By Shavonne Walker
shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

ROCKWELL — A Rockwell man faces felony drug trafficking charges after a six-month investigation in which law officers say they bought meth from him.

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office charged James Timothy Russell, 56, of the 2700 block of Wind Swept Way, with four counts of felony trafficking drugs; two counts of felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance; two counts of felony maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for trafficking in controlled substances; one count of felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance; and one count felony maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for trafficking in controlled substances.

Russell remains in the county jail under a $500,000 secured bond.

Authorities said undercover investigators purchased methamphetamine from Russell five times beginning in January.

The investigation began after the agency received a number of complaints about drug activity from the public.

Russell has previous convictions for manufacturing meth, breaking into vehicles, felony larceny, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while impaired.