Joint investigations lead to four arrests

A joint investigation by the Moore County Sheriff’s Department and the Moore County Probation and Parole Department resulted in four arrests.

“On July 11, 2024, Moore County Detectives, in conjunction with the Moore County Probation and Parole Department, conducted searches at multiple residences throughout the county, resulting in multiple arrests,” Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields said in a statement released to Sandhills Sentinel.

The arrests were made in the Southern Pines, Carthage and Robbins areas.

Ronald Barnes, 36, of Southern Pines was arrested on charges of unlawful possession of marijuana with intent to sell and deliver, unlawful possession of marijuana, maintaining a vehicle or habitation for a controlled substance and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

James Stone, 53, of Carthage was arrested on charges of illegal possession of methamphetamine, simple possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

William Brown, 25, of Robbins, was arrested on charges of illegal possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Amber Garner, 33, of Carthage was arrested on charges of unlawful possession of methamphetamine, simple possession of a Schedule III controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Barnes and Stone were placed in the Moore County Detention Center on $55,000 bail. Brown’s bail was set at $7,500 and Garner was held for 48 hours.

Sandhills Sentinel reported in 2018 that Barnes was arrested on drug charges and Brown was arrested twice in 2022, once on drug charges and once on burglary charges.

All four suspects are due to appear in court on August 8 and are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Cover photo: Amber Garner (left), James Stone, William Brown and Ronald Barnes/Photos via Moore County Sheriff’s Department.

For information about previous arrests of Barnes and Brown, please click on the following links/images: