Police in Hickory arrest suspected drug dealer

HICKORY, N.C. – Law enforcement in Hickory arrested an accused drug dealer after they say they found drugs, drug selling materials, guns, and more in his home.

Burke County Sheriff’s deputies and Morganton Department of Public Safety SWAT teams executed a search warrant at William “Chase” Pate’s property at 4250 South Fork Avenue on December 12, 2024, after a months-long investigation.

Officers say they found drug paraphernalia including small plastic baggies, glass pipes, straws and related items throughout the residence. They say they also found cash and packaging materials “consistent with the trafficking of narcotics.”

Investigators says they also found more than 2.2 pounds of methamphetamine.

38-year-old Pate now faces multiple charges include trafficking methamphetamine and firearm by a felon. He received a $100,000.00 secured bond.

NCDOP-State K-9, the NC SBI, the ATF, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, the Hickory Police Department, the Morganton Department of Public Safety assisted the Burke County Sheriff’s Office in this investigation.