Iredell Co. Deputy Searching For Statesville Man On Drug Charge

MOORESVILLE, NC — Iredell County Sheriff’s deputies are searching for a Statesville man that they say was involved in the distribution of crystal methamphetamine in the Troutman and Mooresville area, police said Monday.

Police are searching for Justin N. Deaton, 38, who police said has been selling crystal meth in the county along with 32-year-old Mocksville resident Robert W. Jenkins. Jenkins was arrested Friday and charged with felony trafficking by possession of crystal methamphetamine, felony trafficking by transportation of crystal methamphetamine, felony trafficking by the sale of crystal methamphetamine and felony possession with the intent to sell or deliver a counterfeit controlled substance and felony sale or delivery of a counterfeit controlled substance, the sheriff’s office said Monday.

Investigators have obtained a warrant for Deaton, who is being charged with conspiring to traffic crystal methamphetamine. Both men have lengthy criminal backgrounds, according to information released by the Sheriff’s Department on Monday.

The investigation determined that investigators were able to meet with Jenkins and Deaton in Mooresville and were able to purchase more than an ounce of crystal meth from Jenkins. Investigators then arranged another purchase of crystal meth from Jenkins but determined that the substance he had sold them in the first encounter was counterfeit. Jenkins was arrested without incident last week, police said.

Jenkins is being held without bond after appearing in front of a judge on Monday.