SALISBURY, NC — A routine warrant service turned into a major drug bust when Rowan County deputies witnessed an apparent drug deal, leading to five arrests and the seizure of meth, psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana wax, and a moonshine still.
Deputies Witness Drug Transaction
On February 28 at 9:30 a.m., deputies from the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) arrived at a St. Matthews Church Road residence to serve an arrest warrant for Joshua Michael Jones.
As deputies pulled into the driveway, they saw what appeared to be a drug exchange between Jones and Jacob Scott Pilkington, who had just arrived in a gray Ford Explorer. Deputies spotted drug paraphernalia in plain view and immediately detained both men.
At the same time, additional deputies saw Anthony James Sadler running from the house and attempting to hide behind an outbuilding. As they approached, Sadler threw a container into the bushes, which was later found to contain methamphetamine. He was also taken into custody.
Search Warrant Leads to Drug and Moonshine Seizure
Following the arrests, investigators secured a search warrant for the property, including the house, detached garage, camper, and outbuildings. During the search, deputies uncovered:
156 grams of methamphetamine
Psilocybin mushrooms
Marijuana wax
Drug paraphernalia
An operational moonshine still
The Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) Division was called in to process the moonshine still.
Arrests and Charges
Jacob Pilkington – Possession of methamphetamine, driving while license revoked, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a Schedule III controlled substance ($1,500 bond)
John Corl – Maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances ($3,000 bond)
Heather Miller – Trafficking methamphetamine, felony possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia (No bond)
Joshua Jones – Failure to appear ($1,000 bond)
Anthony Sadler – Possession of methamphetamine ($5,000 bond)
Sheriff’s Statement
Sheriff Travis Allen praised the deputies’ swift actions, stating:
“This proactive enforcement effort demonstrates our commitment to shutting down drug houses and dealers. I’m incredibly proud of our deputies who put their lives on the line to keep Rowan County safe.”
The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue working to dismantle illegal drug operations in the area.
