COLUMBUS COUNTY — Two unrelated cases involving narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm were uncovered last week after proactive patrol efforts by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, according to Sheriff W.A. