ROCKINGHAM — Investigators reportedly found suspected drugs and firearms at the home and in the vehicle of a man wanted for allegedly using a stolen financial card.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, deputies with the Community Impact Team and Patrol Division stopped 44-year-old William Bradley Barnhardt at his residence on Homeplace Drive on Friday, March 6.
Deputies reportedly confirmed with the Richmond County 911 Center that Barnhardt had an active warrant, which court records show was issued just two days prior.
That warrant alleges that, in February, Barnhardt stole a Bank of America credit card issued to an elderly woman. That card was reportedly in the possession and control of another woman. Barnhardt is accused of using the card to obtain $12,218.54.
Barnhardt was reportedly taken into custody on the charges of exploitation of a disabled or elderly adult, financial card theft and obtaining property by false pretenses.
During Barnhardt’s arrest, deputies reportedly found a metal pill container with a white powdery substance. The investigating detective reportedly obtained a search warrant for Barnhardt’s home and vehicle, a 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 Big Horn.
During the search, deputies reportedly found and seized:
According to one of the warrants, Barndhardt was previously convicted in 2024 of burglary of a habitation with intent to commit a felony in Bell County, Texas and sentenced to five years of probation.
As a result of the search warrant, investigators charged Barnhardt with: possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver cocaine; possession of methamphetamine; maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance; possession of a firearm by a felon; possession of a stolen firearm; possession of a weapon of mass destruction; and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Barnhardt was booked into the Richmond County Jail where he is being held on a combined $170,000 secured bond. He is scheduled to appear in court March 26.
Online court records show Barnhardt was stopped by the N.C. State Highway Patrol on March 5 for reportedly driving 63 mph in a 35 mph zone. He was cited for speeding, as well as having an expired or no registration and having an expired registration card or tag.
Barnhardt also has pending traffic infractions from January.
In addition to the Texas conviction, records with the N.C. Department of Adult Correction show Barnhardt has several prior convictions in Moore County:
1998 - speeding, reckless driving, failing to heed a light or siren
2013 - assault on a female, communicating threats
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
