Four people arrested following drug bust at North Carolina motel

NORTH CAROLINA — Four people were arrested Aug. 28 following a drug investigation at the Econo Lodge in Forest City, authorities said.

Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office investigators conducted a follow-up operation at the motel after surveillance and intelligence linked Room 228 to the sale of narcotics, including fentanyl.

Deputies made contact with four individuals inside the room and, with consent, conducted a search that uncovered items consistent with drug trafficking, including digital scales, multiple cell phones, and $2,346 in cash.

Authorities seized 21.9 grams of white powder (fentanyl), five grams of marijuana, three units of Xanax, and other drug paraphernalia.

Charges were filed against the suspects as follows:

• Alicia Danielle Early: Trafficking opium or heroin, possession of a controlled substance in jail, maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances, possession of marijuana, simple possession of Schedule IV controlled substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Jessica Leigh Parker: Trafficking opium or heroin, possession of a controlled substance in jail, maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances, possession of marijuana, simple possession of Schedule IV controlled substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Deion Linwood Trice: Possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Karrigan Faye Jenkins: Trafficking opium or heroin, maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances, simple possession of Schedule IV and VI controlled substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

A further search at the Rutherford County Detention Center revealed additional narcotics that two of the women were attempting to bring into the facility. The investigation is ongoing.