The Iredell County Sheriff's Office says a fifth suspect has been arrested after an undercover investigation into the sale of drugs in the Lake Norman community. They say he is just 15 years old.

The Sheriff's Office said it doesn't mean the investigation is over. It said more arrests are possible as it works to stop drug sales in this community. It said its investigation found some of the drugs were sold to high school students.
"It's real heartbreaking," said Larry Brown.

Brown says he is the father of 19-year-old Daniel Brown.

The Sheriff's Office said Daniel Brown, Thomas Wykoff, 19, Elliot Ziegler, 24, and a 15-year-old have all been arrested after an undercover investigation.

The Sheriff's Office says Brown is charged with sell/deliver a controlled substance and possession with intent to sell/deliver a controlled substance. Wykoff is charged with sell/deliver marijuana and possession with intent to sell/deliver marijuana. Ziegler is charged with two counts of sell/deliver a controlled substances, two counts of possession with intent to sell/deliver a controlled substance, sell/deliver a counterfeit controlled substance, possession with intent to sell/deliver counterfeit controlled substance and three counts of trafficking opium or heroin.

Ziegler's mother, Denise Mingle, 48, was also arrested for maintaining a dwelling for controlled substance and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Mingle's brother called Eyewitness News and said that she doesn't do drugs and doesn't sell them. He said she was letting her son live with her, trying to help him turn his life around.

Brown's father says his son told him he is innocent and he hopes that is true.

"I'm hoping he didn't. Like I said, he's my son, I love him and I'm going to stick with him until the end," said Larry Brown.
The Sheriff's Office said it will be working with schools in the county on drug education.

"It is upsetting," said one Lake Norman parent. "I hope they get it all taken care of."

The Iredell-Statesville School District holds drug and alcohol forums for families. A spokesperson told Eyewitness News that the most recent one was last Tuesday night at Lake Norman High School and that approximately 250 parents and students showed up.

Parents Eyewitness News spoke with Wednesday say the news of these arrests isn't surprising, that they know drugs are everywhere. But they hope things change for Lake Norman.

"It's nothing new. It's just a matter of how you handle it and hopefully your kids make the right choices," said Jill Heck, a parent.