Investigation by Sheriff's Office leads to narcotics arrest in Mooresboro

Staff Reports | Cleveland County Sheriff's Office

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CRIME — The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division executed a search warrant on May 14, 2026, concluding a months-long investigation into a residence at 130 Shady Ln. in Mooresboro, NC. The operation resulted in the seizure of illegal narcotics and weapons, leading to the arrest of Stephanie Walton.

Authorities recovered a variety of controlled substances and firearms during the search:

• Cocaine: 15.8 grams (Estimated street value: $1,600)

• Marijuana: 26 grams (Estimated street value: $200)

• Ecstasy (MDMA): 15 pills (Estimated street value: $300)

• Firearms: Two weapons were confiscated.

Stephanie Walton, identified as a convicted felon, faces several felony charges:

(Charges listed below...)

(Charges...)

• Possession of a Firearm by a Felon

• Multiple Counts of Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver Cocaine (5 counts total)

• Multiple Counts of Sell/Deliver Cocaine (4 counts total)

• Possession With Intent to Sell/Deliver MDMA

• Maintaining a Dwelling for Controlled Substances

Cleveland County Sheriff Alan Norman spoke on the arrest, stating, "This arrest reflects the continued commitment of our deputies to aggressively target those bringing dangerous drugs like cocaine into our community, and we will remain focused on protecting the citizens of Cleveland County.”

Walton is currently being held at the Cleveland County Detention Center under No Bond.

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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent. 

The Shelby Independent.