A man who received a suspended robbery with a dangerous weapon sentence in a 2014 murder is now being sought by the City County Drug Task Force following an investigation which led to the arrest of one person on marijuana counts.
The investigation Monday at a Weldon motel room led to the arrest of 20-year-old DaQuan Harris and warrants obtained for the arrest of Tyshon Jamill Alston, who was charged in September, 2014, murder of Wilton Lee Cotton. Also charged in the Cotton murder were Rodney Joyner and Ketrell Hawkins.
Joyner is serving active time for the Cotton murder which occurred on Gordon Drive in Roanoke Rapids near the Oak Street intersection. Hawkins received a suspended sentence.
Captain A.M. Harris of the task force confirmed Alston, 21, of Garysburg, was one of the defendants in the Cotton murder.
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In the drug sting, Captain Harris said in a statement agents received information from Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp drug sales were taking place at a Weldon motel near Interstate 95.
Captain Harris confirmed Mr. Harris and Alston allegedly set up at the motel to sell drugs.
Agents arrived at the hotel shortly after 1:30 p.m. to investigate the tip. They located the room and conducted what Captain Harris referred to as a knock and talk, Mr. Harris coming to the door.
With the strong smell of marijuana coming from the room, three people were detained and agents applied for a search warrant, which was granted.
Agents located approximately 138 grams of marijuana, two handguns, and several items of drug paraphernalia which included Mason jars, a box of plastic bags, two digital scales and a book bag.
Agent C.A. Parker arrested and charged Mr. Harris, 20, of Mulberry Street, Weldon, for felony possession of marijuana, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia. He received a January 17 court date.
Parker also obtained warrants for the arrest of Alston for felony possession of marijuana, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.
North Carolina State Highway Patrol Trooper S.R. Corn and Halifax County Sheriff’s Office canine Corporal D. Newsome and Lieutenant R. Keeton assisted.
Alston is currently on active probation for the robbery with a dangerous weapon charge stemming from the Cotton murder. He was convicted August 11.