glen Ayre was indicted for felony simple possession Schedule II.

Kristal Carver, of Spruce Pine was indicted for possession of Schedule III controlled substance with prior conviction, possession of Schedule IV controlled substance with prior conviction, possession of Schedule VI controlled Substance with a prior conviction, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael Comeau, of Marion was indicted for possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule II controlled substance, trafficking in opium or heroin, possession of Schedule II controlled substance, and possession of Schedule IV controlled substance.

Shawn Deyton, of Burnsville was indicted for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a Schedule III controlled substance with a prior conviction, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tiffany Garland, of Buledean was indicted for possession of five grams of methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule II controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Charles Headings III, of Spruce Pine was indicted for trafficking in opium, possession of Schedule II controlled substance with a prior conviction, and possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance with a prior conviction.

Dawn Hoyle, of Glen Ayre was indicted for possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule III controlled substance, sell and deliver Schedule III controlled Substance, sell and deliver Schedule III controlled substance near a school, possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule III controlled near a school, and delivery of a Schedule III controlled Substance.

Shawn Hoyle, of Spruce Pine was indicted for trafficking in opium, possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule II controlled substance, felony simple possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jeffery Peterson, of Green Mountain was indicted for sell and delivery of Schedule II controlled substance, possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule II, and conspire to sell and deliver Schedule II controlled substance.

Jacqueline Poch, of Burnsville was indicted for sell and delivery of Schedule II controlled substance (2 counts), possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule II controlled substance (2 counts), and conspire to sell and deliver Schedule II controlled substance.


Preston Queen, of Fork Mountain was indicted for sell and delivery of Schedule III controlled substance, possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule III controlled substance, sell and deliver Schedule III controlled substance near a school, possession with intent to sell and deliver a Schedule III controlled substance near a school, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Melody Hall, of Spruce Pine was indicted for possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule II controlled substance, sell and deliver Schedule II controlled substance, sell and deliver Schedule III controlled substance (2 counts), possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule III controlled substance (2counts), and trafficking in opium or heroin (2 counts).

James Roberts, of Mine Creek was indicted for selling Schedule VI controlled substance (marijuana), possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule VI controlled substance, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Kenneth Silvers, of Green Cove was indicted for trafficking in opium or heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule II controlled substance, possession of Schedule II controlled substance with prior conviction, possession of Schedule III controlled substance with prior conviction, possession of Schedule IV controlled substance with prior conviction, and being a habitual felon.

Kelly Westall, of Newdale was indicted for possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule II controlled substance (2 counts) and sell and deliver Schedule II controlled substance (2counts),

Tessie Whitehead, of Burnsville was indicted for sell and deliver of Schedule II controlled substance and possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule II controlled substance.

Sheriff Fox stated this just shows our hard Detective Wiseman is working to take these illegal drugs and the persons involved with the illegal drugs out of Mitchell County. These individuals were from several different communities in Mitchell County and adjoining counties which come to our county for their illegal drug activity.

Detective Wiseman spends long hours working these cases which take him away from his family. I am very thankful Detective Wiseman’s wife is so supportive of his work.

Bays and Buchanan Arrested

On May 28, 2010, Mitchell County Deputy S.E. Davis and J.D. English stopped a vehicle on Penland Road for an expired tag.

The vehicle was operated by Sherri Lee Bays, age 35, of 77 Jamie Brown Drive, Stony Point, N.C. Roger Dean Buchanan Jr., age 34 of 311 Sunset Drive, Taylorsville, N.C., was a passenger in the vehicle.

During the stop the deputies located a prescription bottle which contained thirty seven 10 milligram Hydrocodone and another prescription bottle containing twenty seven 2 milligram Alprazolam. The prescriptions had been filled on the same day. The Hydrocodone bottle was 23 pills short. The Alprazolam bottle was 32 pills short. Both of the bottles had Bays name on the prescription.

The deputies contacted Detective R.V. Wiseman and requested him to meet them at the traffic stop.

