A Kinston man was arrested by the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Thursday on felony firearm and drug charges in Deep Run.

Mark Whitley, 43, was arrested and charged with felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, felony possession with the intent to sell or deliver a Schedule VI controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the Lenoir County Jail, where he received a $42,500 secured bond.

On Thursday, the LCSO was requested to assist officers from N.C. Probation and Parole at 2704 Sargett Brown Road in Deep Run due to a potential firearm and drug violation. When the Street Crimes and Rapid Response (SCARR) unit, along with C-Shift patrol units and Lenoir County Sheriff Jackie Rogers responded at the scene, they encountered Whitley, who was in possession of a firearm.

A further search of the vehicle occupied by Whitley revealed packaged marijuana consistent with street-level sales and drug paraphernalia.