Woman Arrested For Felony Drug Violations, Negligent Child Abuse

JOHNSTON COUNTY – A traffic stop led to the arrest of Loretta Strange of Allen Road, Clayton.

Strange was a passenger in a Kia stopped on Highway 50 at Veterans Parkway around 2:30 p.m. Monday, July 14.

During a search, small quantities of suspected fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine were reportedly found in her possession.

Multiple drug paraphernalia items were located, including hypodermic needles and cut straws.

At the time of the traffic stop, Loretta Strange was wanted on a felony warrant for negligent child abuse causing serious bodily injury.

In April 2025, the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Johnston County Department of Social Services that a child in her care reportedly tested positive for cocaine. Strange provided a living environment where the child was exposed to illegal substances, while not providing care to the point of severe malnutrition, the warrant stated.

Strange was arrested on four felony and one misdemeanor drug offenses from the Highway 50 traffic stop. She was also charged with felony probation violation.

She was confined in the Johnston County Detention Center under a $101,000 secured bond.