69-year-old Rowan man faces drug charges | Charlotte Observer

Rowan County authorities have arrested a 69-year-old man who they say was trafficking oxycodone.

The sheriff’s office said deputies arrested Henry Herman Blankenship, of Salisbury, last Friday. The arrested followed an investigation that began in September, authorites said.

Investigators said Blankenship has a lengthy criminal history and recently had been released in 2012 after serving 23 years in prison for a second-degree murder conviction in Iredell County.

Authorities said Blankenship sold 150 units of oxycodone to an undercover agent with the sheriff’s office shortly before the arrest. He also allegedly sold oxycodone to the agent on Aug. 6 and Sept. 25.

Blankenship was charged with three counts of trafficking heroin/opium; three counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver oxycodone; and two counts of sale or delivery of oxycodone. He was jailed under $750,000 bond, deputies said.