RCSO: 128 grams of fentanyl found in home south of Hamlet

HAMLET — A man is facing multiple drug charges after investigators executed multiple search warrants at his home.

The first search warrant was served at the Ghio Road home on Aug. 11 by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Community Impact Team, along with the Traffic Unit and patrol deputies, according to a press release issued Aug. 28.

Investigators had reportedly conducted an investigation, including making controlled drug buys, before obtaining the warrant.

As investigators approached the home to execute the warrant, three men were reportedly standing in the backyard. One of the men, 35-year-old Jamar Centell Jones, reportedly ran from the scene.

The sheriff’s office says a K-9 was used to search the area, and Jones’ shoes were found, along with an unspecified amount of cash and unspecified illegal narcotics.

While searching the home, investigators reportedly found an unspecified quantity of MDMA pills and currency.

Jones was arrested and charged with: trafficking opium or heroin; two counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance; possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule IV controlled substance; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

(Note: Online court records also show a charge of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule I controlled substance.)

According to the sheriff’s office, Jones posted bail on a $100,000 secured bond.

The investigation into Jones reportedly continued and a second search warrant was executed Aug. 24 at his home, with help from the Rockingham Police Department.

During that search, investigators reportedly found: 128 grams of fentanyl; 0.9 grams of methamphetamine; and 26 grams (0.9 ounces) of marijuana.

This time, Jones was charged with: trafficking in opium or heroin; maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to the sheriff’s office, Jones was initially being held in the Richmond County Jail without bond. Jail records showed Thursday that he was being held on a $1.5 million secured bond.

Online court records show Jones has pending charges from 2022 of conspiracy to possess with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance and a felony probation violation. He is serving a 24-month suspended sentence following a conviction in April.

Jones has court dates scheduled for Aug. 29, Sept. 12 and Oct. 7.

Court records also show Jones has pending traffic citations in Hoke County.

Records with the N.C. Department of Adult Correction show Jones was first convicted on two counts of felony breaking and entering in 2011.

His probation was revoked the following year when he was convicted of selling a Schedule II controlled substance, landing him behind bars for 10 and a half months.

In 2017, Jones was convicted on two counts of selling a Schedule II controlled substance. Again, his probation was revoked the following year when he was convicted on another count of that charge, as well as selling or delivering a Schedule II controlled substance. He was incarcerated for two years and nearly nine months.

Two other men were reportedly charged during the investigation.

Investigators charged 27-year-old Hunter Gray Lawrence, of Rockingham, with felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance and misdemeanor child abuse. He was given a $7,500 secured bond.

The other man, 28-year-old Cody James Wilhelm, also of Rockingham, was arrested on an outstanding order for arrest for failure to appear in court. Wilhelm was given a $5,000 secured bond.

According to the sheriff’s office, both men posted bail before they were jailed.

All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.