Johnston County Detention Officer, Teenage Daughter Arrested On Drug Charges

Johnston County narcotics officers arrested detention officer Jerry Lynn Pierce on four felony drug charges Friday. Pierce's 16-year-old daughter also was arrested.

The 41-year-old Pierce, who worked at the Johnston County jail since November 2001, was fired on the spot by Sheriff Steve Bizzell.

Friday's arrests came after a search of Pierce's home. He was charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver, and maintaining a dwelling for the storage/sale of a controlled substance.

Deputies said that when they went into the house on Brogden Road, Pierce's daughter, Kristen, was bagging marijuana "for the purpose of selling and distributing." She was charged with two felony drug counts.

More than $3,000 worth of marijuana was seized, along with other drug paraphernalia, $300 in cash and other information relating to the illegal drug trade the Pierces were conducting.