STATESVILLE, N.C. — The Iredell County Sheriff's Office said complaints about possible drug-related activity at a Statesville motel led to not only drug charges for a man but also charges for possessing child sex abuse material.
In a news release on Thursday, Dec. 21, deputies said they got several citizen complaints about the alleged drug use from a room at the Best In Town motel on West Front Street. They then investigated, conducting surveillance before making their move on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023. The sheriff's office said they handled a traffic stop for 42-year-old Brian Dean McGarity.
During the search, investigators said they found about 26.7 grams of meth and 1.3 grams of fentanyl. The combined street value is about $2,200.
Initially, McGarity lied about his identity, according to deputies. However, they eventually figured out his real name and learned he had several active arrest warrants for absconding probation. He was then taken into custody for two felony drug possession charges, a misdemeanor drug paraphernalia possession charge, and absconding probation warrants. He was issued a $176,000 secured bond.
The investigation didn't stop, however. The sheriff's office said they had seized a cell phone belonging to McGarity during the traffic stop and got a warrant to search it. Investigators said they found several images of child sex abuse material on the phone, prompting a separate investigation.
Once that analyzation finished on Dec. 20, McGarity was charged with 10 new of felony second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. Another secured bond of $75,000 was issued. As of publication, McGarity remains jailed with bonds totaling $251,000.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
WCNC Charlotte has chosen to use this mugshot because of the nature of the charges McGarity faces.