SALISBURY — A Landis husband and wife have been arrested on charges of trafficking in opium and child abuse.

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office arrested the two Monday after three sales of prescription pain medications prescribed to one of the suspects, according to authorities. 

In November, the Sheriff’s Office began a series of undercover purchases from Elizabeth Gail Frady Stevens, 44, and her husband, Richard William Stevens, 54, both residents of 202 Everhardt Ave., Apartment B, in Landis. 

Arrangements for the purchases were made with Richard Stevens, a registered sex offender, who sent his wife to conduct the sales.  

Elizabeth Stevens had the couple’s child with her at the time of the third transaction on Monday. After her arrest, the Rowan County Department of Social Services was notified and the child was turned over to a family member.   

Richard Stevens was charged with four counts of trafficking in opium; three counts of conspiracy to sell opium; one count of maintaining a dwellinge for keeping and selling controlled substances; and one count of misdemeanor child abuse. His bond was set at $30,000.

Elizabeth Stevens was charged with nine counts of trafficking in opium; three counts of conspiracy to sell opium; two counts of maintaining a dwelling for keeping and selling controlled substances; and one count of misdemeanor child abuse. Her bond was set at $30,000. 

Richard Stevens was convicted in 2006 for taking indecent liberties with a child. He has multiple felony convictions in 2005 and 2006 for felony forgery of an instrument. Stevens also has numerous misdemeanor convictions.