IFN Staff

Three suspects face an assortment of criminal charges after Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputies found illegal drugs and a firearm in a vehicle during a traffic stop.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrests of Chelsea Nicole Millsaps, 33, and Lane Alexander Perry, 31, both of Childers Road, Cleveland, and Brian Thomas Miller, 41, of South Greenbriar Road, Statesville, in a news release Monday.

On Saturday, March 1, after conducting a traffic stop at Mazeppa Road and Ricks Lane for a motor vehicle violation, Sgt. N. Hodges approached the vehicle and spoke with Miller, who was operating the vehicle, and two passengers, identified as Millsaps and Perry.

After Sgt. A.W. Foster arrived to assist with the stop, Sgt. Hodges deployed ICSO Canine Levi to conduct a free-air sniff around the vehicle, the sheriff said.

Canine Levi gave a positive alert for the presence of narcotics, prompting deputies to conduct a search of the vehicle, according to the news release.

Deputies found methamphetamine, fentanyl, a concealed firearm, and various drug paraphernalia items in side the vehicle, Campbell said.

Further investigation revealed that Millsaps had attempted to conceal and destroy approximately 29.23 grams of methamphetamine on her person, according to the news release.

A records check confirmed that both Millsaps and Perry were convicted felons and legally prohibited from possessing firearms, Campbell said.

Sgt. Hodges arrested all three individuals and transported them to the Iredell County Detention Center, where they were charged with multiple offenses.

All three suspects are charged with Felony Trafficking Methamphetamine by Possession, Felony Trafficking Methamphetamine by Transport, and Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine and a misdemeanor drug charge.

Perry is also charged with Felony Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance, Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Misdemeanor carrying a concealed weapon.

Miller is also charged with Felony Maintaining a Vehicle for the Sell or Use of a Controlled Substance.

Millsaps is also charged with Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Misdemeanor Carrying Concealed Gun.

Magistrate S. Johnson set Millsaps’ bond at $500,000, Perry was ordered held without bond due being out on bond on other charges, and Miller received a $250,000 bond.

According to the ICSO, Millsaps’ criminal history includes the following charges: Misdemeanor Simple Possession of Schedule VI Controlled Substance, Felony Breaking and Entering of a Motor Vehicle, Flee to Elude Arrest with a Motor Vehicle, Driving while Impaired, five counts of Misdemeanor Larceny, Misdemeanor Second-Degree Trespass, three counts of Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Felony Assault Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury, two counts of Felony Possession of Methamphetamine, Felony Possession of Heroin, and Misdemeanor Shoplifting.

Perry’s criminal history includes the following charges: four counts of Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, three counts of Misdemeanor Consuming Alcohol Underage, Driving while Impaired, three counts of Misdemeanor Larceny, Misdemeanor Interfere with an Electronic Monitoring Device, Felony Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Felony Larceny of a Firearm, and Felony Possession of Methamphetamine.

Miller’s criminal history includes a misdemeanor drug charge.