Forest City woman faces multiple charges after a traffic stop

A 24-year-old Forest City woman is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including methamphetamine trafficking, following her arrest this week, according to Rutherford County court records obtained by WCAB News.

Chloe Hardin was arrested on Feb. 10 by Deputy Andrew Price of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver methamphetamine and trafficking in methamphetamine. Charging documents allege she possessed about 34.6 grams of methamphetamine packaged in separate baggies, according to eCourts Portal (Tyler Technologies Odyssey) Case No. 26CR229440-800.

Authorities also charged Hardin with maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia, simple possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance, carrying a concealed firearm and driving while impaired. Records indicate the allegations stem from an incident on the same day on South Broadway Street in Forest City. Investigators further alleged a Toyota Corolla was used to store or sell controlled substances.

Court records show Hardin received a $150,000 secured bond after an initial appearance and was appointed a public defender. The case remains pending in Rutherford County District Court, with a hearing scheduled Feb. 25.

The release order, signed by District Court Judge A. Michelle McEntire, said, “The Defendant has a history of repeatedly failing to appear in court and has current pending charges for controlled substances and involuntary manslaughter. The Court has considered the nature of Defendant’s charge(s), prior criminal history, dangerousness to the community, likelihood that Defendant will appear for future court date and consulted the suggested bond guidelines set by the Resident Superior Court Judge (J. Thomas Davis).”

According to court records, District Court Judge Robert Martelle authorized the return of her other child to her custody in 2024, during the same period she was facing involuntary manslaughter (Case No. 23CVD001180-800), which is still pending, and other charges.

Martelle has a challenger in the March 3 primary election, Andrew LaBreche. 

For more details, Hardin’s other pending cases may be accessed via public court records and state records. Criminal charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.