Sheriff’s ACE Team Busts Fentanyl Traffickers at Local Motel

Investigators with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office ACE Team conducted a fentanyl-related operation at the Econo Lodge in Forest City on Aug. 28, resulting in multiple arrests, the sheriff’s office confirmed Tuesday. The bust underscores the ongoing threat of fentanyl in western North Carolina.

Law enforcement officials have repeatedly warned that the synthetic opioid, often mixed with other drugs, is fueling a spike in overdoses statewide. Small-scale trafficking operations like this one can have widespread public health and safety impacts.

According to the sheriff’s office, ACE Team investigators targeted Room 228 after surveillance linked the location to suspected fentanyl trafficking. Deputies found four individuals inside. A consent search revealed digital scales, multiple cell phones, marijuana, Xanax, and $2,346 in cash.

The investigation continued after the suspects were processed at the Rutherford County Detention Center, where deputies uncovered additional fentanyl that two of the women had attempted to smuggle into the facility. The total seizure exceeded 21 grams of fentanyl, along with cash and paraphernalia.

Arrests and Charges:

• Alicia Danielle Early: Trafficking opium or heroin, possession of a controlled substance in jail, maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances, marijuana possession (up to ½ oz), simple possession of Schedule IV drugs, and possession of paraphernalia.

  
  

• Jessica Leigh Parker: Trafficking opium or heroin, possession of a controlled substance in jail, maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances, marijuana possession (up to ½ oz), simple possession of Schedule IV drugs, and possession of paraphernalia.

  
  

• Deion Linwood Trice: Possession of drug paraphernalia.

  
  

• Karrigan Faye Jenkins: Trafficking opium or heroin, maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances, simple possession of Schedule IV and Schedule VI drugs, and possession of paraphernalia.

  
  

The ACE Team acknowledged support from the RCSO Road Patrol Division and Detention Center staff. “This operation highlights our continued commitment to removing dangerous drugs like fentanyl from our community and holding those who traffic them accountable,” the sheriff’s office said.

Fentanyl is considered the most urgent drug threat facing North Carolina. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, just two milligrams—about the size of a few grains of salt—can be lethal. In 2023, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported more than 3,000 opioid-related overdose deaths statewide, with fentanyl involved in the majority of cases.

The sheriff’s office urges residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected drug activity to the RCSO ACE Team by calling or using the tip feature on the app.