Former Taylorsville Business Owner Sentenced On Felony Drug Charges

A former Taylorsville business owner has been sentenced to prison in a Federal drug case.

41-year old Larry Elwood Steptoe will serve 20 years in a Federal Institution after being sentenced on Wednesday, June 13th in U.S. District Court.

In December 2020, law enforcement learned that Steptoe was trafficking narcotics in Catawba and Alexander counties. Over the course of a five-month investigation, law enforcement determined that Steptoe was selling substantial amounts of methamphetamine and crack cocaine and conducted the majority of the drug sales from his auto detailing business in Taylorsville.

On May 13, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Steptoe’s home in Catawba County, seizing $2,700 in U.S. currency, approximately 20 grams of crack cocaine, and approximately 284 grams of methamphetamine. Court records show that Steptoe engaged in drug trafficking while he was on probation for state drug charges. As a result of Steptoe’s previous federal drug conviction and state felony drug conviction, the Court sentenced Steptoe as a career offender.

Agencies involved in the investigation and arrest include the ATF, NC Burau of Investigation, Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, Hickory Police and the Taylorsville Police Department.