The identity of a Morganton man, who died earlier this week in a house fire, has been released. Unable to escape a fire at his Piney Road residence, 74-year-old Benjamin Charles Weatherford was discovered deceased by firefighters during overhaul operations Tuesday evening. Upon arrival at the multi-department blaze, fire officials found the structure fully engulfed in flames with the rood partially collapsed, A press release states neighbors reported only one person resided at the residence, but could not confirm to firefighters if the occupant was home at the time of the fire. The Burke County Fire Marshal's Office states the accidental fire started in the living room area near a wood burning stove. Investigators, including the Burke County Sheriff's Office and the SBI do not suspect foul play. A autopsy will be scheduled by the Medical Examiner to determine Weatherford's exact cause of death.

A Morganton man faces multiple drug charges. On Tuesday, Morganton Department of Public Safety assisted the Burke County Narcotics Task Foce in executing a search warrant at a Jones Street residence. Officers reportedly found cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and 13 firearms. Thomas William Johnson was arrested and placed in the Burke Catawba District Confinement Facility under a secured bond of $150,000.

A new scam is circulating in McDowell County. According to the McDowell County Sheriff's Office, callers claim to be from the federal government and are stating they have either random;y been selected to receive $9000 cash or a $9000 grant. The caller asks residents to wire them money so that they can receive their prize. The Sheriff's Office advises residents to ignore these calls and don't send money or give out any personal information. Anyone with questions or concerns can call the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 652-2235.