Rutherfordton Police Department Arrest Leads to Major Drug Seizure at Detention Center

On September 15, 2025, the Rutherfordton Police Department transported three individuals to the Rutherford County Detention Center for processing. During intake, detention staff identified one of the arrestees, Haley Pate, as a potential security concern following a suspicious body scan.

At the request of Sergeant Hale, a strip search was conducted in accordance with detention center policy. During the search, staff discovered a significant quantity of concealed fentanyl. Officials said the seizure prevented the introduction of dangerous contraband into the facility.

Pate was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, altering or destroying criminal evidence, possession of a controlled substance on jail premises, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for a controlled substance, and trafficking in opium or heroin. Her bond was set at $100,000, and her first court appearance was scheduled for September 16, 2025.

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office noted that the fentanyl was seized during a strip search conducted by detention staff and then turned over to a Rutherfordton Police officer for evidence. The agency emphasized that the discovery was the result of cooperation between the arresting officers and detention staff and said the incident underscores the importance of intake procedures in keeping contraband out of the jail.