Person of interest in Caroline murder case arrested on drug & gun charges

Ron DawsonPhoto byPublic records

Caroline Sheriff’s Office revealed 38-year-old Ron Jamaal Dawson is a person of interest in the Reginald Holmes’ murder.

Holmes’ body was found in the woods on Sparta Rd. in May.

Last month, 32-year-old Johnathan O’Bryan Ellis was charged for Holmes’ murder. At the time, Caroline Sheriff Scott Moser said additional arrests are expected.

According to CCSO, Dawson and Ellis, both from Richmond, are close associates. And Dawson has been a person of interest since the early stages of the Holmes investigation.

While investigating Dawson, CCSO investigators learned that members of the Virginia State Police Chesapeake Bay Drug and Gang Task Force were also investigating Dawson for cocaine distribution in the Tappahannock area.

On July 22, CCSO, Virginia State Police, and Tappahannock PD executed a search warrant on Dawson’s residence in Richmond. CCSO said items found include white powder believed to be cocaine, brown powder believed to be heroin, digital scales with residue, measuring cups with residue as well as ammunition and a 9mm.

Dawson, who was already wanted in Tappahannock for 2 counts of distribution of cocaine: 3^rd or subsequent offense and one count of distribution in a school zone, was arrested on those charges.

In addition to those, CCSO members of the Virginia State Police Tri-County Narcotics Task Force pursued more charges, including:

• Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute: 3^rd or subsequent
• Possession of a gun while in possession of drugs
• Possession of a gun while in possession of drugs with intent to distribute
• Possession of a gun by a convicted felon
• Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

Dawson is currently in Richmond City Jail being held with no bond.

CCSO said there is evidence suggesting Dawson may have been involved in Holmes murder, and Sheriff Moser said additional charges are expected.

Follow the Watchful Eye on Twitter and Facebook and visit www.watchfuleye.media to keep up with what's happening in Virginia!