RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C. — Surveillance and intelligence work led the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office to arrest four individuals during a narcotics bust at a Forest City motel.
On August 28, investigators conducted a follow-up operation at the Econo Lodge in Forest City, targeting Room 228 after receiving intel about ongoing fentanyl sales from that location.
Upon arrival, deputies contacted four individuals inside the room. With consent, they conducted a search that turned up 21.9 grams of fentanyl, digital scales, multiple cell phones, $2,346 in cash, 5 grams of marijuana, and 3 Xanax pills.
Individuals Charged:
Alicia Danielle Early
Trafficking opium or heroin
Possession of a controlled substance in jail
Maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for controlled substances
Possession of marijuana (up to ½ oz)
Simple possession of Schedule IV controlled substance
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Jessica Leigh Parker
Trafficking opium or heroin
Possession of a controlled substance in jail
Maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for controlled substances
Possession of marijuana (up to ½ oz)
Simple possession of Schedule IV controlled substance
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Deion Linwood Trice
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Karrigan Faye Jenkins
Trafficking opium or heroin
Maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for controlled substances
Simple possession of Schedule IV controlled substance
Simple possession of Schedule VI controlled substance
Possession of drug paraphernalia
After their arrest, a further search at the Rutherford County Detention Center revealed additional narcotics that two women had attempted to smuggle into the facility.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident as part of broader efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking in the region.