Detective Wiseman arrived and Deputy Davis advised him of what had been found in the vehicle.

During the investigation Detective Wiseman was able to find out were the pair had been prior to the vehicle stop. Detective Wiseman went to the residence were the pair had been before the stop.

The pair had pharmacy receipts from different pharmacies from Virginia Beach all the way to Avery County for Hydrocodone and Alprazolam. It appeared Bays and Buchanan were going to different doctors and hospitals getting prescriptions for these medications.

Detective Wiseman talked with the subject of the residence were Bays and Buchanan had just visited. The resident turned over to Detective Wiseman four 2 milligram Alprazolam they had just purchased from Bays and Buchanan. The resident gave Detective Wiseman a full statement of the incident involving the purchase of controlled substance.

Detective Wiseman returned to the location of the vehicle stop. Detective Wiseman took Bays and Buchanan into custody.

Deputy Davis transported Bays and Buchanan to the Bakersville Magistrate’s Office.

Detective Wiseman obtained arrest warrants on Bays for sell and deliver of Schedule IV controlled substance, possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule II and IV controlled substance, and trafficking in opium.

Detective Wiseman obtained arrest warrants on Buchanan for sell and deliver of Schedule IV controlled substance, possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule II and IV controlled substance, and trafficking in opium.

Magistrate Dwayne Ledford placed Bays and Buchanan under a $50,000.00 secured bond each. Bays and Buchanan were transported to the Rutherford County Jail. Bays and Buchanan are scheduled to appear in Mitchell County Court on July 20, 2010.

Sheriff Fox said this just shows how aggressive the deputies and detectives are in taking illegal drugs off the streets of Mitchell County. My deputies took a routine traffic stop and located controlled substance by going the extra mile. The detective went the extra mile by investigating this incident and locating the person these two subjects sold controlled substance to.

Poch, Westall, Peterson Arrested

On May 18, 2010, Mitchell County Sheriff’s Detective R.V. Wiseman concluded an investigation of the sell of prescription drugs with the arrest of three people.

Detective Wiseman and Spruce Pine Police Detective S.B. Hughes arrested Jacqueline Poch, 31, of 30 Maple Hill Drive, Spruce Pine, N.C., Dawn Westall, 29, of 730 Blue Rock Road, Burnsville, N.C., and Jeffery Aaron Peterson, 21, of 85 Ruby Lane, Burnsville, N.C.

An undercover Mitchell County Sheriff’s Deputy along with an undercover operative purchased Oxycodone and Adderall from the three on different occasions.

On March 12, 2010, the undercover deputy purchased eight 5 milligram Oxycodone pills from Poch and Westall at the BP Station in Estatoe.

On April 23, 2010, the undercover operative purchased six 20 milligram Adderall from Poch, Westall, and Peterson at P&R Grocery in Ledger.

Westall would drive Poch and Peterson to the locations to sell and deliver the pills. Poch and Peterson made the actual sell of the controlled substances to the undercover deputy and operative.

Peterson had a prescription for Adderall and was selling the pills prescript to him.

The investigation was initialed when Detective Wiseman received a tip from a concerned citizen about Poch selling prescription pain pills.

Detective Wiseman obtained arrest warrants on Peterson for sell and delivery of Schedule II controlled substance, possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule II controlled substance, and conspire to sell and deliver Schedule II controlled substance. Peterson was placed under a $15,000.00 secured bond. Peterson was not able to post bond and was transported to Rutherford County Jail. Peterson appeared in Mitchell County Court on May 24, 2010 for a first appearance hearing.

Detective Wiseman obtained arrest warrants on Westall for aid and abet sell and deliver of Schedule II controlled substance (2 counts) and maintaining a vehicle for selling and transporting controlled substance (2counts). Westall was placed under a $15,000.00 bond. Westall posted bond and was released. Westall appeared in Mitchell County Court on May 24, 2010 for a first appearance hearing.

