Lincoln County Narcotics Investigation Leads To Three Arrests

LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. — Three people were arrested Friday, following a six-month investigation into drug activity in Lincoln County.

Lincoln County Detectives say multiple people called to report drug related activity near the 1300 block of Clarence Beam Road in Lincolnton.

As a result of the investigation  Donald Joseph Gaul, 52, Sandra Lynn Gaul, 46, and William Elton Patterson, 45, all of Lincolnton, were arrested on various charges.

Detectives conducted an undercover operation and were sold methamphetamine on several occasions, by multiple suspects, at two residences, on Clarence Beam Road. Methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia were seized during the operation.

Donald Gaul was charged with two felony counts each of Sell and Deliver Schedule II Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Schedule II Controlled Substance, and Maintaining a Dwelling for Controlled Substances. He received a $30,000 secured bond.

Sandra Gaul was charged with two felony counts each of Sell and Deliver Schedule II Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Schedule II Controlled Substance. She was also charged with one felony count of Maintaining a Dwell for Controlled Substances. She received a $15,000 secured bond. Ms. Gaul, who was already in jail on multiple other unrelated charges, now has a total bond of $106,000 secured.

William Patterson was charged with one felony count of Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance and one misdemeanor count each of Simple Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He received a$20,000 secured bond.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are likely.