Executive Summary
- Joint task force involving ATF and Rutherford County Sheriff investigated the ring for months.
- Investigators seized 8.83 lbs of methamphetamine, 3.25 lbs of fentanyl, and 4.75 lbs of cocaine.
- Suspect Robert McEntire led police on a vehicle pursuit before being apprehended with a K-9 unit.
- McEntire is identified as a validated member of the Eight Trey Gangster Crips.
- Both primary suspects face multiple felony trafficking charges and are held without bond.
A months-long joint investigation involving federal and local law enforcement in Rutherford County, North Carolina, culminated this week in the dismantling of an alleged drug trafficking operation and the seizure of nearly 17 pounds of narcotics, including fentanyl and methamphetamine.
The operation, conducted by the Tri-City Violent Crimes Task Force, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), focused on the activities of Robert Karon McEntire, also known as “Slay,” and Harold Lee Ballard, also known as “Chop.” Authorities allege the two men conspired to traffic substantial quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana throughout the region.
The investigation intensified Tuesday morning when Sheriff’s investigators attempted to stop a 2017 Porsche Cayenne driven by McEntire on Highway 74 near the Old Caroleen Road exit. According to law enforcement reports, McEntire fled the scene, initiating a pursuit through Forest City. During the chase, McEntire allegedly discarded a black book bag from the vehicle, which investigators subsequently recovered.
After abandoning the vehicle near Forest Street and 2nd Street, McEntire fled on foot. A perimeter was established, and K-9 units tracked the suspect to a residence on Forest Street. Following the execution of a search warrant, McEntire was discovered hiding inside the home. Three other individuals—Delvin A. Wiggins, Jamarius Williams, and Telly Kelly Jr.—were present and charged with resisting, delaying, and obstructing officers. A second search warrant was executed at a separate property on Hamilton Street.
In total, authorities seized 8.83 pounds of methamphetamine, 3.25 pounds of fentanyl, 4.75 pounds of cocaine, a firearm, two vehicles, and $530 in cash. McEntire, identified by law enforcement as a validated member of the Eight Trey Gangster Crips, faces numerous charges, including multiple counts of trafficking in methamphetamine, opium or heroin, and cocaine, as well as possession of a firearm by a felon. Ballard faces similar conspiracy and trafficking charges.
Investigative Impact & Legal Status
The seizure of over three pounds of fentanyl represents a significant disruption to the local illicit supply chain, given the high lethality of the synthetic opioid. The involvement of the ATF and the identification of gang affiliations suggest that law enforcement is prioritizing the dismantling of organized criminal networks that overlap with violent crime and narcotics distribution. Both McEntire and Ballard are currently being held without bond at the Rutherford County Detention Center. It is important to note that all individuals named in this report are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
