LINCOLNTON, N.C. – Eleven people were indicted on drug charges by the Lincoln County Grand Jury on December 14, 2020 and one suspect is already in custody.

The indictments included a search warrant executed on November 16, 2020 at a residence in the 100 block of Car Farm Road.  Investigators received information that lead to a search warrant being issued for the residence.  The search of the property led to the seizure of a large marijuana grow operation which yielded 55 marijuana plants and approximately 3 pounds of harvested marijuana.  Investigators also confiscated four firearms and a large amount of ammunition.

Jack Bates Lewis, Jr., 47, of 194 Car Farm Road, Lincolnton, NC was present during the search and is the primary resident.  He will be charged with manufacturing marijuana, possession with the intent to sell and deliver marijuana, possession of firearms by a convicted felon, habitual felon, and maintaining a dwelling for the purposes of using/keeping/selling marijuana.

Others indicted on drug charges by the Lincoln County Grand Jury include:

• Virgil Wyatt King, 65, of West Highway 27, Lincolnton, NC.  King is charged with the sell and delivery of a controlled substance and possession with intent to sell and deliver along with maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance.  The incidents occurred on September17, 2020, September 23, 2020, October 8, 2020 and October 27, 2020.   King turned himself in to authorities on December 16, 2020 and was placed in the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center under a $100,000 secured bond.
• Melinda Dawn Edmondson, 36, Carrie Street, Lincolnton, NC is charged with sell and delivery of a controlled substance, trafficking by sell and delivery and possession with the intent to sell and deliver.  The incidents occurred on October 17, 2020.
• Steven Shane Hulett, 35, Carrie Street, Lincolnton, NC is charged with sell and delivery, possession of illegal drugs and sell and delivery of methamphetamine, possession with the intent to sell and deliver and maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance.
• Cohen J. Hill, 38, of Wehunt Brown Road, Cherryville, NC is charged in connection with a November 25, 2020 incident for possession of methamphetamine.
• Stephen Eugene Travis, 50, of Wehunt Brown Road, Cherryville, NC is charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine, possession of heroin, and maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance.
• Jamie Rae Baker, 26, of Wehunt Brown Road, Cherryville, NC is charged with possession of methamphetamine.
• Michael Jennings Sturgill, 45, of Buffalo Shoals Road, Maiden, NC is charged with possession of heroin
• Lorie Ann Sprouse, 51, Buffalo Shoals Road, Maiden, NC is charged with possession of methamphetamine
• Caitlin Rae Peeler, 29, of Lackey Road, Vale, NC is charged with possession of methamphetamine.
• Haley Megan Hunt, 28, of Moriah Church Road, Casar, NC is charged with possession of methamphetamine.

Citizens are urged to report any suspicious drug activity to the Drug Tip Line at 704-736-8606.  All callers can remain anonymous and all tips are investigated.  If your CrimeStoppers tip leads to an arrest you could receive a reward of up to $1,000.