Alexander County Drug Investigation Leads To Three Arrests

The Alexander County Sheriff’s Office initiated a drug investigation in October 2025 on Steffey Lane in the Bethlehem area of Alexander County. The investigation resulted in the arrest of three individuals on multiple felony drug charges.

Steven Douglas Brown, age 49, of Taylorsville was charged with:
▪ One count of Trafficking Methamphetamine
▪ One count of Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Methamphetamine
▪ One count of Maintaining a Dwelling to Sell Controlled Substances
Brown was placed under a $60,000 secured bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for November 24, 2025 in Alexander County District Court.
Dezarae Lyn Merritt, age 34, of Taylorsville was charged with:
▪ One count of Trafficking Methamphetamine
▪ One count of Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Methamphetamine
▪ One count of Maintaining a Dwelling to Sell Controlled Substances
Merritt is being held in the Alexander County Detention Center under no bond. Her first court appearance is scheduled for November 24, 2025 in Alexander County District Court.
Felicia Marie Elwell, age 40, of Taylorsville was charged with:
▪ One count of Trafficking Methamphetamine
▪ One count of Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Methamphetamine
▪ One count of Maintaining a Dwelling to Sell Controlled Substances
Elwell is being held at the Alexander County Detention Center under a $60,000 secured bond. Her first court appearance is scheduled for November 24, 2025 in Alexander County District Court.

Alexander County Sheriff’s Office