Washington Man Arrested on Felony Drug and Gun Charge

On February 11, 2026, Patrol Deputies with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop in the Chocowinity Area. During their investigation, K9 Athos was deployed and detected the presence of narcotics. The driver, identified as 28-year-old Raimelle Andres’ Peterson, was detained for a probable cause search of the vehicle. Drugs and a handgun were found during the subsequent search, and Peterson was placed under arrest. Peterson attempted to dispose of concealed drugs during transport to the magistrate's office. The charging deputy located the drugs after processing Peterson, and he was charged with the additional crimes.

The following items were located and seized as evidence:

- 196.5 grams of Marijuana

- 15 grams of Fentanyl

- One Handgun

Raimelle Peterson was held in the Beaufort County Detention Center under a $250,000 cash bond for the following charges:

- Felony Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana (Felony)

- (2) counts Trafficking in Fentanyl (Felony)

- Possession of Firearm By Felon

- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor)

- Carrying Concealed Gun (Misdemeanor)

- Resisting Public Officer (Misdemeanor)

Sheriff Hammonds asks anyone with information regarding suspected drug sale/use or any other crime to contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office at (252) 946-7111. You can also submit tips anonymously by contacting Beaufort County Crime Stoppers at (252) 974-6400 or submit your confidential tip by downloading the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office App and selecting Submit A Tip.