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A Hickory man whose house was searched two months ago has now been charged with trafficking methamphetamine near an elementary school, according to federal prosecutors.
The U.S. Justice Department has announced that a federal grand jury has returned a seven-count indictment against Gary Carroll, 57. Prosecutors allege Carroll trafficked meth within a short distance of an elementary school.
His alleged operation also was near a church.
According to the indictment and court documents, prosecutors allege Carroll was involved in a drug trafficking operation that involved more than 500 grams (1.1 pounds) of meth. Agents who searched his home in January said they recovered 67 grams of meth, along with drug paraphernalia, cash and firearms.
The alleged drug trafficking took place over a three-year period beginning in 2010, according to the government.
Prosecutors say Carroll had an assault rifle, along with what was described as “a large quantity” of ammunition.
His home is within 1,000 feet of an elementary school, the government says. Records show Carroll lives near Clyde Campbell Elementary School, and his home also is near Our Savior Lutheran Church.
Carroll faces at least a half-dozen drug-related and firearms-related charges. Combined, those charges could put Carroll behind bars for life plus 260 years, along with fines of up to $38.2 million. Minimum prison terms would be 35 years, if he were convicted on all counts.
Prosecutors say Carroll was arrested in February and has been freed on bond. No trial date is set.
