Deputies Find Wanted Suspect, Alleged Ecstasy During Early Morning Stop

JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. — What began as a routine traffic stop for an expired license plate ended with the arrest of a wanted man facing outstanding charges and new drug offenses, according to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.

Around 1:33 a.m. on July 30, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a vehicle on N.C. 42 near N.C. 222 in the Stancil’s Chapel community after noticing the vehicle was displaying an expired license plate.

The driver was identified as Jovonte Raquan Farmer, 29, of Jacksonville, who deputies said was also driving with a suspended license.

A records check revealed Farmer was wanted for failing to appear in court on 28 separate charges, including felony possession of a controlled substance, felony fleeing to elude arrest, operating a vehicle without insurance, hit-and-run involving property damage, reckless driving, speeding, driving while license revoked, probation violation and several other offenses.

As deputies took Farmer into custody on the outstanding warrants, they allegedly found suspected MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, in his possession.

Farmer was additionally charged with felony possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was jailed without bond pending his first court appearance.