On September 26th, 2022 at approximately 6:45 AM, officers with the Gaston County Police Department responded to the 800 block of Kiser Road, located near Bessemer City, in reference to an unconscious patient. Upon arrival, officers found a juvenile female deceased from a probable drug overdose. Due to the victim’s age, the County Police are not releasing their information.
Through the investigative process, the Criminal Investigations Unit identified two persons involved in supplying Fentanyl pills that resulted in the victim’s death. Those persons are:
Nicholas Gage Ivey, 19, of 1060 Old Ballpark Road, Spindale, NC
Deontae Jaquise Miller, 24, of 165 Allen Street, Rutherfordton, NC
The Criminal Investigations Unit worked with the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office to determine appropriate charges. Both individuals were charged with the following charges:
Death by Distribution
Felony Conspiracy
Felony Conspiracy to Sell/ Deliver Schedule II Controlled Substances
Both parties were located and arrested on December 12, 2022 by members of the Gaston County Police Criminal Investigations Unit and Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.
The Defendants appeared before a Gaston County District Court Judge on December 13, 2022 for their first appearance, where they each received a secured bond in the amount of $500,000.00. Both defendants remain in the Gaston County Jail.
The Gaston County Police Department would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and the Rutherfordton Police Department. The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit was extremely helpful with this investigation.
This is an on-going investigation. If you have information pertinent to the investigation, the Gaston County Police encourages you to contact Det. S. Brogden at 704-866-3320. Information can also be provided through Crimestoppers at 704-861-8000.