In January 2023, Narcotics Investigators with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, along with investigators from the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, Special Agents with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations along with Federal agencies began an investigation into the distribution of crystal methamphetamine and fentanyl in Iredell County.

During the six-month-long investigation, investigators were able to identify and conduct undercover purchases directly from individuals involved or facilitating the sale of meth or fentanyl to undercover investigators and confidential informants. Investigators employed various techniques to link each suspect together in their attempted distribution or actual sale of narcotics.

During the investigation, investigators seized over 440 grams of crystal meth, ten grams of powdered fentanyl and 200 suspected fentanyl pills. The combination of drugs seized have a street value of over $25,000.

After compiling all of the evidence in the investigation, Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigators testified before an Iredell County Grand Jury on July 5, 2023. The jury determined there was more than sufficient evidence to charge the following nine suspects in this matter.

29-year-old Ashley Nicole Clarke and 30-year-old Nickolas Aaron Whitson, both of Harmony, 33-year-old Russell Javon Linney, 30-year-old Eugenio Mata Carbajal, 26-year-old Tiffany Amber Power, 27-year-old Bradley Montana Reavis, 49-year-old Christopher Todd Matheny, and 32-year-old William Joseph McCurdy, all of Statesville, and 21-year-old Madison Elizabeth Uptain of Cleveland, N.C. are all charged with felony drug offenses.

All of the suspects were arrested and charged with the exceptions of Power and Whitson, who are listed as wanted. Those who were arrested received various bond amounts.