Detective Wiseman obtained arrest warrants on Poch for sell and delivery of Schedule II controlled substances (2 counts), possess with intent to sell and deliver Schedule II controlled Substance (2 counts), conspire to sell and deliver Schedule II controlled substance. Poch was placed under a $30,000.00 secured bond. Poch was unable to post bond and was turned over to Yancey County Sheriff’s Office for additional charges. Poch appeared in Mitchell County Court on May 24, 2010 for a first appearance hearing.

Detective Wiseman advised the Mitchell County undercover deputy also made a purchase from Poch for Yancey County Chief Deputy Tom Farmer. The undercover deputy purchased Morphine from Poch at David Peterson’s Trailer Park, in Burnsville. Poch is currently being held in Yancey County Jail.

Sheriff Fox encourages the citizens to call 828/688-1364 and report illegal drug activity. All calls and information are kept confidential.

Buchanan Arrested

Bakersville Police Department and the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Spruce Pine man for drug charges.

Bakersville Police Chief Justin Biddix stopped Kelly Raymond Buchanan Jr., age 25, of 125 Wyatt Avenue, Spruce Pine, N.C., for erratic driving on Maple Street in Bakersville. When Chief Biddix called in Buchanan’s tag number to Mitchell Comunications, Deputy Richard Hoilman advised him there were outstanding warrants on Buchanan.

Buchanan had outstanding warrants for assault on a female, injury to personal property, and second degree trespassing.

Chief Biddix contacted Deputy Chris McClintick in reference to the warrants. Deputy McClintick and Lt. Tony Lominac obtained the warrants and met Chief Biddix at the traffic stop.

Chief Biddix asked Buchanan for consent to search his vehicle. Buchanan consented to the search. Chief Biddix, Deputy McClintick, and Lt. Lominac conducted the search.

Buchanan had a marijuana pipe in his right front pants pocket. The officers then located in the vehicle 61 grams of marijuana (over 2 ounces), a set of digital scales, rolling papers, and a open container of Barcardi Rum.

Buchanan was then transported to the Spruce Pine Magistrate’s Office. Chief Biddix obtained additional arrest warrants on Buchanan for possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule VI controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and open container of alcoholic beverage in a vehicle.

Magistrate David Hughes placed Buchanan under a $10,000.00 secured bond. Buchanan was unable to post bond and was transported to the Rutherford County Jail. Buchanan had an initial court appearance in Mitchell County Court on May 21, 2010.
 

Ledford Arrested

On April 21, 2010, Mitchell County Sheriff’s Detective R.V. Wiseman, Deputy J.D. English ,K-9 Etong, Probation Officers Joey King and Cody McKinney searched a residence at 96 George McKinney Circle, Spruce Pine, N.C.

The officers had received information from an anonymous source about Kimberly Dawn Ledford, age 29 who resided at the residence. The anonymous source advised Ledford who was on supervised probation was in possession of a large amount of Klonapin (Clonazepam) which is a Schedule IV controlled substance. Ledford had a warrantless search clause as a part of her probation conditions.

Detective Wiseman and Probation Officer Cody McKinney searched Ledford’s pocketbook. Detective Wiseman located a plastic bottle in the purse containing 74 ten milligram Clonazepam.

Ledford was taken into custody and transported to the Spruce Pine Magistrates Office. Detective Wiseman obtained arrest warrants for possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule IV controlled substance, possession of Schedule IV controlled substance, and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. Magistrate Dwayne Ledford placed Ledford under a $15,000.00 secured bond. Ledford was unable to post bond and was transported to the Rutherford County Jail. Ledford is scheduled to appear in Mitchell County Court on April 30, 2010.

Sheriff Fox said this just shows what can be done in fighting illegal drugs when the people of the communities get involved and notify law enforcement of drug activity. Sheriff Fox encourages anyone with information about illegal drugs to call the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office at 688-3982. The information people provide is confidential.
 

Carpenter Arrested

On April 14, 2010 Mitchell County Sheriff’s Detective R.V. Wiseman was requested to meet Probation Officer Joey King at the Probation Office in Ledger.

