Two Tennessee Residents Arrested in Old Fort on Stolen Vehicle and Drug Trafficking Charges

On Friday, September 19, deputies with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, working with the Old Fort Police Department, arrested two suspects in connection with a stolen vehicle.

The arrests took place in the parking lot of a business in Old Fort, where deputies located the vehicle along with illegal drugs. The suspects, identified as 30-year-old Matthew Paul Smith of Kingsport, Tennessee, and 31-year-old Amber Noelle Harr of Blountville, Tennessee, were taken into custody without incident.

Sheriff Ricky T. Buchanan credited the teamwork between agencies, noting that the operation demonstrated the value of collaboration in keeping the community safe.

Smith was charged with two counts of felony trafficking in methamphetamine, felony maintaining a vehicle, dwelling, or place for a controlled substance, felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance, felony possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, and felony possession of a stolen motor vehicle. His bond was set at $200,000 secured.

Harr was charged with two counts of felony trafficking in methamphetamine, felony maintaining a vehicle, dwelling, or place for a controlled substance, felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance, and felony possession of a Schedule I controlled substance. Her bond was set at $50,000 secured.

Authorities said additional charges are pending as the investigation continues.