Update: Nearly a Kilo of Meth and 17 Firearms Seized in Nebo, Sheriff's Office Says

Robert McCoy Bradley Jr., 68, of Nebo, North Carolina, was arrested Thursday, January 23, 2026, on multiple felony charges, according to court records obtained and first exclusively reported on Jan. 26 on WCAB News.

Bradley, a repeat offender with a history of trafficking and drug-related convictions, is facing five charges stemming from a single incident reported by the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office. The charges include:

• Trafficking in methamphetamine

• Possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver methamphetamine

• Maintaining a vehicle, dwelling, or place for controlled substances

• Possession of a firearm by a felon

• Felony possession of marijuana

  
  

Authorities issued warrants and executed Bradley’s arrest on the same day. The McDowell District Court set his bond at $500,000, allowing for secured cash, property, or professional surety options. All of these allegations are according to the NC Judicial Branch eCourts portal.

Bradley’s criminal history underscores the severity of the current charges. Court records indicate previous convictions for attempted trafficking of methamphetamine, carrying a concealed weapon, and maintaining a location for controlled substances. He served nearly three years in prison following a 2021 conviction in Buncombe County and was released on post-release supervision in November 2021. His parole concluded in August 2022, according to public records.

The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office released additional details about the circumstances leading to Bradley’s arrest on January 29. Below is the full statement.

"On the morning of Friday, January 23, McDowell County Drug Enforcement along with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office Swat Team executed a narcotics search warrant at a convicted felon’s home in Nebo.

At the residence of Robert McCoy Bradley, Jr., was found 940 grams of methamphetamine,1200 grams of marijuana, 17 firearms and a substantial amount of U.S. currency.

He received the following charges by MCSO Lieutenant Richard Pittman:

• Felony Trafficking in Methamphetamine

• Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine

• Felony Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substance

• Felony Possession of a Firearm by Felon

• Felony Possession of Marijuana

Bradley received a secured bond of $500,000.

“This arrest sends a clear message to those who choose to engage in this type of criminal activity, that it will not be tolerated in McDowell County, and we WILL continue to aggressively pursue those who put our citizens at risk,” said Sheriff Ricky T. Buchanan.

McDowell County Drug Enforcement consists of law enforcement from the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, Marion Police Department and the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation. “Collaboration is a strong component to these successful outcomes,” said Chief Deputy Nathan Mace. We are grateful for the opportunity to be able to work together with the incredible men and women who are part of McDowell County Drug Enforcement. We are also very grateful for our MCSO SWAT team who regularly get the job done!” 

Chip Hawley, N.C. SBI Director, stated the following: “The NC SBI is always pleased to assist with cases to get illegal drugs and guns off our streets and away from communities in North Carolina.  Our partnership with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office has proven many times over how working together accomplishes so much more for both agencies.  We are proud of our alliance, and together we will hold these drug dealers accountable for the destruction they inflict on the people of Western North Carolina.”