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ACE Team Methamphetamine Seizure
- Lou Gilliam
- Feb 26
- 1 min read
On February 19, 2026, the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office ACE team received
information regarding the sale of methamphetamine in the Ellenboro area.
After receiving the information, ACE investigators conducted several hours of
surveillance. Following the investigation, a traffic stop was initiated after the suspect left
the residence and committed a motor vehicle violation.
Upon approaching the vehicle, investigators immediately observed a large glass
smoking pipe inside the suspect’s pocketbook. The driver and sole occupant of the
vehicle was identified as the individual investigators had previously received information
about — Tamiko Louise Simpson of Ellenboro, NC.
Following the discovery of the smoking pipe, investigators conducted a search of the
vehicle. During the search, approximately two (2) ounces of methamphetamine were
located inside a chocolate candy package on the front passenger seat. An additional
ounce of methamphetamine was located on Simpson’s person.
In total, approximately 105 grams of methamphetamine and a glass smoking pipe were
seized during the investigation.
Simpson was charged with the following offenses:• Trafficking Methamphetamine (2
Counts)• Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substances• Possession of
Methamphetamine• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Simpson received a $110,000 secured bond.
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office ACE Team remains committed to aggressively
targeting illegal drug activity and protecting the citizens of Rutherford County. Anyone
with information regarding illegal drug activity is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s
Office.
Before reading Andrew Labreche's Judgement in the District article, I would have accepted this as an honest reflection of a real event. Now, I still do..., but I am not a 100% because it's the exact same MO of Chad Murray and his Narc Squad...
Why wait for a traffic stop? Why not get a search warrant and initiate the case in the home? Then they could see if there were minors at risk, unsafe conditions, and bring the dogs and search for stashes, etc. The whole traffic stop thing, in a situation like this one, in a county with a track record for planting evidence during traffic stops... Just think it could be done smarter.