08/23/2025
This is an ongoing investigation.
 Multiple people arrested in undercover operation in Robeson County
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office has conducted a special undercover operation in the past week in response to multiple complaints from local residents and travelers along the I-95 corridor regarding illegal activity in and around parking lots of businesses including retail stores, gas stations, restaurants, and shopping centers, according to Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins.
Wilkins said the areas of focus involved Roberts Avenue, Fayetteville Road, Walnut Street, Barker Ten Mile Road, Kahn Drive, Fuller Avenue, Liberty Hill Road, and Rowland Avenue.
The operation was led by the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Division, Community Impact Team, Aviation Division, and Federal Task Force Detectives.
Multiple undercover and unmarked teams were positioned across these locations, with marked patrol units and Drones positioned nearby.
During surveillance, Wilkins said detectives observed dozens of individuals soliciting money in business parking lots while simultaneously contacting drug dealers by phone.
These individuals were then seen “conducting rapid hand-to-hand drug transactions with drug dealers in plain view—sometimes in less than 10 seconds.”
Several dealers, both from inside the city and the county, were identified.
In some cases, Wilkins said, suspects attempted to flee recklessly from deputies.
While multiple arrests were made, investigations are ongoing and more suspects will be publicly identified soon.
Drugs seized during this operation included co***ne, crack co***ne, ma*****na, fentanyl, and purple fentanyl.
Drug Paraphernalia items were also recovered.
“The reality is troubling,” says Sheriff Burnis Wilkins. “Many of the individuals encountered are suffering from severe substance abuse. While numerous arrests were made, our Substance Abuse Freeman & Education (SAFE) Team also engaged directly with those experiencing addiction, offering treatment resources and assistance. Some have already requested immediate help, and we are providing them with assistance”.
Sheriff Wilkins further explained , “These drug-dealing criminals care about nothing but themselves. They are destroying lives and fueling addiction right here in our county. I urge the public to please stop handing out money to individuals begging in these areas. While it may be well-intentioned, that cash often ends up directly in the hands of drug dealers, fueling the cycle of poison on our streets. While there are certainly those that need help, money isn’t the only answer.
Government help alone cannot solve this crisis. We must work together as a community. Those suffering need prayer, treatment, counseling, mental health support, housing stability, faith based-spiritual intervention assistance, and family assistance by those who have given up on their loved one. This operation shows that by targeting both users and suppliers, we can disrupt the chain and provide a pathway for recovery while holding criminal drug dealers accountable.
My responsibility is your safety and security. Some may not like the message, but my duty is to act, not to please. We will continue to do whatever it takes to rid our community of those who prey on others through drugs and violence. This was just the beginning of this effort as we will be conducting more of these operations soon in a town near you.”
The following people were arrested and charged during the operation:
• Charles “Man” Sinclair Jr.
Possession With Intent to Sell/Deliver Co***ne
Conspiracy to Sell/Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance
Felony Possession of a Schedule II Controlled
Maintaining Vehicle for a Controlled Substance
Bond: $37,000.00 Secured
• Carey L. Wilkins, 37, of St. Pauls
Maintaining Vehicle for a Controlled Substance
Possession With Intent to Sell/Deliver Co***ne
Simple Possession of Schedule IV Controlled Substance
Simple Possession of Schedule III Controlled Substance
Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Possession of Ma*****na Paraphernalia
Bond: $75,000 Secured
• Edward “Eddie” Woodson, 51, of Lumberton
Felony Possession of Co***ne
Resist, Delay, and Obstruct
Bond: $1,000 Secured
• William Stewart, 26, of Lumberton
Possession With Intent to Sell/Deliver Co***ne
Conspiracy to Sell/Deliver a Schedule I Controlled Substance
Felony Possession of a Schedule I Controlled
Bond: None
• Joseph Locklear, 32, of Lumberton
Possession With Intent to Sell/Deliver Co***ne
Conspiracy to Sell/Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance
Felony Possession of a Schedule II Controlled
Bond: None
• Bryan Freeman,27, of Lumberton
Possession With Intent to Sell/Deliver Co***ne
Felony Possession of a Schedule II Controlled
Maintaining Vehicle for a Controlled Substance
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Bond: $25,000.00 Secured
• Walton M. Hill, 34, of Lumberton
Possession With Intent to Sell/Deliver Co***ne
Conspiracy to Sell/Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance
Felony Possession of a Schedule II Controlled
Maintaining Vehicle for a Controlled Substance
Bond: $40,000.00 Secured
• Howard L. Jacobs II, 30, of Lumberton
Possession With Intent to Sell/Deliver Co***ne
Conspiracy to Sell/Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance
Felony Possession of a Schedule II Controlled
Bond: $47,500.00 Secured
Stanley Cooper, 44, of Lumberton is wanted by Investigators for the offenses of Possession With Intent to Sell/Deliver Co***ne, Felony Possession of a Schedule II Controlled, and Maintaining Vehicle for a Controlled Substance.
Sinclair was arrested by Lumberton Police Department in July 2025 and is currently out on bond in relation to multiple drug offenses.
Wilkins said if there are any faith-based organizations or trained mental health professionals that would like to come with us in an attempt to reach out to some of those affected by substance abuse in areas such as seen here, please contact Chaplain Jimmy Hunt via email at [email protected]
“We envision an opportunity for you to speak and pray alongside these individuals, while we as law enforcement officers provide you a safe setting to do so without causing them any discomfort with our presence. “
Anyone with additional information or any information regarding drug activity in Robeson County is asked to call the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Division at (910) 671-3191 or email at [email protected].