When Detective Wiseman arrived Officer King advised him he had Christopher Bryan Carpenter, 24, of 51 Hidden Creek Way, Bakersville, N.C., in his office. Carpenter is on supervised probation for sell and delivery of Schedule VI controlled Substance. Carpenter was making an office visit as part of his conditions of probation. Carpenter also had a condition of his probation to submit to drug screen and warrantless search. Carpenter had ½ of a ten milligram Hydrocodone in his pocket. Officer King then searched Carpenter’s truck and located another one and a half of ten milligram Hydrocodone.

Carpenter told Officer King he had a prescription from a dentist for the medication. Officer King contacted Dr. Dubose in Marion. Dr. Dubose office advised they had not seen Carpenter since April 21, 2009.

Detective Wiseman obtained arrest warrants on Carpenter for felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance. Magistrate Charles Pittman placed Carpenter under a $5000.00 secured bond. Carpenter posted bond and was released. Carpenter is scheduled in Mitchell County Court on April 30, 2010.

Sheriff Fox said he appreciated the close working relationship we had with our Probation Officers. The cooperation between agencies helps to rid our county of drugs.
 

Daniels Arrest

On April 8, 2010, Mitchell County Sheriff’s Captain D.L. Glenn and Deputy J.A. Biddix stopped a vehicle for erratic driving on NC 226 in Ledger. The operator of the vehicle was David Claude Daniels Jr., 31, of 222 NC 80 North, Bakersville, N.C.

Daniels gave Captain Glenn and Deputy Biddix consent to search the vehicle. Deputy Biddix located a small white bottle in the console. The bottle contained three 10/650 milligram Hydrocodone, three 1 milligram Clonazepam, one 5 milligram Diazepam, one 7.5 milligram Meloxicam, one .5 milligram Alprazolam, and three 8 milligram Suboxone.

Captain Glenn contacted Detective R.V. Wiseman and requested Detective Wiseman to come to the scene of the stop.

Detective Wiseman arrived at the scene. Daniels advised Detective Wiseman the pills belonged to him. Daniels went on to say he was trying to get rid of the pills for somebody else. During the interview Daniels kept getting text messages from someone wanting Daniels to sell some pills for them.

Detective Wiseman obtained arrest warrant on Daniels for possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule II controlled substance (2 counts) and possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule III controlled substance (2 counts). Daniels was placed under an $8000.00 bond. Daniels is scheduled to appear in Mitchell County Court on April 30, 2010.

Sheriff Fox said the alertness of these deputies have taken some more drugs off the streets of Mitchell County. Sheriff Fox went on to say this just shows how active his office is in combating the drug problem.

MITCHELL COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT


On March 24, 2010, Mitchell County Superior Court Administrative Session. The Honorable Superior Court Judge James Baker presiding and Assistant District Attorney Gary Gavenus prosecuting. The following cases were disposed of.

Dora Lee Huskins, age 25, 2029 Old Jonas Ridge Road, Newland, N.C. Plead guilty to attempting to obtain property under false pretenses and uttering a forged instrument. Huskins received a suspended sentence of 5-6 months in the NC Department of Corrections. She placed on supervised probation for 30 months, ordered to perform 48 community services and pay the fee. Huskins was also ordered to pay court cost and reimburse the State $150.00 for attorney fees.

Donald Edward Elliott, age 26, 180 Bumpy Hill Road, Marion, N.C. Plead guilty to possession of Schedule VI controlled substance and Driving while Impaired. Elliott received a 6-8 months suspended sentence on the drug charge. Placed on supervised probation for 36 months, ordered to perform 72 hours community service and pay the fee. He was also ordered to $600.00 restitution and reimburse the State $472.50 for attorney fees. On the Driving while Impaired Huskins received a 120 day suspended sentence, $200.00 fine and pay court cost.

James Robert McKinney, age 34, Fred Self Road, Spruce Pine, N.C. Plead guilty to breaking and entering, larceny, and safecracking. McKinney received a 16-20 months suspended sentence, of which 30 days was active. He was placed on supervised probation for 36 months with the first six months intensive probation. Ordered to perform 50 hours community service and pay the fee. McKinney was also ordered to reimburse the State $375.00 for attorney fees.

