FROM STAFF REPORTS

Three suspects face drug charges following an Iredell County Sheriff’s Office investigation into information of illegal drug activity in the area of Bell Farm Road.

The ICSO Narcotics Investigations Unit began investigating after receiving information on Thursday, September 10, Sheriff Darren Campbell said in a news release.

On Friday, September 11, deputies assigned to the Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Team and narcotics investigators established a surveillance operation in the area. Using the information received, they were able to locate the suspect vehicle, Campbell said.

Lt. C.L. Stone conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle for a violation on East Broad Street, according to the news release. As a result of the traffic stop, Kristopher Dennis Young, 30, was found in possession of one gram of cocaine, 82 grams of marijuana, and a loaded handgun, the sheriff said.

Kristopher Young

Young was arrested and transported to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he was charged with Felony Possession of Cocaine, Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Marijuana, Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana, Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia.

Magistrate Watkins issued a $1,500 secured bond for these charges.

The deputies then responded to 166 Birchwood Road as the investigation continued.

Jaime Duncan
Erik Bafford

When they arrived, they met with the residents, identified as Erik Michael Bafford, 43, and Jaime Beth Duncan, 42, according to the news release. After notifying the residents why they were at the home, the deputies obtained and executed a search warrant of the property.

During the search, deputies located 34 grams of cocaine, 2,226 grams of marijuana, 600 grams of THC Wax, 105 THC cartridges, 24 dosage units of Oxycodone, and $18,009.

Bafford and Duncan were arrested and taken to the Iredell County Detention Center, where they were charged with Felony Trafficking Cocaine, Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Cocaine, Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Oxycodone, Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Marijuana, and Felony Possession of Marijuana.

Magistrate Thompson issued Bafford and Duncan each a $250,000 secured bond on these charges.