Burke County Drug Investigation Leads to Major Meth Seizure, Two Arrests

A year-long investigation by the Burke County Sheriff's Office into a suspected drug trafficking organization has resulted in the seizure of more than 27 pounds of methamphetamine and the arrests of two individuals facing serious felony charges.

Authorities say the investigation targeted a network involved in trafficking methamphetamine throughout the region. As a result, Diamond Sharell Lipscomb and Jennifer Nicole Halstead have each been charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine.

On July 9, investigators attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Lipscomb. Before deputies could initiate the traffic stop, Lipscomb allegedly exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Following a brief chase, he was taken into custody without further incident.

At the time of his arrest, Lipscomb had outstanding warrants for felony drug trafficking, possession with intent to sell or deliver methamphetamine, and multiple traffic-related offenses, including Felony Flee to Elude Arrest.

He was initially ordered held without bond on the drug charges and received a $75,000 secured bond for the traffic offenses. During his first appearance in Burke County District Court on July 10, a judge set his bond on the drug charges at $500,000 secured, bringing his total secured bond to $575,000.

Also on July 10, investigators arrested Jennifer Nicole Halstead following a traffic stop in Connelly Springs. She was wanted on outstanding warrants for Trafficking in Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine. Halstead was taken into custody without incident and received a $500,000 secured bond.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office credited the success of the investigation to the cooperation of numerous law enforcement agencies, saying the joint effort disrupted illegal drug trafficking operations and helped improve public safety in Burke County and neighboring communities.

Agencies Assisting in the Investigation

• Burke County Sheriff's Office

• Catawba County Sheriff's Office

• Hickory Police Department

• North Carolina DOC K9

• Long View Police Department

• Morganton Department of Public Safety

• Caldwell County Sheriff's Office

• McDowell County Sheriff's Office

• North Carolina State Highway Patrol

• Lincolnton Police Department

• U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force

• North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation