FROM STAFF REPORTS

Two men face felony drug charges following an undercover investigation by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office into the distribution of crystal methamphetamine in Troutman and Mooresville.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrest of Robert Wayne Jenkins, 32, of Mocksville in a news release on Monday.

ICSO deputies are searching for a second suspect, identified as Justin Nathaniel Deaton, 38, of Statesville, according to the news release.

The investigation was initiated after narcotics investigators received information about crystal methamphetamine being sold in southern Iredell County, Campbell said.

Investigators quickly identified Jenkins as the individual distributing crystal methamphetamine, according to the news release. 

During the investigation, narcotics investigators met with Jenkins and Deaton in Mooresville and purchased more than one ounce of crystal methamphetamine directly from Jenkins, Campbell said.

Investigators arranged another purchase of crystal methamphetamine from Jenkins, but determined the substance he sold them was counterfeit, according to the news release.

Upon completion of that transaction, Jenkins was arrested without incident, according to the news release.

Jenkins was charged with Felony Trafficking by Possession of Crystal Methamphetamine, Felony Trafficking by Transportation of Crystal Methamphetamine, Felony Conspire to Traffic Crystal Methamphetamine, Felony Trafficking by Sale of Crystal Methamphetamine, Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver a Counterfeit Controlled Substance, and Felony Sell or Deliver a Counterfeit Controlled Substance.

Magistrate Thompson ordered Jenkins held without bond on these charges.

Investigators also obtained a felony arrest warrant chargining Deaton with Conspiring to Traffic Crystal Methamphetamine. He is currently wanted by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office. If you have any information on where Deaton can be located, call the ICSO at 704-878-3100.