Federal Search Warrants Served At Adjacent Johnston County Homes

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — Federal authorities executed search warrants at two adjacent homes in Johnston County on Monday morning, leading to the arrests of two men on firearms charges.

The warrants were carried out simultaneously at 1283 and 1345 Preston Road, just outside Smithfield. Johnston County tax records list both properties as owned by Francisco Valadez.

Agencies involved in the operation included Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.

Francisco Valadez, 41, of 1345 Preston Road, and Luby Harold Langley Jr., 48, of 1283 Preston Road, were arrested at the scene and each charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.

According to court records, Valadez was allegedly found in possession of a 9mm handgun and a .45-caliber handgun. He was convicted in Johnston County in 2010 of selling cocaine.

Langley was reportedly in possession of a .22-caliber rifle and a .22-caliber revolver. Records indicate he was convicted in Johnston County in 2012 of felony possession of cocaine.

Officials have not released details about the underlying purpose of the federal search warrants. Requests for comment from Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Department of Agriculture were not immediately returned.