Felon in Possession of Firearm and Narcotics During Traffic Stop

On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, an Officer with Morganton Department of Public Safety conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for fictitious vehicle registration plate as well as a broken taillight.  The driver, identified as Jeremiah Lane Hightower, 46, of Morganton, was found to have a marijuana bowl.  A search of the vehicle yielded 2 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm.  All items were seized for evidence.  A records check showed Hightower to be a convicted felon. 

Hightower was placed under arrest and then advised officers he had swallowed narcotics.  Burke EMS responded and transported Hightower to a local healthcare facility where he is under observation at the time of this release and in the custody of MDPS. 

Warrants have been secured for Hightower and will be served upon his release from the local healthcare facility..  Warrants issued from this incident are as follows:

• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Driving while License Revoked
• Fictitious Registration Plate
• Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
• No Liability Insurance
• White Light from Rear of Vehicle during Forward Motion

Hightower is a convicted felon and has been charged for Felony Larceny over 10 times, Felony B&E over 10 times, Habitual Felon and Driving While License Revoked over 10 times.  Hightower also has been charged 3 times for Possession of Schedule 3, twice for communicating threats and twice for Resist, Delay or Obstruct.