Community
Drug House Shut Down
Drug House Shut Down 
Detectives with the Rutherford County Unified Narcotics Task Force received citizen tips about a possible location where illegal drugs were being sold near Caroleen.
Detectives began an investigation into the activity at 925 Kelly Road in Forest City, and the suspect, Mr. Aaron Dag Epley. During the course of the investigation, Detectives were able to obtain probable cause to secure a search warrant for the residence.
On 2/21/2022, Detectives arrived at the residence to execute the search warrant. Once on scene, they found that the residence was not “livable” and that it had no power or running water. Detectives observed that the residence was solely being used to package and sell fentanyl and other illegal drugs as there was only drug packaging material found inside along with a limited amount of furniture.
Mr. Epley was not located at the residence at the time of the search warrant. Detectives believed that Mr. Epley had fled from the residence prior to their arrival. They then searched the area and located a backpack with paperwork displaying Mr. Epley’s name inside. Also located near the backpack, was a fully loaded handgun, a cell phone and 21 fentanyl pills, all of which were found lying in a yard close to the residence. Detectives believe Mr. Epley dumped those items while running from the scene.
A short time later, a road patrol Sergeant spotted the suspect in the area of 925 Kelly Road. After a brief foot chase, Mr. Epley was arrested and charged with Possession with the Intent to Manufacture/Sale/Deliver Fentanyl.
The Rutherford County Unified Narcotics Task Force is comprised of detectives from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Apprehension Team and the Forest City Police Department Narcotics Unit.
We would like to thank the citizens for the tips and information provided and hope to continue taking these dangerous drugs off the streets. If you have information regarding criminal activity that you would like to report, contact CRIMESTOPPERS at 828-286-TIPS or by using the “Submit a Tip” feature on the new Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Mobile App. You can remain anonymous.
Detectives began an investigation into the activity at 925 Kelly Road in Forest City, and the suspect, Mr. Aaron Dag Epley. During the course of the investigation, Detectives were able to obtain probable cause to secure a search warrant for the residence.
On 2/21/2022, Detectives arrived at the residence to execute the search warrant. Once on scene, they found that the residence was not “livable” and that it had no power or running water. Detectives observed that the residence was solely being used to package and sell fentanyl and other illegal drugs as there was only drug packaging material found inside along with a limited amount of furniture.
Mr. Epley was not located at the residence at the time of the search warrant. Detectives believed that Mr. Epley had fled from the residence prior to their arrival. They then searched the area and located a backpack with paperwork displaying Mr. Epley’s name inside. Also located near the backpack, was a fully loaded handgun, a cell phone and 21 fentanyl pills, all of which were found lying in a yard close to the residence. Detectives believe Mr. Epley dumped those items while running from the scene.
A short time later, a road patrol Sergeant spotted the suspect in the area of 925 Kelly Road. After a brief foot chase, Mr. Epley was arrested and charged with Possession with the Intent to Manufacture/Sale/Deliver Fentanyl.
The Rutherford County Unified Narcotics Task Force is comprised of detectives from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Apprehension Team and the Forest City Police Department Narcotics Unit.
We would like to thank the citizens for the tips and information provided and hope to continue taking these dangerous drugs off the streets. If you have information regarding criminal activity that you would like to report, contact CRIMESTOPPERS at 828-286-TIPS or by using the “Submit a Tip” feature on the new Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Mobile App. You can remain anonymous.
Address/Location
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office
198 N Washington St
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 828-287-6247
TEXT-A-TIP - Text TIP RUTHERFORDCO followed by your message, to 888777
