ROCKINGHAM — A man with several prior drug-related convictions is now accused of trafficking meth and fentanyl into Richmond County.
Investigators with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Community Impact Team executed a search warrant — following an investigation into illegal narcotic sales in East Rockingham — at a home in Church Street on Sept. 5, according to a press release posted on social media.
During the search, investigators reportedly seized 18.09 grams of fentanyl (listed in the arrest warrant as opium) and 76.87 grams of methamphetamine, as well as three firearms, three sets of digital scales, a blender, and $9,157 in cash.
According to a warrant, those firearms were: a Ruger SR9C 9mm handgun; a Hi-Point model 4595 45ACP rifle; and a Hi-Point model 995 9mm rifle.
Investigators charged the home’s occupant, 34-year-old Larry Stuart McDonald, with: trafficking in opium or heroin; trafficking in methamphetamine; possession of a firearm by a felon; maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance; and possession of drug paraphernalia.
(NOTE: Jail records have his middle name spelled as “Stuart.”)
McDonald was initially booked into the Richmond County Jail without bond. Records show his bond was set during a Sept. 10 hearing, and he is now being held on a combined $350,000 secured bond.
According to the sheriff’s office, McDonald was out on bail for previous trafficking charges, however the RO could not find those charges in online court records.
Records do show that McDonald has pending charge of fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle stemming from earlier in the year. A criminal summons was issued Feb. 20 and returned May 2.
McDonald appears to have failed to show up for court on that charge July 2 and an order for arrest was issued. Records show he also failed to appear on July 23. The OFA does not appear to have been returned.
Court records show McDonald also has multiple pending traffic citations.
Records with the N.C. Department of Adult Correction show McDonald was first convicted in 2016 for selling a Schedule VI controlled substance and possession with intent to sell a Schedule VI controlled substance.
He was convicted of possession of a firearm by a felon in 2016 and given probation — which was revoked in 2022 when he was convicted in Anson County of possession with intent to sell a Schedule II controlled substance. Later that year, he was convicted of selling a Schedule I controlled substance.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
