PRESS RELEASE: Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office
On January 27, Narcotic Agents with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office I.C.E Unit were conducting surveillance on a residence in Gamewell when they observed a known, wanted man outside of the residence. The wanted man, Jabaris Rashawn Francis was wanted for Kidnapping and Assault on a Female from McDowell County.
Narcotic Agents observed Francis drive from the residence in his 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. Agents followed Francis until Sheriff’s deputies were in position to stop Francis’ vehicle on Connelly Springs Road. When the deputies attempted to stop Francis, he led deputies on a high-speed chase on the Connelly Springs Road. Francis crashed his vehicle and fled on foot, but was quickly apprehended by deputies near Conway Drive in Baton.
Narcotics Agents located a wrapped package in Francis’ possession that contained approximately 260 grams of Fentanyl and 70 grams of Methamphetamine. Agents also located over $6,700 in cash in Francis’ vehicle.
Jabaris Rashawn Francis, age 36, of Bristol Creek Avenue in Morganton was served with the outstanding warrants from McDowell County and then charged with 2 counts of Trafficking Fentanyl, 2 counts of Trafficking Methamphetamine, Maintaining a Vehicle to Distribute Narcotics and numerous driving charges. He was placed in the Caldwell Detention Center under a $1,055,000 secured bond. He has a court date schedule for January 28, 2025.
“We are sending a strong message to dope dealers. You will be found. Getting this poison of the street is our top priority”
Sheriff Kevin H. Bean
The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office is always in search of any information involving the use and distribution of illegal controlled substances. A concerned citizen’s
information and assistance will be kept confidential. If you have any information concerning illegal drug activity in Caldwell County, please contact the:
Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office I.C.E. Unit at 828-757-1178.
Lenoir Police Department’s Narcotics Division at 828-757-2145.
Hudson Police Department at 828-728-5021.
Granite Falls Police Department at 828-396-3358.
Caldwell County Crime Stoppers at 828-758-8300.
