BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. — Reco Lamar Mosley, a fugitive wanted out of Buncombe County, North Carolina, was arrested in Blountville by the United States Marshals Service (USMS).
According to a news release, Mosley was taken into custody by the USMS Smoky Mountains Fugitive Task Force. During the arrest, authorities reportedly discovered 12 firearms, a pill press, and significant quantities of illegal drugs.
The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office said deputies seized 271 grams of fentanyl, 146 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and 127 grams of marijuana, with a combined estimated street value of about $53,000. Officials also reported that Mosley was in possession of a stolen firearm.
The Marshals Service described Mosley as a previously convicted felon with an extensive history of drug and firearms violations, as well as fleeing from law enforcement. He was convicted in 2016 for his role in a large-scale crack cocaine distribution conspiracy in North Carolina and had prior arrests involving vehicle pursuits and narcotics possession.
Following his most recent release from federal prison in July 2024, authorities allege Mosley resumed trafficking drugs in the Buncombe County area, supplying narcotics into Asheville and northeast Tennessee.
Two additional individuals were arrested at the scene. Jla Olinga, wanted in Southwest Virginia on drug possession and probation violation charges, and Joshua Baskett, who faces charges including possession of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of firearms, were also taken into custody.
All three suspects were booked into the Sullivan County Jail, where they remain held pending further proceedings.
