Conover man will spend six to eight years in prison, found guilty of trafficking in meth

A Conover man will spend six to eight years in prison after a jury found him guilty of trafficking in methamphetamine by possession and transportation on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the conclusion of a trial in Catawba County.

The jury needed just half an hour of deliberation to find 41-year-old Christopher Douglas Cook guilty of the drug offenses to wrap up a three-day trial.

The Honorable Gregory R. Hayes, Superior Court Judge from Catawba County, imposed the active prison term for the defendant and assessed a pair of mandatory $50,000 fines.

Cook will serve the period of incarceration in the custody of the North Carolina Division of Adult Corrections.

“I appreciate the diligence of the jury in reaching a guilty verdict against the defendant for trafficking in methamphetamine,” District Attorney Scott Reilly said.“This outcome underscores our dedication to combatting drug-related offenses, safeguarding our community and upholding the rule of law. Our focus remains on ensuring justice and fostering a secure environment for all residents of our district.”

Jury selection for the trial started on Monday, November 27, followed by evidence presentation Tuesday and Wednesday. Closing arguments were made by the prosecution and defense on Wednesday before the case went to the jury for deliberation.

The offenses occurred on June 15, 2021, when officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle operated by Cook. A K-9 alerted to the presence of drugs in the car, and a search turned up methamphet

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