FROM STAFF REPORTS

Two Taylorsville residents face felony drug charges after Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputies found more than 33 grams of crystal methamphetamine in their vehicle during a traffic stop.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrests of Harold Troy Little, 41, and Ashley Brooks Church, 35, in a news release.

On Friday, May 14, Sgt. L.J. Hayes, who is assigned to the ICSO Interstate Criminal Enforcement Team, conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of West Garner Bagnal Boulevard and Shelton Avenue for a traffic violation while he was assisting the Statesville Police Department with a special assignment. 

Sgt. Hayes approached the driver, Harold Troy Little, and informed him of the reason for the stop. While speaking with Little and then Church, the passenger, Hayes became suspicious of illegal activity, Campbell said.

Hayes requested Deputy Hicks to respond with K-9 Bosco to assist with the stop. During a walk-around of the vehicle, Bosco gave a positive indication for the presence of illegal drugs, according to the news release.

The deputies then searched the vehicle and located 33.2 grams of crystal methamphetamine packaged in a manner consistent with individual sales, along with three dosage units of Buprenorphine Hydrochloride and items of drug paraphernalia, Campbell said.

Little and Church were arrested on scene and then taken to the Iredell County Detention Center.

Little was charged with Felony Trafficking Methamphetamine by Possession, Felony Trafficking Methamphetamine by Transport, Felony Possession with Intent to Sale or Deliver Methamphetamine, Felony Maintain a Vehicle for the Sale or Use of Controlled Substance, and two misdemeanor drug offenses. Magistrate Tutterrow issued Little a $350,000 secured bond on these charges.

Church was charged with Felony Possession of Methamphetamine and two misdemeanor drug offenses. Church appeared before Magistrate Callejas, who issued $7,500 secured bond on these charges.