KINSTON — On the first day of Lenoir County Sheriff Jackie Rogers’ “Operation Restore Lenoir,” the LCSO made three arrests. 

Today (Dec. 14, 2022), the LCSO’s Narcotics Unit, Criminal Investigations Unit, Patrol Division, SRT team, along with the Kinston Police Department SWAT team, executed a search warrant at the residence of Tony Ray Tucker of Dahlia Street in the Jackson Heights neighborhood. The search warrant was pursuant to an ongoing narcotics investigation. 

During the search, LCSO detectives located 39 grams of methamphetamine, a firearm and drug paraphernalia. Multiple items were seized as evidence that indicated controlled substances were being distributed from the Dahlia Street residence. 

As a result of the investigation, Tucker was arrested and charged with multiple state charges that include: 

·      one count of trafficking methamphetamine

·      five counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver a Schedule Two controlled substance

·      one count of maintaining a dwelling for keep and sale of controlled substance

·      one count of simple possession of Schedule Six controlled substance

·      one count of possession of drug paraphernalia 

Tucker received a $500,000 secured bond. 

During the execution of the search warrant, James Edward Garner, a convicted felon, was on the scene and was in possession of a firearm. He was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and received a $40,000 secured bond. 

LCSO deputies also arrested David McCoy Futreal at a neighboring residence. Futreal had multiple outstanding processes, which included: 

·      larceny of a motor vehicle

·      obtaining property by false pretense

·      resisting a public officer

·      failure to appear on traffic violations 

Futreal received an $11,500 secured bond. 

“Today is the beginning of Operation Restore Lenoir,” Sheriff Rogers said. “Violent criminal activity is a scourge in our communities and it will not be tolerated. Our focus is on — and will remain on — ridding our communities of drug dealers and violent criminals who cause untold pain and suffering to us all.” 

The sheriff continued, “If you want to be a part of this important effort, please continue to reach out to the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office, our area police departments and/or Crime Stoppers with any and all information you may have. 

“Together, we can continue to make a difference in Lenoir County.”