On August 10, 2020, William Ricky Yates of La Grange, North Carolina was arrested, pursuant to a narcotics investigation conducted by the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit.

During the investigation Detectives were assisted by Officers with the North Carolina Probation and Parole Office. Pursuant to a search of Yates residence, Detectives located approximately nine grams of crystal methamphetamine along with scales and packaging materials, which indicated that crystal methamphetamine was being distributed from the residence.

Detectives charged Yates with Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver crystal methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Yates was currently on Probation as a result of being convicted of previous state drug charges, therefore additional probation violation charges are pending.

Yates was given a total secured bond of $10,000.00. Pursuant to Yates being processed he was placed in the WE Billy Smith Detention Facility.