Marijuana-growing operation at South Side Baptist Church in Lexington

Lexington, N.C - Josh Price, 50, and Matthew Price, 28, were arrested on June 2, 2023, after deputies seized about 12 pounds of marijuana, nearly 32 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 41 THC vape pens, 20 marijuana plants, and about 2 pounds of tetrahydrocannabinol wax (THC wax) from South Side Baptist Church, in Lexington, North Carolina. The Davidson County Sheriff's Office said the investigation began after a tip from a concerned citizen. Davidson County Sheriff’s Office arrived at South Side Baptist Church after receiving reports that a man staying at the church was growing marijuana in the “Fellowship Hall,” a news release stated.

The Prices are facing charges of felony possession with intent to sell marijuana, felony possession of psilocybin mushrooms, and felony maintaining a drug dwelling. They are being held in the Davidson County Jail on a $100,000 bond each.

The Prices' arrest has shocked the community. Josh Price was the senior pastor of South Side Baptist Church, and Matthew Price was the youth pastor. The pastor had told deputies that the church had not been in operation and had been closed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but former members say the pastor closed the church prior to the pandemic.

Former church member Mike Lambeth said he had tried to warn the others about Price when Price first came to pastor the church around three years ago.

“This guy, I met him one time and our spirits didn’t bear witness at all and I did not think he was a pastor and I told a lot of the members there, ‘y’all better watch out for him,’” Lambeth said.

The Prices have not yet entered a plea to the charges against them. Their next court appearance is scheduled for June 15, 2023.