Two charged after Nakina search warrant, stolen property recovered

NAKINA, NC (WWAY) — Two people are facing charges after a search warrant was executed at a home in the Nakina community, according to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators with the Columbus County Criminal Investigations Division, assisted by the Narcotics Division, searched a residence on Chair Factory Road on Sept. 9.

The sheriff’s office said investigators found stolen property, a firearm and suspected methamphetamine. The stolen property was recovered and returned to its owner.

Jonathan Jones, 38, of Nakina, was taken into custody. The sheriff’s office said Jones was out on bond for previously filed charges at the time of the search.

Jones had also been arrested following an Aug. 31 traffic checkpoint in Columbus County. In that case, deputies said Jones was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Teresa Simko when they found suspected methamphetamine in the vehicle and additional suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia concealed on Jones.

Jones was charged in that case with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was given a $10,000 secured bond.

Following the Sept. 9 search, Jones was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for the sale of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a firearm by a felon.

He is also charged with two counts each of larceny after breaking and entering and breaking and entering, as well as felony conspiracy, attempted obtaining property by false pretenses and second-degree trespassing.

Simko, 43, of Bladenboro, was also taken into custody following the Sept. 9 search.

She is charged with felony conspiracy, attempted obtaining property by false pretenses, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Simko was also the driver of the vehicle stopped during the Aug. 31 checkpoint. The sheriff’s office said she was cited at the time for a seat belt violation and consented to a search of the vehicle.

The sheriff’s office did not provide additional details about what led investigators to the Chair Factory Road residence or whether the Sept. 9 investigation was directly connected to the earlier traffic stop.