Fentanyl Trafficking Conviction in Catawba County

Catawba County just handed down a harsh sentence: 31-year-old Tyler Austin Patterson faces up to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to fentanyl trafficking and multiple drug charges. It all began with a traffic stop in September 2025, where deputies found over 27 grams of fentanyl in his pocket — enough to qualify as trafficking. Patterson admitted he and his passenger bought and used the drugs. He also faces fines and will serve time in a state prison. Additional charges include maintaining a home and vehicle for drugs, selling and possessing a Schedule II substance, and drug paraphernalia. This case, investigated by Tyler Burgess, David Lee, and Xavier McMurtry, was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Howard Wellons — sending a clear warning about the consequences of drug-related crimes. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/10f05520b4d3f4c5