ROCKINGHAM — A Hamlet man wanted by federal officers is accused of fleeing from deputies twice and faces multiple drug charges.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, deputies on patrol Friday, Jan. 24 noticed a vehicle with multiple violations.
An arrest warrant states deputies attempted to stop 36-year-old Brandan Jaquon Jones for driving in excess of 15 mph above the posted speed limit on Mill Road.
Jones reportedly fled, leading deputies on a pursuit, which was eventually discontinued.
Deputies were able to identify Jones as the driver and obtained warrants for his arrest, according to the sheriff’s office.
The deputies also reportedly learned from an investigator with the Community Impact Team that Jones had outstanding warrants from October 2024 related to a drug investigation and that the U.S. Marshals Service was looking for Jones related to a probation violation.
Records appear to show Jones had fled from deputies in October, as well.
Deputies reportedly spotted Jones’ vehicle at an unspecified convenience store early Sunday morning and took him into custody with help from the Rockingham and Hamlet police departments.
According to warrants, Jones was caught with an unspecified quantity of cocaine, three amphetamine pills, one buprenorphine pill and a glass smoking pipe.
Records show Jones was booked into the Richmond County Jail at 3:26 a.m. Sunday and is being held on a $1 million secured bond, as well as a detainer for U.S. Marshals, on the following charges:
Oct. 8: fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle; possession of a stolen motor vehicle; possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance (two counts); possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine; possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule IV controlled substance; no operator’s license; speeding; aggressive driving; failing to heed a light or siren; failure to wear a seat belt; driving left of center; improper passing on right; and failing to stop at a steady red light.
Jan. 24 - fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle; failing to heed a light or siren; speeding; no operator’s license; having a fictitious or altered title, registration card or tag; failure to stop at a flashing red light or stop sign.
Jan. 26 - felony possession of cocaine; simple possession of a Schedule III controlled substance; simple possession of a Schedule II controlled substance; possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jones is scheduled to appear in court June 6.
Investigators say Jones is also a person of interest in a murder investigation being conducted by the sheriff’s office.
Records with the N.C. Department of Adult Correction show Jones has been previously convicted of the following charges (in Richmond County unless otherwise noted):
2007 - common law robbery; possessing or receiving a stolen motor vehicle (Mecklenburg); assault or threats against a government official (Mecklenburg)
2008 - selling a Schedule II controlled substance
2011 - possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (Mecklenburg); possession with intent to sell a Schedule II controlled substance
2013 - larceny of dogs (two counts)
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
