Catawba County, NC – On January 20, 2026, a Catawba County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Juan Sebastian Solarte, 26, with Death by Distribution and Sell Schedule II Controlled Substance in connection with the death of Jacob Lee Kirk.
Kirk was found deceased at his residence in February 2025. An autopsy conducted by the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be fentanyl toxicity.
Following the indictment, Solarte was located and taken into custody on February 3, 2026, by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in Boca Raton, Florida. Solarte is currently being held pending extradition back to North Carolina.
“I want the family of Jacob Kirk to know that we remain committed to accountability and seeing this case through. I extend my sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Kirk,” said Sheriff Don Brown.
Anyone with information about drug-related activity is encouraged to contact our confidential tipline at 828-466-ATIP (2847), visit our website, or use the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office mobile application.
