McDowell County Jury Finds Wilson Guilty in Drug Trafficking Case
On December 3, 2025, a McDowell County jury found 41-year-old Joshua Lane Wilson guilty of the following charges:
• Two counts of Felony Trafficking in Methamphetamine
• Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver (PWIMSD) a Schedule II Controlled Substance
Wilson was sentenced to a minimum of 176 months and a maximum of 236 months.
After the guilty verdict, Wilson entered a guilty plea to Habitual Felon Status.
The charges stem from an incident in August 2024 when Wilson was stopped by Detective Matt Smith with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office Community Impact Team on U.S. 70 West. Detectives located 196 grams of methamphetamine, numerous pills in unlabeled prescription bottles, and 24 grams of marijuana.
The N.C. State Highway Patrol assisted in the incident.
McDowell County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Nathan Mace extends his gratitude to all assisting agencies.
“Great results are coming from McDowell Drug Enforcement and our CIT Team,” stated Chief Mace. “An overall great job on this investigation by our detectives and staff. Also, a special thanks goes to District Attorney Ted Bell and his staff on this prosecution led by Assistant District Attorney Michael McEnery.”
