CHADBOURN, NC — A mother and son were arrested early Wednesday after a joint operation uncovered what authorities described as a family-run drug enterprise operating out of their home on Jackson Street.
According to a press release from Sheriff Bill Rogers, the investigation—launched in October—was sparked by citizen complaints about drug activity in the area. The case was developed by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division in collaboration with the Chadbourn Police Department.
The suspects, Loretta Brunson, 60, and Gary Fernell Robinson Jr., 23, were taken into custody at their residence located at 202 Jackson Street. Authorities seized two firearms, a large quantity of narcotics, and cash linked to drug sales.
Robinson faces multiple felony charges, including:
Trafficking in opiates
Possession with intent to manufacture, sell, and deliver cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and prescription drugs
Possession of drug paraphernalia
He is being held on a $75,000 bond.
Brunson, who was already out on bond from a previous drug arrest in August, was charged again with:
Possession with intent to sell and deliver narcotics
Maintaining a dwelling for drug activities
Due to her prior charges, Brunson is being held without bail.
“This operation is a testament to the power of collaboration in removing dangerous individuals from our streets,” said Sheriff Rogers. “We thank the Chadbourn Police Department for their invaluable partnership in this successful effort.”
The sheriff emphasized that inter-agency cooperation remains essential to protecting communities from the dangers of illegal narcotics and gun violence.
