West Marion Man Sentenced in Meth Trafficking Case

On September 23, 2025, Shannon Jerome Carroll, 49, entered a guilty plea in McDowell County Superior Court to multiple drug-related charges. Carroll pled guilty to two counts of felony trafficking in methamphetamine, felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine, felony possession of methamphetamine, and felony maintaining a vehicle, dwelling, or place for a controlled substance.

Following his plea, Carroll was sentenced to a minimum of 150 months and a maximum of 207 months in prison.

The case began on October 24, 2024, when Detective Matt Smith of the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop in the West Marion area for traffic violations. During the stop, authorities discovered Carroll had outstanding warrants. A search of the vehicle uncovered trafficking quantities of methamphetamine along with items consistent with distribution.

Sheriff Ricky T. Buchanan credited the work of detectives and staff in pursuing the case. He emphasized their efforts in removing dangerous drugs from the community and expressed appreciation for District Attorney Ted Bell and his office for their role in the prosecution.