On September 17, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Morganton Public Safety officers responded to 131 Independence Boulevard regarding a report of a man slumped over inside a running vehicle.
Upon arrival, officers located John Wayne Bailey, of Marion, inside the vehicle. Officers observed indicators of impairment, which led to a further investigation for driving while impaired (DWI).
During the investigation, suspected narcotics were observed in plain view inside the vehicle where Bailey was seated. Bailey was subsequently arrested and charged with the following offenses:
Trafficking in cocaine — felony
Possession of methamphetamine — felony
Maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for controlled substances — felony
Driving while impaired — misdemeanor
Bailey was transported to the Burke County Magistrate's Office, where he was given a $50,000 secured bond and a court date of September 18, 2026.
Morganton Public Safety continues to encourage members of the community to report suspected impaired driving and illegal drug activity to law enforcement.
All persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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