On July 24, 2025, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team (SERT), working alongside narcotics investigators, executed a search warrant at 1304 Forest Park Drive in Statesville. The warrant was the result of an investigation into the illegal sale of cocaine in the area.
During the search, authorities seized approximately three-quarters of a pound of powdered cocaine, two firearms, and $3,000 in cash believed to be proceeds from drug sales. The estimated street value of the seized narcotics is $33,600.
Marlon O’Neal Dalton was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he was formally charged with the following offenses:
- Felony Level 2 Trafficking of a Schedule II Controlled Substance
- Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance
- Felony Maintaining a Dwelling Place for the Sale or Use of a Controlled Substance
Dalton appeared before Magistrate M. Nethken, who issued no bond on the new drug-related charges. At the time of this arrest, Dalton was already out on secured bond awaiting trial on charges including Felony Attempted First-Degree Murder, Felony Habitual Felon, Felony Possession of a Stolen Firearm, and Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 2, 2025.
Sheriff Darren Campbell stated that the Sheriff’s Office remains focused on removing illegal drugs and repeat offenders from the community, adding that the Emergency Response Team is trained to handle high-risk operations such as this.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials indicate that additional arrests may follow.
