According to a press release from the office of District Attorney Brandy Cook, Untearda Ray Massey was convicted last week in Rowan County Criminal Superior Court of two counts of felony attempted trafficking in cocaine. Massey admitted his status as a habitual felon and was sentenced to a minimum of 87 months and a maximum of 114 months in prison.
In 2011, detectives with the Kannapolis Police Department received information that Massey was selling cocaine. Detectives conducted a drug investigation and used a confidential informant. During the investigation, the informant arranged a meeting with Massey. Detectives used audio and video cameras during the meeting. Massey sold the confidential informant approximately 2 ounces of cocaine in exchange for $2,300. Detectives subsequently arrested Massey following the exchange. Massey told detectives that he had started selling drugs when he was 15 years old and had been selling 3-4 ounces a week.
Massey was previously convicted of felony possession of a controlled substance on the premises of a penal institution, felony speeding to elude arrest with a motor vehicle, and felony sale of cocaine, among other convictions.
In the press release, Cook stated that “she appreciated the thorough investigation by the Kannapolis Police Department, as well as Assistant District Attorney Barrett Poppler in bringing Massey to justice.” Cook said that “the result of this case demonstrate her office’s firm commitment to aggressively prosecuting drug dealers.”