Exclusive: Forest City Man Charged With Meth Trafficking Was Out On Bond For Assault With a Deadly Weapon

WCAB News investigation finds defendant was on pretrial release when deputies seized 13.6 pounds of methamphetamine.

A Forest City man charged with trafficking more than 13 pounds of methamphetamine was already facing separate assault charges at the time of his arrest, according to court records obtained by WCAB News.

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday that its ACE Team, working with the United States Postal Service, seized approximately 13.6 pounds of methamphetamine following a joint investigation.

The sheriff’s office statement highlighted the drug seizure and arrest, but did not include information about the defendant’s pending criminal case or previous bond status.

A WCAB News review of Rutherford County court records found Raymond Earl Johnson, 48, of Forest City, was awaiting trial in a separate case involving two counts of assault with a deadly weapon when he was arrested on the drug charges.

Johnson is now facing a new criminal case related to the alleged methamphetamine trafficking.

According to court records obtained by WCAB News, Johnson is scheduled to make his first appearance on the new charges on July 17.

Sheriff’s Office announces meth seizure

According to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, investigators conducted a joint investigation into suspected methamphetamine trafficking.

The investigation led to surveillance and a traffic stop on Broadway Street in Forest City. Deputies identified the driver as Johnson.

During the traffic stop, investigators deployed K-9 Ranger for a free-air sniff of the vehicle. The sheriff’s office said Ranger alerted to the odor of narcotics, establishing probable cause for a search.

Investigators said they found drug paraphernalia on Johnson’s person. A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered a large mailed package bearing Johnson’s name.

According to the sheriff’s office, investigators opened the package as part of the investigation and discovered approximately 13.6 pounds of methamphetamine.

Johnson was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Rutherford County Detention Center.

The sheriff’s office said Johnson was served with criminal charges and initially received no bond.

“The seizure of approximately 13.6 pounds of methamphetamine represents a significant disruption to the distribution of illegal narcotics within Rutherford County and surrounding communities,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

The agency added that the quantity of methamphetamine seized “has the potential to impact countless lives” and reflects the department’s commitment to combating drug trafficking.

The sheriff’s office also thanked the United States Postal Service for its assistance and partnership during the investigation.

Pending assault charges

Court records obtained by WCAB News show Johnson was already involved in another criminal case when he was arrested.

In Rutherford County District Court Case No. 26CR284562-800, Johnson faces two counts of assault with a deadly weapon.

According to an arrest warrant issued April 17, investigators allege the incident occurred April 16 and involved Shannon Deon Davis. The warrant alleges Johnson attempted to run Davis off the road while Davis was operating a motorcycle using a white Dodge 3500 truck. The warrant also alleges Johnson struck Davis after opening the vehicle door and later struck him with a billy club.

The allegations have not been proven in court, and Johnson is presumed innocent unless convicted.

Johnson was arrested in that case on April 28. Court records show a $5,000 secured property bond was posted on April 29.

The assault case remains pending, with a disposition hearing scheduled for July 31, 2026, in Rutherford County District Court.

Bond to be determined by judge

The new methamphetamine case includes additional restrictions because of Johnson’s pending legal matters.

The release order states Johnson was on pretrial release for charges covered by North Carolina General Statute 15A-533(b) and directed that bond be set by a district court judge.

The new charges filed in Case No. 26CR358729-800 include:

• Trafficking in methamphetamine under N.C. General Statute 90-95(h)(3b), a felony;

• Possession of drug paraphernalia under N.C. General Statute 90-113.22; and

• Driving while license revoked, not impaired under N.C. General Statute 20-28(a).

  
  

The case remains pending in Rutherford County District Court.

As with all criminal cases, the charges against Johnson are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.