Thomas Delaney Duncan, age 25, 985 Water Street, Bakersville, N.C. Duncan admitted to two counts of violating his probation for trafficking in opiates. Duncan received 15-18 months in the NC Department of Corrections. He was ordered to reimburse the State $450.00 for his attorney fees.

James Earnest Davis, age 23, B-1 Fairground Street Apartments, Spruce Pine, N.C. Davis plead guilty to sell and delivery of Schedule II controlled substance. Davis received 15-18 months suspended sentence. Davis was placed on supervised probation for 36 months, the first six months are intensive probation. He was ordered to perform 72 hours community service and pay the fee. Obtain a substance abuse assessment, pay $300.00 SBI Lab fee, and reimburse the State $956.25 for attorney fees.

Jason David Pitman, age 21, 43 Valley Road, Spruce Pine, N.C. Pitman plead guilty to obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. He received 25-39 months suspended sentence. Pitman was placed on 36 months supervised probation with the first six months on intensive probation. He was ordered to perform 72 hours community service and pay the fee. Pitman was also ordered to pay court cost and reimburse the State $262.50 for attorney fees.

Kevin Dewayne Braswell, age 28, 49 Crabtree Creek Road, Spruce Pine, N.C. Braswell plead guilty to possession of a firearm by felon. He also admitted to three probation violations for larceny by employee. Braswell received 33-42 months in the NC Department of Corrections. Upon release he received 20-24 months suspended sentence and placed on 36 months supervised probation with the first six months of intensive probation. Braswell was also ordered to pay court cost and perform 72 hours community service and pay the fee.

Deborah Lynn Jarrett, age 51, 4686 Hwy. 226 South, Bakersville, N.C. Jarrett plead guilty to assault with a deadly weapon on a government official and Driving while Impaired. On the assault she received a 16-20 months suspended sentence. She was placed on 36 months supervised probation with the first six months intensive probation. Jarrett was ordered to perform 72 hours community service and pay the fee. Reimburse the State $412.50 for attorney fees. On the Driving while Impaired she received an additional six month suspended sentence. She was ordered to pay the court cost and a $300.00 fine.
 

PRESS RELEASES

Silvers Arrested

On Wednesday March 24, 2010, Mitchell Sheriff’s Detective R.V. Wiseman, Spruce Pine Police Detective S.B. Hughes, and SBI Special Agent C.E. Vines received a call of drug activity occurring at the BP Store in Estatoe.
A concerned citizen contacted Mitchell County Communication Center and told the telecommunicator they had just observed a drug deal in the parking lot. The caller advised a white male wearing a red shirt, blue jeans, and ball cap was selling drugs to a white female in a Mustang. The white male was later identified as Kenneth Lee Silvers, 44, of 389 Green Cove Road, Bakersville, N.C.
Detective Wiseman arrived on the scene and observed Silvers working on a vehicle in the parking lot. Detective Wiseman approached Silvers and asked him what was going on. Silvers advised he was working on his vehicle. Detective Wiseman and Detective Hughes advised Silvers of the nature of the call they were investigating. Detective Wiseman asked Silvers if he would empty his pockets. Silvers consented and handed Detective Wiseman and Detective Hughes a pill bottle with a prescription on it for Alprazolam which is generic for Xanax. The pill bottle belonged to Silvers. The bottle contained 49- 1mg Xanax, 7 -10mg Hydrocodone, 1 -7.5mg Hydrocodone, 1-1mg Clonazepam, and ½ of a 5mg Methadone pill. The bottle was only supposed to contact the Xanax which by count were 38 short from the prescription fill date.
Silvers had another pill bottle in his pocket which contained a prescription for 20mg Oxycontin with the name of Peggy Silvers on the bottle. Silvers advised this was his mother’s medication he had just picked up at CVS Pharmacy. The bottle was short 6 pills. Detective Hughes contacted CVS and they advised Silvers had picked up the medication only few minutes earlier.
Silvers then produced a CVS Pharmacy bag which contained another prescription bottle with Peggy Silver’s name for 5mg Hydrocodone. This bottle was also short 6 pills and it was just picked up at CVS with the previous medication.
Silvers advised he did not know why the pill bottles were short because he had just picked them up. Silvers advised the other medication in the bottle with his name on it was all his medication. Silvers said he put all his pills in one bottle to make it easier to carry. Detective Hughes and SBI Agent Vines told Silvers he knew that was illegal also. Silvers made no further statement.
Detective Wiseman obtained arrest warrants on Silvers for trafficking in opium, possess with intent to sell and deliver Schedule II controlled substance, possess drug paraphernalia, felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance ( Methadone), felony possession Schedule II controlled substance (Hydrocodone 10 /650 mg), felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance (Hydrocodone 7.5/750mg), felony possession of Schedule IV controlled substance (Clonazepam), and felony possession of schedule IV (Alprazolam).
Probation Officer Joey King served Silvers with a probation violation while the officers had Silvers in custody.
Silvers was placed under a $30,000.00 secured bond and transported to Rutherford County Jail. Silvers is scheduled to appear in Mitchell County court on March 30, 2010.
Sheriff Fox praised the concern citizen for calling this in. This helps to get these illegal drugs off the streets of Mitchell County. Sheriff Fox went on to say all information called in concerning illegal drugs are kept confidential. Anyone with information should phone 828/688-3982.
 

On March 23, 2010, at 10:00 p.m., Mitchell County Sheriff’s Deputies C.H. McClintick and A.D. Beam were on routine patrol on US 19E North of Spruce Pine. The deputies observed a suspicious vehicle at Mitchell Welding.

The deputies checked the vehicle and found it occupied by Donald Smith of 688 Sullins Branch Road, Spruce Pine, N.C. Also in the vehicle was Chloe Ayers, 35 Amethyst Street, spruce Pine, N.C. Deputy McClintick said both subjects were acting very nervous and suspicious. Deputy McClintick obtained consent to search the vehicle. The deputies located some marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.

Ayers advised the marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle was belonged to her.

Deputy McClintick searched Smith and located some methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Deputy McClintick arrested Smith and transported him to the Spruce Pine Magistrate’s Office. Deputy McClintick obtained arrest warrants on Smith for possession of Schedule II (Methamphetamine) controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Smith was placed under a $4000.00 secured bond and transported to Rutherford County Jail.

Ayers was issued a citation for simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff Fox said this just shows how aggressive his deputies are in checking businesses in the county and watching for suspicious activity. Sheriff Fox went on to say he is thankful for having such a good group of deputies. The citizens of Mitchell County should also be thankful for having such a good group of deputies.
 

Burleson Arrested

On March 18, 2010, Mitchell County Sheriff’s Detective R.V. Wiseman and Spruce Pine Detective S.B. Hughes arrested a Burnsville woman.

Cassandra Westall Burleson, 30, Rhododendron Circle, Burnsville, N.C., was a co defendant in another drug case last month. Burleson was an occupant of Sharon Stallings residence when Stallings was charged previously. Burleson was in possession of methamphetamine, Hydrocodone, Suboxone, and drug paraphernalia.

On Wednesday Burleson was suppose to turn herself to Detective Wiseman. Detective Wiseman and Detective Hughes got a tip from a local citizen who had just seen Burleson at Walmart in Spruce Pine. Detective Wiseman and Detective Hughes located Burleson in the parking lot of Bojangles in a Ford Explorer. The detectives removed Burleson from the vehicle and found her to be in possession of Suboxone again.

Detective Wiseman and Detective Hughes served Burleson with arrest warrants for felony possession of methamphetamine, felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance (Hydrocodone), trafficking in opium, two counts of felony simple possession of Schedule III controlled substance (Suboxone), and possession of drug paraphernalia. Burleson was placed under a $50,000.00 bond and was transported to Rutherford County Jail. Burleson is schedule to appear April 9, 2010 in Mitchell county Court.

