Chad Lee Smith, 44, of Hickory, was found guilty as charged by a Catawba County jury last week and given an active prison term.
The 12-member jury rendered its verdict on Wednesday, July 31, 2019, to conclude a three-day trial. Jurors found Smith guilty of possession with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver cocaine, possession of cocaine, possession with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver marijuana, and maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances.
Following the jury’s verdict, the Honorable Jesse B. Caldwell, Superior Court Judge from Gaston County, imposed an active prison sentence of 33 to 67 months for Smith, who will serve the term in custody of the North Carolina Division of Adult Corrections.
Using tips about illegal drug activity, narcotics officers from Hickory Police Department launched an investigation of the defendant.
During a traffic stop on January 18, 2018, HPD officers found cocaine in a vehicle with Smith inside. Based on tips and the cocaine found in the vehicle, officers obtained a search warrant for the defendant’s residence. Executing the search on January 19, 2018, officers found drug paraphernalia – ledgers, scales, baggies and straws – along with cocaine and marijuana at the residence.
The investigation was handled by the Hickory Police Department Narcotics Unit, and Assistant District Attorney Jessica Phillips prosecuted the case for the State.
CONTACT: Nathan Key
Phone: 828-695-6193
Email: Nathan.D.Key@nccourts.org