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A man arrested during a drug bust earlier this week is now facing a murder charge for his alleged involvement in an overdose death.
On May 27, 2024, deputies with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence on Highland Avenue in reference to a possible cardiac arrest that appeared to be an overdose.
Upon arrival, deputies found the victim, Johnathon Pruitt, deceased inside the home.
On Monday, Rutherford County investigators began investigating a home on Harris Henrietta Road in Mooresville due to multiple narcotics complaints.
During the investigation, authorities spotted 63-year-old Kenneth Ray Melton leaving the home on foot. Investigators spoke with Melton and he gave consent for investigators to search him. Law enforcement found multiple baggies of fentanyl on Melton.
Melton was arrested and charged with the following:
- Possession with intent to manufacture sell and distribute a Schedule II controlled substance
- Maintaining a dwelling for controlled substance
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Possession of drug paraphernalia