FROM STAFF REPORTS

Two suspects, including a verified gang member, face felony drug charges following a month-long investigation by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office into the distribution of crystal methamphetamine in the southern end of the county.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrests of William Ray Tyler Jr., 28, of Cricklewood Lane, Mooresville, and Brandy Stout Anderson, 46, of Brandy Hoffman Road, Lincolnton, in a news release Wednesday.

ICSO narcotics investigators received information at the beginning of April that Tyler was actively involved in the distribution of crystal methamphetamine and other narcotics in southern Iredell County, Campbell said.

After undercover investigators conducted surveillance operations to verify the information, investigators made undercover purchases of crystal methamphetamine and other narcotics directly from Tyler, according to the news release.

During the investigation, the narcotics investigators also determined that Anderson, who is Tyler’s girlfriend, was assisting Tyler by making arrangements and distributing methamphetamine, the sheriff said.

On Friday, April 29, narcotics investigators and ICSO deputies went to the residence to Tyler’s address to arrest Tyler and Anderson. When they arrived, the deputies discovered the two suspects were in the process of moving out of the home, Campbell said.

Both suspects were detained, and the home was secured and searched. During a search, a pistol and additional narcotics were located inside a vehicle belonging to Anderson, according to the news release.

As a result of the investigation, ICSO personnel seized 421.86 grams of crystal methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $42,000, along with 120 dosage units of MDMA with an estimated street value of $1,200, the sheriff said.

Tyler was charged with two counts of felony possession with intent to sell or deliver a schedule I controlled substance (MDMA), felony sell or deliver a schedule I controlled substance (MDMA), felony sell or deliver a schedule VI controlled substance, felony Level I trafficking of crystal methamphetamine, Level II trafficking of crystal methamphetamine, and felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

ICSO narcotics investigators also served Tyler with outstanding warrants from Cumberland County for felony trespassing during an emergency, felony conspiracy, felony breaking and entering, and misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon a minor present. Magistrate Watkins issued Tyler a $1,315,000 secured bond on these charges.

According to the ICSO, Tyler is a verified Blood gang member of the N.C. Department of Adult Corrections. His criminal record includes the following charges: felony conspire to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon and pointing and presenting firearms at a person.

Anderson was charged with two counts of felony conspiracy to traffic crystal methamphetamine. She appeared before Magistrate Chambers, who issued a $25,000 bond on those charges.