Hickory Man Enters Plea In Drug Case

A Hickory man has been sentenced to prison in a drug case in Catawba County. The sentence followed a guilty plea and habitual felon admission in court. 59-year-old Rodney Oneal Lavan will serve five to eight years in prison following his conviction for possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance. According to court records, Lavan also admitted to habitual felon status in the case.

The sentence was imposed Wednesday (January 21) during Catawba County Superior Court. Superior Court Judge Nathaniel J. Poovey ordered the active prison term after Lavan entered a guilty plea. Court records show the sentence was enhanced based on prior felony convictions in Catawba County. Those convictions include possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine in June 1994, selling cocaine in May 2000, and habitual larceny in July 2020.

The charges stem from a traffic stop on April 15, 2025, according to the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said illegal substances were discovered and seized from Lavan and his vehicle during the stop. Authorities reported a smoking pipe was seen in plain view, and Lavan told a deputy he had drugs on him. Investigators said Lavan attempted to destroy additional narcotics after exiting the vehicle, and some powdery substance was recovered.

Deputies also reported finding additional substances in multiple locations inside the vehicle. Testing by the State Crime Lab confirmed the substances were fentanyl and cocaine.

Story: Rob Eastwood-WHKY