Bostic man charged with drug possession, resisting officer

A Bostic man was arrested Oct. 20 on charges of felony possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor resisting a public officer, according to NC Judicial Branch eCourts records reviewed by WCAB News.

Justin Shane Barden, 46, allegedly failed to follow commands, stiffened his arms, and turned away to avoid being handcuffed by Rutherford County Sheriff’s Detective Brian Atkins during a traffic stop investigation, the charging document states.

The arresting officer was Willis Colby Langford, according to court records.

A court notation entered the following day states: “Substance tested as Fentanyl roadside. Please amend charge per Magistrate Moore.”

The case summary reviewed by WCAB News still lists methamphetamine possession. The available public records do not show whether the charge was amended or include laboratory confirmation of the substance.

A magistrate set a $10,000 secured bond, citing previous drug charges. Court records show a professional surety bond was posted that afternoon.

His next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 4 for case number 26CR434364-800.

Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.