Columbus County Detention Center Arrests — March 3-4, 2026

Drug Trafficking, Assault, and Weapons Charges Lead Columbus County Arrests

WHITEVILLE — A series of felony arrests over a two-day span has filled the Columbus County Detention Center with suspects facing charges ranging from drug trafficking and weapons offenses to assault and child endangerment.

The most serious charges were filed against James Edward Faulk, 57, of Chadbourn, who was booked March 3 on multiple felony counts including trafficking in opium or heroin, possession with intent to sell or deliver Schedule II, III, and IV controlled substances, felony conspiracy, and possession of stolen goods. Faulk is being held under a $125,000 secured bond and remains in custody awaiting trial.

Also on March 3, Rymeek Ziquan Freeman, 19, of Conway, South Carolina, was arrested on charges of discharging a weapon into occupied property and going armed to the terror of the public. Freeman is being held without bond.

Weapons, Assault, and Domestic Violence

• Sherman Deandre Evans, 45, of Nichols, SC, was arrested March 4 on charges including breaking and entering to terrorize, larceny, assault on a female, and misdemeanor domestic violence. He is being held without bond.
• Advaneek Ridgeway, 32, of Chadbourn, was booked March 3 and released the same day after being charged with assault on a pregnant woman, battery of an unborn child, communicating threats, and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. Her bond was set at $2,500 secured.

Driving and Alcohol Violations

• Fernando Jose Gonzalez-Lunez, 25, of Summerville, SC, was arrested by the NC Highway Patrol on March 3 for driving while impaired, open container, no operator’s license, speeding, and reckless driving. He is being held on a $5,000 secured bond.
• Jimmy Waldon Cannon, 48, of Cerro Gordo, was booked March 4 for expired registration and driving while license revoked. His bond was set at $500 secured.

Failure to Appear and Other Charges

• Lakisha Nicole Murphy, 41, of Lumberton, was arrested March 4 for failure to appear on a misdemeanor and released the same day.
• Carea Janae Singletary, 19, of Whiteville, was also booked and released March 3 for failure to appear.
• Cortez Mikell Smith, 31, of Chadbourn, was booked March 3 on a writ and remains in custody.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.