Second suspect in Caroline County homicide arrested on drug charges

CAROLINE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A second person who police say could potentially be connected to the murder of 51-year-old Reginald Holmes in Caroline County was arrested on Monday on drug charges.

According to the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office , 38-year-old Ron Jamaal Dawson was arrested on Monday, July 22, after a search warrant provided evidence to charge him for several drug and firearm offenses.

Investigators with the sheriff’s office discovered that Dawson was a close associate of Jonathon O’Bryan Ellis — who was charged with Holmes’ murder on July 15 — and other evidence indicated that Dawson may have also been involved with the murder.

The sheriff’s office learned that the Virginia State Police Chesapeake Bay Drug and Gang Task Force was investigating Dawson for his alleged involvement in the distribution of cocaine around the town of Tappahannock in Essex County.

The charges associated with the initial search warrant were two counts of 3rd or subsequent offense of distribution of cocaine and one count of distribution of cocaine in a school zone.

The additional charges — added after further evidence was found — were third or subsequent offense of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm while in possession of cocaine and/or heroin with the intent to distribute, possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony and possession of ammunition after being convicted of a felony.

Dawson is currently being held at the Richmond City Jail with no bond, and future charges related to the homicide of Reginald Holmes are expected.

The investigation is still ongoing.

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