A lengthy investigation into alleged drug activity at a Harrells residence has resulted in the arrest of one man on a slew of felony drug and firearm offenses and could still bring more charges, sheriff’s officials said.
Darius Newton, 39, of 603 Wilbur Pridgen Road, Harrells, has been charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a stolen firearm, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, maintaining a dwelling for the sale of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Newton was taken into custody and booked in the Sampson County Detention Center Wednesday night under $50,000 secured bond.
The charges stem from a probe by the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division, whose agents executed search warrants at 315 Longview Lake Road, Garland, and a single-wide trailer located in the area of 603 Wilbur Pridgen Road, Harrells.
“This search warrant comes on the heels of a lengthy investigation into drug activity at the residence,” Sheriff’s Lt. Marcus Smith said of the Wilbur Pridgen Road home.
Both locations were investigated regarding the sale of cocaine and marijuana and officers discovered both drugs, as well as firearms, at both residences. According to initial reports, agents seized 1 gram of cocaine and nearly 32 grams of marijuana at Newton’s Wilbur Pridgen Road address.
Newton was subsequently arrested and charged.
“The suspect, a felon, was also found in possession of a stolen firearm and charged accordingly,” said Smith.
Jail records from the N.C. Department of Public Safety show that Newton has previous convictions in Sampson County on charges of second degree kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, for which he was given a suspended sentence in March 2010.
Also related to the investigation, Tony Mcneil, 24, of 7557 Old Mintz Hwy., Garland, was arrested in Harrells and served with an outstanding drug trafficking warrant. Mcneil was placed in the Sampson County Detention Center under $250,000 secured bond.
Smith noted that the case was continuing and additional arrests are pending.
“The investigation is ongoing,” he said, “and other charges are possible.”