Two arrested, 52 firearms seized in Boiling Spring Lakes investigation

BOILING SPRING LAKES, NC (WWAY) — Two men have been arrested and dozens of firearms seized following a joint investigation in Boiling Spring Lakes that began with a complaint about alleged criminal activity and the manufacturing of non-tax-paid liquor.

According to the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division, Boiling Spring Lakes Police received a complaint in September alleging 50-year-old Ronald Dean Lewis Jr. was involved in criminal activity and manufacturing non-tax-paid liquor at a home on Pine Lake Road.

Police determined the home belonged to 79-year-old Jack Walter Nunnery Jr. and contacted ALE to begin a joint investigation.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for the Pine Lake Road home on Sept. 30.

During the search, authorities said they seized a 30-gallon liquor still, non-tax-paid liquor, 52 firearms, ammunition and materials and components used to manufacture firearms and ammunition.

Investigators also found an artillery shell, prompting a response from the State Bureau of Investigation’s bomb squad.

According to ALE, investigators determined some of the firearms were fully automatic and classified as weapons of mass destruction under the charges filed in the case.

Evidence recovered during the search and information gathered through interviews led Boiling Spring Lakes Police to obtain another search warrant for Lewis’ home.

Investigators said they found another firearm that was in the possession of a convicted felon currently serving federal probation, along with multiple 3D printers.

Authorities are examining the equipment and other evidence to determine whether the 3D printers were used to manufacture firearms.

Lewis is charged by ALE with three counts of felony possession of a weapon of mass destruction, felony altering or removing a serial number from a weapon, manufacturing liquor without a permit and felony possession of a firearm by a felon.

Boiling Spring Lakes Police also charged Lewis with an additional count of felony possession of a firearm by a felon.

Nunnery is charged with three counts of felony possession of a weapon of mass destruction, felony altering or removing a serial number from a weapon, felony aiding and abetting possession of a firearm by a felon and manufacturing liquor without a permit.

ALE said additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.

The investigation also involved U.S. Probation and Parole and the SBI.