AHOSKIE – Two men from Ahoskie are in federal custody while an investigation continues to seek others connected in several breaking-and-entering cases involving the theft of firearms.

On Friday, Hertford County Sheriff Dexter Hayes reported the arrests of Grant Rasheed Harrell and Lydell Shavon Newsome, both age 21. Hayes said both men are currently being held, without bond, under a federal detainer, on charges dealing with stolen weapons.

“We, along with the ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, a federal organization) spent many, many man hours working this case,” said Hayes. “The result of that work produced two arrests, but we are continuing to investigate as we believe there were other individuals involved.”

The initial breaking-and-entering crime occurred April 15 at Tamz Gun Shop, located on NC 42 West (the Poortown community). There, Hayes said multiple firearms were stolen.

HCSO Investigator Chase Oliver was assigned the case. Hayes said through Oliver’s work, with the ATF assistance, two of the stolen firearms were recovered.

“On a separate occasion, we recovered another stolen firearm on April 23,” Hayes stated.

The following week, Hayes said he received information concerning the break-in and weapons theft from Mackey’s Gun Shop in the Martin County town of Jamesville.

“The investigation by the authorities there showed that case was tied to our case at Tamz Gun Shop,” Hayes noted.

After another weapon was recovered, information was gained concerning the possibility of the two Ahoskie men being involved in both break-ins.

“We identified Mr. Harrell and Mr. Newsome as persons of interest. Subsequently they were both detained for questioning and that led to the development of probable cause of their involvement with the break-ins,” Hayes said. “We had enough information and evidence to arrest both men.”

Hayes added that a reward is still being offered in this case for information leading to the arrest and conviction of others allegedly involved. That information can be shared by contacting the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office at 252-358-7800.

The Sheriff thanked his officers as well as ATF agents, members of the Down East Drug Task Force and the Ahoskie Police Dept. for their assistance in working the case.

“Each agency is dedicated to recovering these stolen weapons and getting them off the streets,” Hayes said.