Police seize more

than 100 crystal grams
By Melanie Davis
melanie@mountaintimes.com

A series of undercover operations by the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division has lead to the seizure of more than 100 grams of crystal methamphetamine and the arrests of four Boone men.

The investigation began in January of 2008 when detectives began to suspect Nicholas David Gray, 23, of 101 Woodpecker Lane, Boone, of involvement in the sale and distribution of crystal meth.

Further investigation lead to the discovery of Gray’s alleged supplier of the illicit substance.

Officers obtained a search warrant for 294 Woodland Drive in Boone, the residence of Mark Stephen Moretz, 37, as a result of an undercover operation.

The April 11 search yielded approximately 80 grams of crystal meth with a street value estimated at more than $9,000.

Detectives also seized more than $4,000 in cash, which is alleged to be the illegal profits of the sale and distribution of the drug.

Adam Heath Mattox, 28, Moretz’s roommate was also charged during the execution of the search warrant.

The investigation continued and the following day, detectives executed a search warrant on the residence of Douglas Kenneth Moretz, age unlisted, at 2809 Big Hill Road, Boone, alleged to be the supplier for Mark Moretz.

During the search of Douglas Moretz’s home, detectives seized 29 grams of crystal meth, with an estimated street value of $3,500.

More than $6,000 in cash was also seized, which is alleged to the illegal profits of the sale and distribution of the illicit substance.

Mark Moretz was charged with trafficking in meth, possession with the intent to sell and/or deliver meth, the sale of meth, maintaining a dwelling for purposes related to a controlled substance, felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance (meth), possession of a firearm by a felon, simple possession of a schedule II controlled substance, simple possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, simple possession of a schedule VI controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is scheduled to appear in district court on July 29.

Douglas Moretz was charged with trafficking in meth, possession with the intent to manufacture, sell and/or deliver meth, possession with the intent to sell and/or deliver meth, maintaining a dwelling for purposes related to a controlled substance, simple possession of a schedule II controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is scheduled to appear in district court on June 30
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Gray was charged with three counts of possession with the intent to manufacture, sell and/or deliver a schedule II controlled substance, three counts of sell and/or delivery of a schedule II controlled substance, three counts of maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for purposes related to a controlled substance, and conspiracy to sell and/or deliver a schedule II controlled substance. Gray is scheduled to appear in district court on July 29.

Mattox was charged with simple possession of a schedule VI controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is scheduled to appear in district court on June 30.