McDowell County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

08/28/2026

08/27/2026

IN**ST ACCUSATION LEADS TO CHARGES FOR TWO

Lieutenant Billie Brown with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged 34-year-old Tiffany Adonnus Sydnor of Marion with felony In**st. She received a secured bond of $50,000.

Also charged was 49-year-old Corey Terrell Tate of Marion. His bond was initially denied due to already being incarcerated at the McDowell County Detention Center.

On June 12, a family member of one of the suspects reported to the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office that Sydnor was engaged in an incestual relationship with Tate, her biological uncle.

After an investigation by Lt. Brown, both parties admitted to the accusation and were further charged for their crime.

08/26/2026

As a reminder, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office continues to offer FREE gun cable locks to our community. Stop by our office at 593 Spaulding Road in Marion to pick one up today—and do your part to practice safe firearm storage.

08/25/2026

When a deputy gets behind you and suddenly you forget how to drive…

Nervous driving can quickly become dangerous driving. Buckle up, keep your eyes on the road, follow the speed limit and drive safely—whether there’s a patrol car behind you or not!

08/24/2026

MCSO DRUG ENFORCEMENT EFFORT RESULTS IN CHARGES FOR TWO MEN

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 19, McDowell County Drug Enforcement along with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, executed a narcotics search warrant at the home of 49-year-old Jacob Edward Finley in Marion. Their efforts resulted in the following individuals being arrested and charged by McDowell County Sheriff’s Office Detective Josh Maddux:

- 49-year-old Jacob Edward Finley of Marion with felony Possession of Methamphetamine; felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine; felony Maintain a Vehicle, Dwelling or Place for Controlled Substance; and misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

- Spencer O’Connor Elliott, 56, of Marion with felony Possession of Methamphetamine; felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine; felony Maintain a Vehicle Dwelling or Place for Controlled Substance; and misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Both men received secured bonds in the amount of $40,000.

Drug Enforcement officers found multiple items in the residence consistent with criminal drug activity including drug paraphernalia, suspected amounts of methamphetamine, a black digital scale and more.

08/24/2026

Today marks the first day back to school for McDowell County students! Sheriff’s Office staff—including Sheriff Nathan Mace—were on site at different schools assisting our SROs with morning duty. Nebo Elementary SRO Deputy Jack Gouge is also pictured helping students get to class.

Welcome back, McDowell! We hope everyone has a safe and wonderful first day!

08/21/2026

In recognition of National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, we are sharing this important graphic from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to help raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl.

“We have seen firsthand the devastation fentanyl causes in our county,” said Sheriff Mace. “This day reminds us that behind every overdose death is a person who was loved. We cannot fight this crisis through law enforcement efforts alone. Information from the public can save lives and help us remove dangerous drugs from our communities.”

If you have information about suspected drug activity, call the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office at (828) 652-2235. You can also submit an anonymous tip through the MCSO app, available for free download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

08/21/2026

Welcome back, McDowell County students and staff! Wishing everyone a safe, successful and exciting school year as classes begin on Monday!

08/20/2026

🗣️McDowell County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council is sponsoring a Speaking Event for rising 6th graders and up. Join us at East McDowell Middle School, on 09/15/2026 at 6:30, to discuss the importance of early age digital risk prevention. 🗣️

08/20/2026

MARION MAN CHARGED WITH DRUG POSSESSION, RESISTING AN OFFICER

Deputy Connor Tolley with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged 37-year-old Joshua Thomas Buie of Marion with felony Possession of Methamphetamine and misdemeanor Resisting a Public Officer. He was issued a secured bond of $15,000.

On August 17, Deputy Tolley conducted a traffic stop on a Jeep Grand Cherokee off of Exit 81 on I-40 for a traffic violation.

Buie was a passenger in the vehicle and was found to have an outstanding warrant against him for Assault on a Female, in McDowell County.

After being prompted by Deputy Tolley to step out of the car, Buie refused. He then became aggressive and resisted deputies when being removed from the vehicle.

Once secure and in custody, a search of his person and the vehicle by deputies turned up a suspected amount of methamphetamine and used syringe.

The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank McDowell County Emergency Services for assisting with the incident.