Haywood County, N.C. – Haywood County deputies have arrested a Clyde resident after uncovering what investigators describe as a significant drug trafficking operation. The suspect, 26-year-old Dominic Mateo Silva-Chessell, is now facing multiple felony charges following a countywide investigation that led to his arrest on Nov. 19. Officials say the case highlights growing concerns about drug activity in rural North Carolina communities.
Incident Overview
The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office released details about the arrest in a recent update shared on its official Facebook page. Deputies confirmed that Silva-Chessell was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Haywood County Detention Center, where he remains held on a $750,000 bond.
Investigators allege that Silva-Chessell was involved in the trafficking and distribution of multiple controlled substances. The charges indicate both possession and intent to distribute, suggesting that the case may involve more than just personal drug use.
Timeline of Events
According to the sheriff’s office, the arrest occurred during an ongoing operation targeting drug activity within the county. Deputies executed warrants and conducted searches tied to the investigation, which ultimately resulted in Silva-Chessell’s arrest on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
Authorities have not yet released specific details regarding the length of the investigation or the locations where evidence was collected, but they noted that the arrest stems from coordinated efforts between narcotics officers and patrol deputies.
Charges Detailed by Investigators
Officials released a full list of the felony charges filed against Dominic Mateo Silva-Chessell, indicating a wide range of offenses:
- Felony trafficking in cocaine
- Two counts of felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or distribute (PWIMSD) marijuana
- Felony maintaining a vehicle, dwelling, or place for controlled substances
- Felony PWIMSD Schedule IV controlled substance
- Felony money laundering
In their public post, deputies emphasized that the trafficking charge alone involves serious penalties under North Carolina law…