Suspects arrested following drug trafficking investigation

Zachery George Stephenson, 31, of Bessemer City, and 40-year-old Devin Johnson, whose address was not listed, were arrested by Lenoir police officers on Tuesday (July 16). As WHKY previously reported, Stephenson is charged with two counts of aggravated trafficking in methamphetamine, along with a single count of aggravated possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver meth and maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances. Stephenson is also charged with failure to report an accident, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting, delaying or obstructing a public official, hit and run and reckless driving.

Johnson is charged with two counts of probation violation and one count of resisting a public official. A third suspect was arrested on a misdemeanor charge.

Investigators with the Lenoir Police Department, Caldwell County Sheriff’s ICE Unit, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation investigated the sale and distribution of methamphetamine within the city limits of Lenoir and Caldwell County. During the investigation, it was determined that Zachery Stephenson was distributing meth in the community.

On Tuesday, investigators observed Stephenson driving a 2024 Chevrolet car on Warren Place in Lenoir despite a suspended license. Officers conducted a traffic stop on Warren Place; as officers approached the vehicle, Stephenson fled. After driving a short distance on Warren Place, Stephenson crashed into a small trailer. Immediately after the accident, Stephenson and two other passengers in the vehicle fled on foot.

After a brief foot chase, Stephenson and the other passengers were arrested. During a search of the vehicle, officers found 411.2 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and $1,626.00. The seized suspected narcotics have a street value of $61,650.00 according to North Carolina drug guidelines.

Stephenson was held in the Caldwell County Detention Center on $750,000 bail. A District Court appearance is scheduled for August 7. Johnson’s bail was set at $4,500. His District Court appearance is scheduled for July 31.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or other crimes should contact the Lenoir City Police Department at 828-757-2100.