FROM STAFF REPORTS

A registered sex offender faces drug trafficking charges after an Iredell County Sheriff’s Office canine alerted deputies to the presence of an illegal narcotic in the vehicle he was driving.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrest of Maurice Antoine Johnson, 42, of Eastside Drive, Statesville, in a news release Wednesday afternoon.

About 4:20 p.m. on Monday Deputy W. Wiedenmann, who is assigned to the ICSO Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Team, observed a vehicle turning onto Salisbury Highway from Industrial Drive, Campbell said.

Deputy Wiedenmann recognized Johnson, who was driving the vehicle, from previous interactions and was aware of his history involving illegal drug possession, according to the news release.

As Wiedenmann turned his patrol car around, Johnson turned his vehicle into a convenience store parking lot and exited his vehicle, Campbell said.

The deputy approached Johnson and, during the ensuing conversation, inquired about the status of his driver’s license. Johnson admitted that he did not have a valid driver’s license, according to the news release.

While Wiedenmann was confirming Johnson’s information, Sgt. E. Line and Canine Wilbur were called to assist.

While the sergeant walked Wilbur around Johnson’s vehicle, the dog gave a positive indication of the presence of an illegal narcotic, Campbell said. Based on this alert, deputies conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle, which led to the discovery of approximately two pounds of crystal Methamphetamine, according to the news release.

Johnson was arrested and transported to the Iredell County Detention Center. Magistrate Callejas ordered the suspect held without bond because he was free on bond on previous charges at the time of his arrest.

According to the ICO, Johnson’s criminal history includes the following charges: Felony Sell Cocaine, Felony Common Law Robbery, Misdemeanor Simple Assault, three counts of Misdemeanor Resisting a Public Officer, Felony Possession of Cocaine, Felony Indecent Liberties with a Child, Misdemeanor Assault on a Government Official, Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana, Felony Possession of Stolen Goods, Driving while Impaired, Driving while License Revoked, Felony Flee to Elude Arrest with a Motor Vehicle, Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Felony Failure to Report Change of Address for a Registered Sex Offender, and Felony Habitual Felon.