Two Arrested With Multiple Felony Charges After Ongoing Narcotics Investigation

On Tuesday May 9, 2022, the Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes and Special Operations Units began an investigation of suspected narcotics distribution from a Burlington residence. The suspects were identified as Tyrell Gregory Watlington and Rodney Lamar Bell.  During the investigation, on Monday May 16, 2022, Mr. Watlington was stopped for a speeding violation on I-40 east at Huffman Mill Rd. Mr. Watlington was accompanied by Mr. Bell.

A K-9 gave positive indication of contraband in the vehicle. Deputies conducted a probable cause search and located 172.95 grams of cocaine located under the front passenger seat of the vehicle.

Mr. Watlington and Mr. Bell were placed under arrest. During a search of Mr. Watlington’s person, Deputies found .81 grams of fentanyl in his possession.  A search of Mr. Bell’s person found him to be in possession of 3.86 grams of marijuana.

Pursuant to the investigation and traffic stop, a search warrant was conducted at Mr. Watlington’s residence, 344 Foster St., Burlington, NC. During a search of the residence, an additional 43.98 grams of cocaine, 14.66 grams of fentanyl, 3.36 grams of marijuana, 31 dosage units of Suboxone, 1 dosage unit of Lorazepam, and a stolen firearm were located. Both suspects were transported to the Alamance County Detention Center.

Name:             Tyrell Gregory Watlington  B/M/34

Address:         344 Foster St., Burlington, NC

Charges:         3cts: Felony Trafficking in Cocaine

1ct:   Felony Trafficking Opium or Heroin

2cts: Felony Possession With Intent to Sell Distribute Cocaine

1ct:   Possession of Fentanyl

1ct:  Felony Possession With Intent to Sell Distribute Sch II Controlled Substance

1ct:  Felony Maintaining a Dwelling Place for Controlled Substance

1ct:  Felony Possession of a Stolen Firearm

1ct:  Felony Possession of Firearm by Felon

1ct:  Felony Possession With Intent to Sell Distribute Marijuana

1ct:  Felony Possession With Intent to Sell Distribute Suboxone

1ct:  Misdemeanor Simple Possession Lorazepam

1ct:  Misdemeanor Possession Marijuana Paraphernalia

1ct:  Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Bond:              $375,000 secured

Name:             Rodney Lamar Bell   B/M/33

Address:         661 Grooms Rd., Reidsville, NC

Charges:         2cts: Felony Trafficking in Cocaine

1ct:   Felony Possession With Intent to Sell Distribute Cocaine PWISD

1ct:   Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana

1ct:   Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

1ct:   Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia

Bond:              $250,000 secured