Convicted Felon Arrested on Firearm and Narcotics Charges Following Traffic Stop

A Lenoir County man is facing firearm and narcotics-related charges following a proactive patrol operation conducted by the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit.

On April 29, 2026, detectives with the Narcotics Unit, along with Lenoir County patrol deputies, were conducting proactive patrol in the area of Highway 11 South in Kinston when they initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle after detecting the odor of marijuana emitting from inside.

During the stop, detectives made contact with the female driver and passenger Jamie Artis of Kinston. As the investigation progressed, detectives discovered a 9mm handgun in Artis’ possession. Further investigation confirmed that Artis is a convicted felon, making it unlawful for him to possess a firearm.

Artis was taken into custody and transported to the Lenoir County Jail. While being processed into the detention facility, detention staff located a burnt cigarillo containing marijuana inside the jail premises in the area where Artis had been.

Artis was charged with the following offenses:

• Possession of Firearm by Felon
• Possession of Controlled Substance Inside Prison/Jail Premises

Artis was placed in the Lenoir County Jail under no bond.