MADISON, N.C. (BTW21) — A major multi-agency operation in Rockingham County on July 3, 2025, led to the seizure of deadly drugs, firearms, and stolen property, in what authorities say may have prevented tens of thousands of fentanyl-related overdoses.
The coordinated effort, involving the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, NC SBI, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and police departments from Eden and Madison, executed multiple search warrants on Angell Road in Madison.
One of the main targets was a residence at 1297 Angell Road, where investigators discovered:
48 grams of Fentanyl (enough to potentially kill over 24,000 people per DEA data)
16 grams of Methamphetamine
17 grams of Marijuana
Unidentified pills
2 Firearms
$4,746 in cash
3 Stolen Vehicles and 1 Stolen Trailer
Ashley Ann Ward Arrested
As a result of the investigation, 32-year-old Ashley Ann Ward was arrested on Thursday, July 10, 2025. She faces multiple charges:
Felony Trafficking Opium or Heroin
Felony PWIMSD Schedule II Controlled Substance
Felony PWIMSD Methamphetamine
Felony PWISD Marijuana
Felony Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling for Controlled Substances
Misdemeanor Simple Possession of Schedule IV
Ward was held without bond and appeared in Rockingham County District Court on July 11, 2025.
Investigation Expands
Due to new developments, a second search warrant was executed at the same residence on July 10, uncovering additional evidence. Investigators say more charges and arrests are expected.
The properties on Angell Road are also linked to two ongoing investigations:
The disappearance of 45-year-old Harry Lee Willard, who was last seen at one of the residences on January 21, 2025
The fatal overdose of 40-year-old Jason Douglas Crawford, which occurred at 1295 Angell Road on November 2, 2024
Both cases remain open and active.
