On June 14, 2026, at approximately 9:50 PM, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Deputy Caleb Charles arrived at a residence on Cromwell Lane in Fairfield Glade to serve an active warrant. Upon arrival, Deputy Charles observed 63-year-old Rodney Leon Gibson and 56-year-old Richie Wayne Smith appearing unconscious or asleep inside an open garage.

Outside the garage doorway, the deputy spotted a plastic baggie with a white powdery residue inside a nearby trash can; a field test of the residue came back positive for methamphetamine. During the encounter, a female resident exited into the garage but immediately retreated and locked the door upon seeing law enforcement. Fearing the destruction of evidence, Deputy Charles forced entry through the door after another resident attempted to block his path.

Once inside, the first female resident waived her Miranda rights and directed the deputy to a bedroom dresser drawer containing items she claimed belonged to Gibson. The drawer contained various items of drug paraphernalia—including used syringes, spoons, and bags with crystal residue—alongside two baggies containing approximately 1.01 grams and 1.53 grams of a white powder believed to be fentanyl. Based on the packaging and quantity of the narcotics, both men were arrested at 10:00 PM and transported to intake.

Rodney Gibson was charged with manufacturing, delivering, or selling a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia, with total bonds set at $31,000. Richie Smith was charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, with a bond set at $2,000. Both individuals have a scheduled court appearance on July 20, 2026.

Due to the female residents not having specifically mentioned charges in the report, their names have been left out.