Hickory Couple Busted On Felony Drug Trafficking Charges

28-year-old Daniel Austin Rhoney and 26-year-old Brandy Leigh Ledford, both of Hickory, were arrested Tuesday (March 25) by Catawba County Sheriff’s Officers.

Rhoney is charged with resisting a public officer, assault inflicting physical injury on a law enforcement officer, two counts of trafficking opium/heroin, possession with intent to manufacture, sell, and deliver a Schedule II controlled substance, possession of marijuana up to half an ounce, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Rhoney was also served with an outstanding order for arrest from Caldwell County for misdemeanor larceny and another from Catawba County for possession of a Schedule II controlled substance. Ledford was charged with trafficking opium/heroin and felony maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances.

On Tuesday, a deputy with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle for displaying a fictitious license plate. The vehicle was occupied by Daniel Austin Rhoney and Brandy Leigh Ledford. During the stop, Rhoney fled on foot, leading to a struggle that resulted in injuries to the deputy. The deputy took Rhoney into custody.

Narcotics Investigators assisting with the incident, developed probable cause to search the vehicle and found approximately 416 grams of fentanyl, three grams of methamphetamine, five grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and $1,428 in cash.

On March 26, Rhoney appeared in District Court, where his bond was set at $650,000 secured. Ledford also appeared in court, where her bond was set at $100,000 secured.

Story: Rob Eastwood-WHKY