Man arrested after messaging deputy to set up drug deal by mistake

This browser does not support the video element.

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — Deputies said a man was trying to score some cash by setting up a drug deal on Facebook, but he accidently messaged an Iredell County deputy.

Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell said Darius Torrence was trying to sell drugs to a woman he knew.

[ALSO READ: Pair busted after texting former Rowan County narcotics officer about drug buy]

According to officials, Torrence messaged who he thought was her on Facebook, but the woman happened to have the same name as a local deputy. He failed to pay attention to details like the deputy's criminal justice degree.

Deputies said Torrence started off offering to sell her the dangerous prescription drug Subutex for $5 per pill.

Around the same time, they said the deputy was quickly notifying undercover officers and trying to set up a buy.

[ALSO READ: Spring Sweep 2019: Dozens arrested in Iredell County drug bust]

Eventually, they met up at Loves truck stop and deputies said they discovered Torrence never even had the drugs.

"Essentially they were gone take the money and run," Campbell said. "I'm sure he got quite the surprise," he said.

[ALSO READ: Xanax pills, LSD, guns found in Huntersville teen's home, police say]

Deputies arrested Torrence and the man they said drove him, Donavan Paquette.

They are both charged with felony conspiracy to sell and deliver schedule III illegal drugs.