Lenoir County Man Arrested on Narcotics Charges Inside Courthouse

On August 26, 2026, deputies and narcotics detectives with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office arrested Markie Koonce of Kinston after he was found in possession of illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia inside the Lenoir County Courthouse.

Koonce entered the courthouse and proceeded through the security screening area. During the screening process, the metal detector indicated the presence of a metallic object near Koonce’s waist area.

Lenoir County deputies and narcotics detectives conducted a further investigation, which resulted in the discovery of powder cocaine concealed inside Koonce’s wallet, along with drug paraphernalia used to ingest cocaine.

Koonce was taken into custody and charged with:

• Felony Possession of Cocaine
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Koonce was transported to the Lenoir County Jail and received a $10,000 secured bond.