Man and woman from Lenoir arrested for trafficking methamphetamine

LENOIR, NC (March 6, 2019) — On March 6^th, 2019 at 5:41 am the Lenoir Police Department’s Narcotics Unit along with the Lenoir Police Department’s Special Response Team served a search warrant at the residence of 207 Whitnel Pl. Lenoir, NC 28645.  While conducting the search of the residence investigators found and seized 103 grams of methamphetamine, 1 pistol, 6 long barreled firearms, and $1,110.00 in US currency.  According to North Carolina State guidelines, the seized drugs were valued at $15,450.00.

Kenneth Joe Taylor and Patricia Diane Bare were arrested at the scene.  Kenneth Taylor was charged with 1 count of Felony Trafficking in Methamphetamine, 1 count of Felony Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of a School, 1 count of Felony Maintaining a Vehicle or Dwelling for Controlled Substance, 1 count of Felony Manufacture Schedule II Controlled Substance, and 1 count of Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.  Taylor received a $500,000.00 secured bond and an initial court date of 03/07/2019. Patricia Diane Bare was charged with 1 count of Felony Trafficking in Methamphetamine, 1 count of Felony Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of a School, 1 count of Felony Maintaining a Vehicle or Dwelling for Controlled Substance, and 1 count of Felony Manufacture Schedule II Controlled Substance.  Bare received a $400,000.00 secured bond and an initial court date of 03/07/2019.

These arrests are the result of a month-long investigation.  Chief Brent Phelps “Our Officers will continue to investigate individuals who distribute these illegal substances in our community.  This case is concerning with the close proximity to the school.  We have no knowledge that any sales occurred on school property or to children at the school, but we will not stand for this type of activity in our communities and near our children.”   More charges may be forthcoming.  Anyone with information relating to this or any other crime is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 758-8300 or the Lenoir Police Department at 757-2100.