ROCKINGHAM — Investigators with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office reportedly found meth at the site of a marijuna grow operation.
According to the sheriff’s office, a search warrant was served at two properties on Old Cheraw Highway Dec. 10 by the Community Impact Team and Criminal Investigations Division.
Joining the sheriff’s office were representatives of the Rockingham Police Department’s Vice/Narcotics Unit and “assorted” state and federal agencies.
During the search, investigators reportedly found: 590 grams (20.81 ounces) of marijuana; 7.65 grams of methamphetamine; a “large indoor marijuana operation;” and seven firearms, including one with an altered or “obliterated” serial number.
The only firearm mentioned in an arrest warrant was a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun.
Investigators charged 29-year-old Brittany Cheyanne Stutts, of the home, with one felony count each of manufacturing marijuana, possession of marijuana, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Christopher Scott Stirk, 54, was charged with one felony count each of manufacturing marijuana, possession of marijuana, and maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance.
Stutts was given a combined $35,000 secured bond and released on bail the same day, and Stirk was given a $10,000 unsecured bond. Both are scheduled to appear in court Dec. 18.
Records with the N.C. Department of Adult Correction show Stutts was convicted in 2021 of felony larceny. Her probation was revoked the following year and she was incarcerated for nearly four months.
Stirk was convicted in 1993 of driving while impaired, and again in 2002 on misdemeanor charges of possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance and maintaining any place for a controlled substance. He received probation in both cases.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