Detective Wiseman wanted to thank the citizens of Mitchell County for helping to apprehend Burleson. Detective Wiseman said without citizen involvement calling in tips and notifying the Sheriff’s Office of potential drug activity his job would be a lot harder. 

Deputy C.H. McClintick arresting Carver.

Carver Arrested

On March 18, 2010, Mitchell Sheriff’s Detective R.V. Wiseman, Deputy J.D. English and K-9 Etong, Deputy C.H. McClintick, Deputy S.E. Davis, Deputy A.D. Beam assisted Probation Officers Joey King and Cody McKinney with the search of a residence.
The officers searched residence at 51 Highland Avenue Extension in Spruce Pine. The male occupant of this residence is on supervised probation. PPO King is the supervising officer and the male had a warrantless search clause as a part of his probation.
As the officers entered the residence Kristal Gale Carver, age 32, another occupant of this residence grabbed her pocketbook and placed it on the couch beside her. When Deputy English and Etong entered the residence Etong went directly to Carver’s purse and alerted on it. A search of Carver’s purse resulted in locating a bag of marijuana, 37 -2 milligrams Alprazolam (Zanax), 42-1 milligram Alprazolam (Zanax), 4-8milligams Subutex, a pipe, and a cut straw used to snore pills.
In the bedroom PPO King and McKinney located a mirror with pill residue, a straw, and pipe.
Detective Wiseman obtained arrest warrants on Carver for felony possession of Schedule III controlled substance, felony possession of Schedule IV controlled substance, simple possession of Schedule VI, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Carver was released on an $8000.00 bond. Carver is scheduled to appear in Mitchell County Court on April 8, 2010.
Detective Wiseman praised Etong for finding the drugs. In the past several weeks Etong has helped to locate a large amount of controlled substances and money with drug residue on it.
Sheriff Fox said he was thankful for the cooperation of his deputies and the Probation Officers. Sheriff Fox went on to say this is just another effort showing my office fighting drugs in Mitchell County.

Inside of truck in Silvers and Sutton arrest.

Silvers and Sutton Arrested

On Thursday March 18, 2010, Mitchell County Sheriff’s Detective R.V. Wiseman and Spruce Pine Police Detective S.B. Hughes were in the parking lot of Walmart in Spruce Pine. The detectives noticed a white Dodge truck parked at the south end of row six. The truck was occupied by two white females.

Detective Wiseman positioned himself to where he could see the activity in the Dodge truck. Detective Wiseman observed Kathy Elaine Silvers,40, of 599 Hankins Road, Marion, N.C., seated in the driver’s seat. Silvers had a syringe in her hand. Detective Wiseman approached the truck and identified himself. Detective Wiseman observed the passenger Kimberly Joy Sutton, 20, of 3587 Prices Creek Road, Burnsville, N.C. put another syringe down on the console of the truck.

Detective Hughes then approached the truck. Detective Wiseman and Hughes removed Silvers and Sutton from the truck. On the console was a spoon with white powder and a clear liquid in it, a cigarette with cotton removed from the filter, and the syringes.

It appeared to the detectives Silvers and Sutton was shooting up some type of pill. After interviewing Silvers and Sutton they advised they were going to shoot up a half of a 60 milligram Oxycodone. Sutton was selling and supplying Silvers with the Oxycodone.

Detective Wiseman and Hughes served arrest warrants on Silvers for simple possession of Schedule II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Silvers was released on $2000.00 secured bond. Silvers is scheduled to appear in Mitchell County Court on April 8, 2010.

Sutton was charged with sell and deliver of Schedule II controlled substance, possess with intent to sell and deliver Schedule II controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sutton was placed under a $5000.00 secured bond and transported to Rutherford County Jail. Sutton is scheduled to appear in Mitchell County Court on April 8, 2010.

Sheriff Fox praised the actions of Detective Wiseman and Hughes for being so observant. Sheriff Fox said he blessed to have such a good narcotics division. Sheriff Fox said Detective Wiseman and Hughes spend numerous hours beyond their normal schedule to apprehend drug dealers in Mitchell County.

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