ROCKINGHAM — Investigators reportedly seized cocaine, marijuana, weapons and illegal vape pens while serving a search warrant last week.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office,deputies with the Community Impact Team obtained a search warrant for a home at 174 Galestown Road, west of Rockingham, following an investigation into “the illegal sale of narcotics.”
The warrant was served Dec. 4 with help from the RCSO’s Special Response Team and Criminal Investigation Division, as well as agents with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, according to the sheriff’s office.
A search of the home reportedly led to finding and seizure of: 32.63 grams of crack cocaine; 8.09 grams of powder cocaine; 15.4 grams of marijuana; seven THC pens; a set of digital scales; two credit cards with residue; and a Crown Royal bag “used to keep narcotics.”
Courtesy RCSO
Investigators also reportedly recovered five “assorted firearms,” including one that had been reported stolen — a Sig Sauer AR15. The calibers of the other firearms were not listed in the press release or arrest warrant.
The home’s occupant, 38-year-old Lashawn Demario Hamilton, was arrested and charged with: trafficking in cocaine; possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver marijuana; maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance; possession of stolen firearm; and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Hamilton was given a $200,000 secured bond, but Sheriff Mark Gulledge said the defendant made bail before being booked into the jail. He is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 18.
Records with the N.C. Department of Adult Correction show Hamliton’s only prior conviction was in 2008 for maintaining any place for a controlled substance. He was given a suspended sentence.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
