IFN Staff

A Mocksville woman faces multiple felony charges, including larceny and drug charges, following an investigation by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrest of Billie Jo Sanford, 47, of Ben Andrews Road, Mocksville, in a news release.

ICSO Deputy A. Chapman and Deputy J. Raper responded to the Harmony IGA grocery store on February 7 in reference to a reported larceny by an employee, Campbell said.

After initiating an investigation, the deputies gathered sufficient evidence to obtain two warrants for Sanford’s arrest on larceny charges, according to the news release.

Deputy Chapman and Deputy Raper returned to the store the following day and arrested Sanford.

While talking her into custody, the deputies discovered multiple baggies containing methamphetamine as well as a glass methamphetamine pipe in Sanford’s possession, Campbell said.

Sanford was then transported to the Iredell County Detention Center for processing.

Upon arriving at the detention center, additional narcotics were discovered, resulting in additional charges for Sanford.

Recognizing the possibility of additional unreported thefts, deputies conducted a follow-up investigation on February 9. After reviewing store records, surveillance footage, and obtaining witness statements, deputies established probable cause for seven additional counts of larceny by an employee, according to the news release.

As a result of the investigation, Sanford has been charged with nine counts of Felony Larceny by Employee, Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Heroin, Felony Possession of Methamphetamine, Felony Possession of Heroin, Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance on Jail Grounds, and three counts of Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Sanford was taken before Magistrate Imes, who issued a no bond in this case.