Yadkinville, NC, October 11, 2025
News Summary
The Yadkin County Sheriff’s Office’s ACE team has charged Jonathan Welborn Yarboro and Lauren Ashley Watson with drug-related felonies. Yarboro was arrested after a search revealed methamphetamine and Alprazolam at his home, while Watson was caught with methamphetamine and controlled substances in her vehicle. Both individuals are held without bond with upcoming court appearances.
Yadkinville, NC – The Yadkin County Sheriff’s Office ACE team has charged two individuals with felony drug charges in unrelated cases. The arrests, made in early October, highlight ongoing efforts to address drug-related issues in the area.
On October 6th, detectives, aided by Yadkin County Probation Officers, conducted a search of a residence in Hamptonville following multiple drug complaints. The home was occupied by Jonathan Welborn Yarboro, a 35-year-old individual currently under supervision after being released from prison on March 8. Yarboro has a history of controlled substance convictions, including trafficking offenses from an investigation conducted by the Yadkin County Sheriff’s Office in 2016.
During the search at Yarboro’s residence, officers discovered approximately 11 grams of methamphetamine, four dosage units of Alprazolam (a Schedule IV controlled substance), two grams of marijuana (a Schedule VI controlled substance), and drug paraphernalia. Consequently, Yarboro faced several charges:
- Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, and Deliver Methamphetamine
- Felony Maintaining a Dwelling for Controlled Substances
- Misdemeanor Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance (Alprazolam)
- Misdemeanor Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance (Marijuana)
- Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Yarboro was held without bond due to being on post-release supervision and is scheduled to appear in Yadkin County District Court on October 2.
In a separate incident on October 2, the ACE Team conducted surveillance in the Hamptonville area and stopped a white Chevrolet Malibu operated by Lauren Ashley Watson, aged 36, on Flat Rock Church Road. A search of Watson’s vehicle yielded approximately 18 grams of methamphetamine, currency, drug paraphernalia, and two Alprazolam pills.
As a result, Watson was arrested and charged with the following:
- Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, and Deliver Methamphetamine
- Felony Maintaining a Vehicle for the Sale/Use of Controlled Substances
- Misdemeanor Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance (Alprazolam)
- Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Watson was also held without bond due to pending charges in both Yadkin County and York County, SC. Following her arrest, Watson received a $50,000 secured bond on October 3 and is scheduled to appear in court on October 14.
The Yadkin County Sheriff’s Office continues to emphasize the importance of community vigilance in combating drug-related activities. These recent arrests underscore efforts to tackle substance abuse and keep the community safe.
Background
The Yadkin County Sheriff’s Office has been proactive in addressing drug issues in the region. Both individuals charged in these incidents had previous connections to drug-related offenses, indicating an ongoing concern with repeat offenders in the community. The ACE team, or Aggressive Criminal Enforcement team, focuses on disrupting drug trafficking and distribution networks within Yadkin County.
Yadkin County Drug Case Overview
| Name | Age | Charges | Bond Status | Court Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Welborn Yarboro | 35 | Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, and Deliver Methamphetamine; Felony Maintaining a Dwelling for Controlled Substances; Misdemeanor Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance (Alprazolam); Misdemeanor Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance (Marijuana); Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia | Held without bond | October 2 |
| Lauren Ashley Watson | 36 | Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, and Deliver Methamphetamine; Felony Maintaining a Vehicle for the Sale/Use of Controlled Substances; Misdemeanor Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance (Alprazolam); Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia | Held without bond, received $50,000 secured bond | October 14 |
FAQ
- What charges have been filed against Jonathan Welborn Yarboro?
- Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, and Deliver Methamphetamine; Felony Maintaining a Dwelling for Controlled Substances; Misdemeanor Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance (Alprazolam); Misdemeanor Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance (Marijuana); Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
- What substances were found in Yarboro’s home?
- Approximately 11 grams of methamphetamine, four dosage units of Alprazolam, two grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
- What charges have been filed against Lauren Ashley Watson?
- Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, and Deliver Methamphetamine; Felony Maintaining a Vehicle for the Sale/Use of Controlled Substances; Misdemeanor Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance (Alprazolam); Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
- What substances were found in Watson’s vehicle?
- Approximately 18 grams of methamphetamine, currency, drug paraphernalia, and two Alprazolam pills.
- What is the bond status of Yarboro and Watson?
- Yarboro is held without bond and Watson was held without bond but later received a $50,000 secured bond.
- When are Yarboro and Watson scheduled to appear in court?
- Yarboro is scheduled for October 2 and Watson is scheduled for October 14.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Yadkin Ripple
- Wikipedia: Drug Policy
- WXII 12 News
- Google Search: Yadkin County drug arrests
- Reflector
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Addiction
- WFMY News 2
- Google News: Yadkin County drug arrests
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