Traffic Violation Leads To Arrest For Two Parole Absconders: ICSO

IREDELL COUNTY, NC — A recent traffic stop along East Broad Street in Statesville led to the discovery of a stash of methamphetamine authorities said they believe was headed to the street, along with the arrest of two suspects wanted on outstanding warrants for absconding parole in Catawba County.

According to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, the Feb. 21 incident occurred on Broad Street at North Tradd Street, when an officer stopped the vehicle driven by Matthew Paul Houston, 35, for a traffic violation. The officer verified Houston’s drivers license, and discovered Houston was wanted for absconding from North Carolina Probation and Parole in Catawba County.

Houston was placed under arrest and the officer learned that his passenger, Candida Dawn Bernard, 41, had lied about her identity. “Upon being given the correct name, Bernard also had an unserved warrant for absconding from North Carolina Probation and Parole in Catawba County,” ICSO said.

When she was placed under arrest, authorities also discovered she was in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.

Bernard was charged with felony possession with intent to sale and deliver methamphetamine, felony possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor resist, obstruct and delay an officer, in addition to her outstanding arrest warrant from Catawba County. Her secured bond was set at $40,000.

Matthew Paul Houston was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, as well as his outstanding arrest warrant His secured bond was set at $10,000.

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