Statesville habitual felon found with 2 pounds of crystal meth: Sheriff

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A Statesville man has been charged after being found with two pounds of crystal methamphetamine, according to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.

Around 4:20 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 2, Deputy Wiedenmann saw 42-year-old Maurice Antoine Johnson turn onto Salisbury Highway from Industrial Drive. Johnson was recognized because of his history of illegal drug activity, officials said.

Deputy Wiedenmann followed Johnson to a convenience store parking and asked him about the status of his driver’s license, which Johnson admitted was not valid.

Canine ‘Wilbur’ was called to the scene to search Johnson’s vehicle. Inside, they found about 926 grams (two pounds) of crystal meth.

Deputies said Johnson was booked into the Iredell County Detention Center without bond because he was already out on bond for previous charges. He was charged with:

• Felony trafficking of methamphetamine by possession
• Felony trafficking of methamphetamine by transport
• Felony possession of methamphetamine
• Felony painting a vehicle for a controlled substance
• Misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia

Johnson’s criminal history includes selling cocaine, incident liberty with a child, driving with a revoked license, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and resisting public officers.

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