mcdowell county Archives - Fentanyl Victims Network of North Carolina

WNC couple charged after child tests positive for drugs, deputies say

Read the original article and watch the video on the FoxCarolina website.

MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. (FOX Carolina) – The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office reports a couple were arrested after child tested positive for drugs.

A detective spoke with 39-year-olds Preston and Bethany Hensley on Jan. 13 after a referral from the McDowell County Department of Social Services, officials said.

Deputies report an investigation led to the children in the Hensley’s home being tested for narcotics exposure. A search warrant was also executed at their residence in Marion before 17 grams of cocaine were located.

Preston & Bethany Hensley(McDowell County Sheriff’s Office)

The Hensley’s were both charged with exposing a child to a controlled substance, possession of cocaine and maintain a vehicle, dwelling or place for controlled substance.

Bethany was issued a $75,000 secured bond on the first charge and a $20,000 secured bond for the other two. Preston was initially denied bond for the first charge due to being out on pretrial release. He was issued a $25,000 bond for the other charges.

North Carolina man charged after 22-year-old dies of fatal drug overdose, deputies say

Read the original article on the WYFF 4 website.

MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. —

A man in McDowell County, North Carolina, has been charged after a 22-year-old’s death was ruled an overdose.

On July 10, 2025, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a cardiac arrest.

When deputies arrived, they found Garrett Shepard dead at a home.

In February 2026, an autopsy reported Shephard had died from toxic levels of fentanyl and cocaine in his body. There were no signs of trauma or injury.

Investigators determined 46-year-old James Curtis Johnson was responsible for distributing the drugs to Shepard and was charged with felony death by distribution.

“This case is a tragic reminder of the deadly consequences tied to fentanyl and illegal drug distribution,” said Chief Deputy Nathan Mace. “When individuals choose to sell or share these substances, they are putting lives at risk—and in this case, it cost a young man his life.”