US Attorney’s Office Announce Area Arrests

U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson announced today that in April, the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged 11 defendants with criminal charges related to firearms offenses and immigration-related violations as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to curb illegal immigration, achieve the elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect local communities from perpetrators of violent crime. Included are two defendants from the greater Hickory metro area.

33-year-old Steven Tyler Philbeck of Lincolnton was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and distribution of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that Philbeck distributed methamphetamine in Catawba County in February of this year and illegally possessed a Glock 19 9mm handgun in furtherance of drug trafficking activity.

47-year-old Norris Lashane Myers of Lenoir was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The indictment alleges that Myers, who is a convicted felon, possessed a Taurus 9mm handgun.

Additional defendants are from Charlotte, Huntersville, Monroe, Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala.

In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson credited a number of agencies, including the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hickory Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys with the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the cases.