Local

Charges may be dropped in drug case after evidence is stolen

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Troopers said they will likely have to drop charges against a suspected drug dealer after the key evidence in her case disappeared.
 
Isis McCorey was arrested April 23 on felony drug trafficking charges after a traffic stop on Interstate 485 near Highway 16.
 
The arresting officer found $1,300 in cash and a bag of cocaine hidden inside a sex toy during the traffic stop, according to authorities.
 
On Monday, troopers discovered that evidence was missing from the N.C Department of Public Safety office in Monroe.
 
Officials told Channel 9 Wednesday that two inmates, part of NCDPS's Inmate Construction Program, had allegedly stolen the cocaine and cash while renovating the troopers' headquarters.
 
Officials said the inmates were painting an office when they found a key to the evidence locker and took the drugs and money.
 
The drugs and part of the money have not been recovered, according to investigators.
 
Troopers told Channel 9 Thursday they will likely have to drop the drug charges against McCorey, who already has a long criminal history.
 
A search of Mecklenburg County court records revealed multiple arrests for felony drug and traffic charges.
 
McCorey was also convicted in 2009 for receiving a stolen vehicle.
 
McCorey's neighbors told Channel 9 they didn't know her well but often saw heavy foot traffic in and out of her north Charlotte home.
 
McCorey had recently been arrested on allegations she sold heroin to undercover CMPD officers in November and December 2013.
 
"I guess she got off lucky this time," said neighbor Arnesto Hall. "Maybe they shouldn't have inmates doing stuff like that."
 
The internal investigation into the apparent lack of supervision of those inmates continues.

McCorey remains in the Mecklenburg County Jail.