NORTH CAROLINA — The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of two individuals following a major drug bust that resulted in the largest seizure of pure fentanyl in the agency’s history.
According to a statement posted on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, Jaremy Rippy and Hannah Odell, both of Forest City, were arrested after an investigation by the Aggressive Criminal Enforcement (ACE) Team uncovered a large-scale fentanyl distribution operation at a local residence.
Following several days of surveillance and multiple traffic stops, investigators conducted a “knock and talk” at the home.
A woman was located at the scene, and the male occupant was contacted by phone but refused a search until a warrant was obtained.
With the warrant in hand, deputies discovered a hidden compartment containing:
- 668 grams of fentanyl (equivalent to 6,684 individual doses)
- 1.7 grams of marijuana
- 1.2 grams of methamphetamine
- Two firearms
- Digital scales and drug paraphernalia
- $1,137 in cash
- Multiple Venmo and CashApp cards suspected to be used in drug transactions
Rippy and Odell were charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Trafficking opium or heroin
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for controlled substance
- Possession of firearm by felon
- Possession of Schedule II and IV controlled substances
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Both suspects are being held on a $1.5 million secured bond.
“The A.C.E. Team remains committed to aggressively pursuing those who bring dangerous drugs into our neighborhoods,” the Sheriff’s Office stated, thanking their Forensics Division for critical assistance in the case.
