Convicted drug trafficker on probation sentenced to 15 years for distributing methamphetamine (DOJ)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - A convicted drug trafficker on probation was sentenced today to 180 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Robert James Salyards, 52, of Claremont, N.C., was ordered to serve five years of supervised release after he completes the prison term.

"Career criminals like Salyards are fueling addiction and ruining communities," said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. "By removing him from the streets, we have, as he admitted, put an end to at least 50 drugs sales every week."

According to filed court documents and today's sentencing hearing, Salyards was on state parole for a drug conviction. On February 25, 2025, officers with the Catawba County Sheriff's Office stopped Salyards' vehicle for driving at excessive speed. During the stop, the officers observed a glass meth pipe at the front console. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, the officers found in the center console a clear plastic bag containing 111 grams of methamphetamine. They also located an eye glass case containing a plastic bag with 3.7 grams of methamphetamine. On the driver's seat of the vehicle there was a bag containing another clear plastic bag with 26 grams of methamphetamine. During the investigation, Salyards admitted to selling methamphetamine, and that he made approximately 50 drug sales per week.

Due to Salyards' multiple prior convictions, including Possession With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Distribute Methamphetamine, he was sentenced as a career criminal.

Salyards is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.

In making today's announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Hickory Police Department for their investigation of the case.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.