Narcotics Investigation Leads to 6 Arrests

Jefferson, N.C. – Sheriff B. Phil Howell announces the arrest of 5 individuals resulting from a narcotics investigation that took place over several months in 2023. The investigation was conducted by the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, GraysonCo. Sheriff’s Office, and Wilkesboro PoliceDepartment. In recent months, over 3 lbs. ofMethamphetamine was recovered and seized.

Danny Cole Lawrence, 52-year-old male from Grassy Creek, NC, is currently being held in the Ashe County Detention Center under a no bond. Lawrence’s charges include:
•3 Felony Counts PWIMSD Sch. II Controlled Substance
•2 Felony Counts Sell Sch. II Controlled Substance
•2 Felony Counts Deliver Sch. II Controlled Substance
•2 Felony Possession Sch. II Controlled Substance
•Felony Trafficking in Methamphetamine
•Felony Possession of Firearm by Felon
•Felony Extradition/Fugitive Other State

Autumn Hall Whitaker, 29-year-old female of Rural Treat, VA, is currently being held in the Ashe County Detention Center under a $1,000,000 secured bond. Whitaker’s charges include:
•9 Felony Counts of Trafficking in Methamphetamine
•2 Felony Counts Conspire Traffic Methamphetamine
•Felony Sell Sch. II Controlled Substance
•Felony Deliver Sch. II Controlled Substance
•Felony PWIMSD Methamphetamine
•Felony Possession Sch. II Controlled Substance

Jamie Evan Walters, 40-year-old male of Grassy Creek, NC, was booked at the Ashe County Detention Center under a $500,000 secured bond and later released. Walter’s charges include:
• 3 Felony Counts Sell Sch. II Controlled Substance
• 3 Felony Counts Deliver Sch. II Controlled Substance
• 3 Felony Counts Trafficking Methamphetamine
• Felony Maintain Veh/Dwell/Place CS
• Felony Conspiracy Sell Deliver Schedule II CS

Christopher Charles Campbell, 31-year-old male of Grassy Creek, NC, is currently being held at the Alleghany Detention Center under a $503,500 secured bond. Campbell’s charges include:
• 3 Felony Counts Trafficking in Methamphetamine
• Defrauding Drug/Alcohol Screen Tests
• Post Release Violation

Anthony Grant Hopkins Jr, 34-year-old male of West Jefferson, NC, is currently being held in the Ashe County Detention Center under a $475,000 secured bond. Hopkin’s charges include:
• 2 Felony Counts Trafficking in Methamphetamine
• Conspire Traffic Methamphetamine

Lance James Mahala, 24-year-old male of Jefferson, NC, is currently being held in the Ashe County Detention Center under a no bond Mahala’s charges include:
• 2 Felony Counts Trafficking in Methamphetamine
• Post Release Violation