Christopher Melton, of Fayetteville, was arrested Wednesday following an investigation into distribution of drugs into the county prison. Deputies said Melton had 4.5 pounds of marijuana and 4.5 ounces of cocaine at the time of his arrest, with a street value of more than $17,000.
According to Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell, Melton was taken into custody in the Food Lion parking lot in Selma after receiving drugs that were intended for distribution into the Johnston Correctional Institute on U.S. Highway 70 near Smithfield. In addition to the drugs, deputies seized a Chevrolet Tahoe registered to Melton, as well as his bank accounts.
Bizzell said he is working with Tom Carroll, superintendent of the Johnston Correctional Institute, to prevent illegal drugs from entering the facility. He said the investigation continues.
Melton faces felony charges of trafficking cocaine by possession, trafficking cocaine by transportation, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and maintaining a vehicle for the purposes of keeping and/or selling a controlled substance. He remained in the Johnston County Jail on Thursday under a $500,000 secured bond.
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