Two Arrested in Rutheford County After Traffic Stop

Rutherford County -- July 18, 2024: Rutherford County Sheriff's Office: On July 10th, 2024, Investigators with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office A.C.E. Team

began to investigate the residence of 4042 U.S. 64 Hwy Lot #6 after receiving numerous tips of drug activity at this location.

During surveillance of the residence, Investigators watched a vehicle leave the residence. After getting behind the vehicle and checking the registration plate, the vehicle was traveling at a higher speed than the posted speed limit. As a result, a traffic stop was conducted. It was determined that the driver had a suspended driver’s license, and the passenger was wanted for outstanding warrants. During the traffic stop, K9 Ranger was deployed to conduct a free air sniff around the vehicle. K9 Ranger alerted to the odor of narcotics and a search of the vehicle was conducted.

During the search Investigators located 5.2 grams of powder Cocaine, 1 gram of crack Cocaine, 9.7 grams of Ecstasy, 1 gram of marijuana, and assorted drug paraphernalia. With information previously gathered and information from this traffic stop, Investigators applied for a search warrant.

Once issued, with the assistance of Investigators from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, the search warrant was executed. During the search, Investigators located 30 grams of yellow pressed Fentanyl pills, 5 grams of powder Fentanyl, 118 grams of Marijuana, 7 dosage units of Alprazolam, Suboxone, Scales, and Baggies. As a result, the following people were arrested and charged with the following:

James Lee Barbee, 40 of Rutherfordton:
Trafficking, Opium/Heroin (X2)
PWIMSD Marijuana
Simple Possession Schedule III
Simple Possession Schedule IV

Barbee received a $750,000.00 secured bond set by a District Court Judge.
Kenyon Bernard Jones, 25 of Ellenboro
PWIMSD Sch I CS
PWIMSD Sch II CS (X2)
Simple Possess Sch VI CS
Possess Drug Paraphernalia
Jones received a $10,000.00 secured bond set by a District Court Judge

Editor's Note:* A criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.