Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office Executes Search Warrant Following Narcotics Investigation

On March 10, 2026, the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 2247-B Flint Hill Church Road following an ongoing narcotics investigation.

As a result of the investigation, multiple individuals were charged in connection with illegal narcotics activity at the residence.

The Cleveland County Sheriffs blocking off 2247-B Flint Hill Church Road

Cleveland County Sheriff Department

Ricky Irvin Pearson, also known as “Ricardo,” was identified as a primary suspect in the investigation and faces multiple felony charges including:

• Possession of Firearm by Felon
• Trafficking Methamphetamine (4 counts)
• Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, and Deliver Methamphetamine (7 counts)
• Sell/Deliver Methamphetamine (5 counts)
• Felony Maintaining a Dwelling for Controlled Substances

Ricky Irvin Pearson

Cleveland County Sheriff Department

John Chadwick Montgomery was found to be in possession of approximately 3 grams of marijuana and 4.35 grams of methamphetamine Montgomery was charged with the following offenses:

• Possession of Firearm by Felon
• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Possession of Marijuana
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

John Chadwick Montgomery

Cleveland County Sheriff Department

was found to be in possession of approximately 20 grams of methamphetamine and was charged with:

• Possession of Schedule IV Controlled Substance
• Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, and Deliver Methamphetamine
• Possession of a Controlled Substance on Jail Premises

Ashlin Montana Smith

Cleveland County Sheriff Department

During the course of the investigation, investigators seized a total of 127.4 grams of methamphetamine from Pearson through controlled operations. 

Smith and Montgomery are currently being held in the Cleveland County Detention Center under no bond.

Pearson is being held in the Cleveland County Detention Center under a bond of $750,000.

The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate illegal narcotics activity throughout the county and remains committed to identifying and prosecuting those responsible for distributing illegal drugs in our community.

Sheriff Norman states that:

“Individuals who make the choice to violate the laws of North Carolina by selling illegal drugs will be held accountable. Our deputies work tirelessly to protect the citizens of Cleveland County, and we will continue to aggressively pursue those who threaten the safety of our communities.”

Anyone with information related to illegal drug activity is encouraged to contact the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office.

Editor Note:

The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office can be reached at their non-emergency phone number, (704) 484-4888, or via the contact us page on their website.