The Alexander County Sheriff’s Office initiated a drug investigation in October 2025 on Steffey Lane in the Bethlehem area of Alexander County. The investigation resulted in the arrest of three individuals on multiple felony drug charges.
Steven Douglas Brown W/M, age 49, of Taylorsville, Dezarae Lyn Merritt B/F, age 34, of Taylorsville, and Felicia Marie Elwell W/F, age 40, of Taylorsville were each charged with:
One count of Trafficking Methamphetamine One count of Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Methamphetamine One count of Maintaining a Dwelling to Sell Controlled SubstancesBrown and Elwell were taken to the Alexander County Detention Center and each placed under a $60,000 secured bond. Merritt is being held in the Alexander County Detention Center under no bond.
All three have a first court appearance scheduled for Monday November 24th in Alexander County District Court.
