GOLD HILL — A Gold Hill man was charged Thursday with trafficking in heroin after a two-year investigation.

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office charged Jason Scott Dillard, 41, of 725 Old U.S. 80, with three counts of possession with intent to sell or deliver heroin.

Dillard also was charged with trafficking in heroin and opiates; possession with intent to sell a Schedule II controlled substance; maintaining a dwelling for selling controlled substances; and simple possession of a Schedule III controlled substance.

The charges stem from purchases of heroin in August and September 2017 at Dillard’s Gold Hill home.

During that two-year period, the Sheriff’s Office received repeated complaints about heroin trafficking at Dillard’s residence in eastern Rowan County. The investigation showed that Dillard was receiving and distributing at least 100 grams of heroin per week and that the drugs were being obtained through Mexican national suppliers in Charlotte, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

On Thursday, Sheriff’s Office investigators executed a search warrant at Dillard’s home and seized 17 grams of heroin, packaged individually for sale; 102 prescription pills, totaling 14 grams; about $5,000 in cash; and suspected stolen property.

Investigators also found a money-counting machine and evidence of ongoing counterfeiting, the report said. A video surveillance system was set up inside and outside the residence.

Dillard was issued a $100,000 secured bond. Additional charges could be brought, authorities said.

In a related matter, Jonathan Dow Hartford, 45, a resident of Bakersfield, California, was arrested at Dillard’s home for possession of a fictitious California driver’s license. Hartford also hadanother person’s Social Security card and other documents, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Hartford was charged with possession of a fictitious or altered driver’s license. Additional charges could be brought. Hartford was released under a written promise to appear in court.

Dillard has previous felony convictions for breaking and entering; larceny after breaking and entering; possession of a Schedule I controlled substance; and possession of cocaine. Dillard also has numerous misdemeanor convictions.