A Hickory man was sentenced to five years in prison Thursday (November 2) for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 48-year-old Edward Leroy Bailey was also ordered to serve four years under court supervision after he is released from prison. The announcement was made by Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Chief Reed Baer of the Hickory Police Department was among those joining U.S. Attorney King in making Thursday’s announcement.

According to court documents and court proceedings, in October 2022, law enforcement received information that Bailey was distributing narcotics from his hotel room in the Hickory area. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of narcotics from Bailey, and, on October 18, 2022, they executed a search warrant at Bailey’s hotel room.

During the search, law enforcement found and seized distribution quantities of methamphetamine, as well as cocaine base and marijuana, and more than $1,800 in cash. Law enforcement also seized three stolen firearms, two of which were loaded, and ammunition. Bailey has a criminal history that includes convictions for Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon and Possession of a Firearm by Felon, and he is not permitted to own or possess firearms.

On July 12, 2023, Bailey pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The ATF and the Hickory Police Department investigated the case. As of earlier today (November 3), Bailey was being held in the Catawba County Detention Facility.