By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — A Spencer couple face heroin and child abuse charges after authorities said they were caught selling drugs from their home with their children present.

On Friday, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office charged Lamar Rasha Alston, 27, of the 600 block of Meadow Avenue, with two counts of possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin; two counts of possession of heroin; two counts of maintaining a dwelling for dealing in a controlled substance; possession of a firearm by felon; possession of a weapon of mass destruction; and child abuse.

Jordan Taylor Dunn, 22, also of Meadow Avenue, was charged with selling and delivering heroin; three counts of possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin; two counts of maintaining a dwelling for dealing in a controlled substance; and child abuse.

Alston and Dunn’s arrest stemmed from an ongoing investigation by the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office into complaints that both of them were selling and distributing heroin from their Spencer residence.

Investigators conducted surveillance and purchased heroin from both Alston and Dunn at their residence, authorities said. Dunn also sold heroin to undercover investigators at a separate location in Spencer.

The couple have three minor children together. The children were present at each transaction and were near the heroin, a report said. The children range in age from infant to 6.

The Rowan County Department of Social Services was called to the home to ensure the safety of the children involved. After an investigation and interviews, the children were placed with a grandparent.

A search of the Meadow Avenue home turned up multiple digital scales with heroin residue, plastic bags used to package the heroin, a gray powder substance believed to be heroin and two firearms.

Both Alston and Dunn were arrested and taken before a magistrate. Alston was given a $100,000 secured bond and was placed into the Rowan County Detention Center. Dunn received a $60,000 secured bond and was also jailed.

Both remain in jail.

Alston has a number of previous convictions, including resisting a public officer, violating a court order, misdemeanor larceny, felony breaking and entering, felony larceny, drug possession, simple affray, and possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.