Two People Face Drug Trafficking Charges in Yancey County

Yancey County -- February 29, 2024:  Yancey County Sheriff's Office reported the following arrests Wednesday:

On February 23rd, law enforcement officers arrested:

Whitley Brooke McMahan, 31

Charged with Felony Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Methamphetamine, Felony Trafficking in Opium or Heroin, Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Schedule II Controlled Substance, Felony Possession of Controlled Substance Prison/Jail Premises, and Possession Drug Paraphernalia. McMahan was held in the Yancey County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond.

John Harold Ramey, 65, of Burnsville, was charged with Felony Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Felony Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana up to 1/2 oz, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Ramey was held in the Yancey County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond.

Jerry William Laws, 64, of Burnsville, was charged with a Probation Violation and issued a $10,000 bond.

Sheriff Hilliard underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, "According to the DEA, 2 mg is a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. This means we took 20,000 potentially lethal doses of fentanyl off the street this weekend. The Yancey County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to tirelessly combating the distribution and sale of dangerous substances within our community."

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.