‘Gang kingpin,’ 8 others busted for drugs, weapons

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — After a month-long investigation, deputies said they busted a man they called a gang kingpin, in addition to several others, on drug and stolen gun charges. Deputies said that kingpin was on house arrest at the time of the bust in connection with an attempted murder investigation.

Investigators made the bust at a home on the 600 block of North 11th Street on Wednesday just after 5:00 p.m. Deputies said Rashawn Hines was on house arrest at that location, which is also his sister’s home. Deputies said that they received numerous complaints about that home as being a Blood Gang member hangout house.

“A large criminal, a violent criminal that has a violent criminal past, we were able to get him as well as his distribution system off the streets of New Hanover County,” Sgt. Jerry Brewer said.

Nine people were placed under arrest including Hines. The other suspects include Michael Williams, Curtis Marshall, Jamar Sterling, Rashaun Wilson, Charese Ingram, Candice Shuford, Tawnee Smith and Jasmine Hines. Deputies said five or six of the nine arrested are convicted felons and many are members of the gang.

Deputies added that in addition to the heroin seized at the home, six guns and money were also recovered. One of the recovered guns was reported stolen, deputies said.

Hines is in jail under a $5 million bond and is scheduled to be in court next month. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Wilmington Police helped with the investigation.