The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office announces on April 23, 2025, the Narcotic/Vice Suppression Unit (N.V.S.U.), conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of Pittman Grove Church Road for a vehicle registration violation. During the traffic stop, NVSU detectives identified the driver as Vernon Lee Smith. Detectives were familiar with Mr. Smith from previous investigations and knew Mr. Smith was on active probation. Vernon Smith had an active probation warrant and was placed under arrest. Detectives conducted a search of the vehicle Smith was operating. The search resulted in two firearms being located. One of the guns had been reported stolen out of Fayetteville. The second firearm had been modified to fit a semi-automatic switch. Detectives also located a user amount of marijuana. Vernon Smith was transported to the Hoke County Jail where the warrant from probation/parole was served. NVSU detectives also charged Mr. Smith with two counts of possession of firearm by felon, possess stolen firearm, carry conceal weapon, and simple possession of marijuana. Mr. Smith received a $70,000 secured bond for the new charges and no bond for the outstanding warrant. The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the NC Dept. of Corrections with their assistance.