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WINTON – Increased patrols by the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office in problem areas of the county resulted in the recent arrests of six adults as well as charges bought against a juvenile.

Sheriff Dexter Hayes said eight firearms were seized during saturation patrols that were carried out Jan. 17-22. Also seized were various quantities of cocaine, marijuana, pills and drug paraphernalia.

Those arrested were:

Jan. 17 in the Murfreesboro area – De’Monte Lamont Long, age 22, of Murfreesboro and 24-year-old Zenaida Acadia of Prince George, VA. A vehicle driven by Long was stopped for a traffic violation. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed three concealed firearms: two pistols and one AR-15 rifle. Long was cited for having a concealed weapon and a traffic violation. Acadia was cited for a concealed weapon.

Jan. 21 in the Murfreesboro area – Christopher Grant, 19, of Murfreesboro, and a 17-year-old juvenile. A vehicle driven by Grant was stopped for traffic violations. A probable cause search revealed two firearms: one pistol and one small caliber rifle. Grant was arrested for concealed firearms, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The juvenile was released to his parents and juvenile petitions were obtained on the juvenile for the same charges. Grant posted his bond.

Jan. 21 in the St. John area – Trequail Williams, 32, of Windsor, was stopped for a traffic violation. A probable cause search of vehicle was conducted, revealing a handgun found in the driver’s area that was stolen out of Bertie County. Several items dealing with narcotics were found inside the vehicle. Williams was arrested and charged with possession of stolen firearm, trafficking opium/heroin (two counts), possession with intent to sell/deliver a Schedule II controlled substance, maintain a vehicle to keep/transport controlled substance, carrying concealed gun, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and a citation for the traffic violation. Williams remains in the Hertford County Detention Center.

Jan. 22 in the Murfreesboro area – a vehicle driven by Japree Brooks, 39, of Murfreesboro was stopped for a traffic violation. A probable cause search was conducted on the vehicle resulting in a concealed handgun being located in the driver’s area along with narcotics. Brooks was arrested for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of Schedule II controlled substance, carrying concealed gun, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Brooks has posted his bond.

Jan. 22 in the Murfreesboro area – a vehicle driven by Nigel Marks Jr., 20, of Ahoskie was stopped for a traffic violation. A probable cause search was conducted of the vehicle. One pistol was located concealed in the driver’s area. Marks was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed gun. Marks has posted his bond.

“We are very concerned about the growing threat of senseless gun violence in Hertford County and we are taking proactive steps to stop it,” stated Sheriff Hayes. “We are working very closely with other law enforcement agencies in our county to combat gun violence. It’s my job as the Sheriff to use every available resource to suppress gang and gun violence by having them arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Hayes vowed that saturation patrols such as the one from Jan. 17-22 will continue.

“We will step up those types of patrols,” he stressed, “and we need our citizens to help us by reporting illegal activity in their neighborhoods. We want those neighborhoods to become safe, ones where children and families can enjoy fun activities without fearing acts of gun violence. We will follow up on all tips we receive.

“I commend the work of my deputies as they continue the efforts of arresting those who are committing these heinous acts within our communities,” Hayes concluded.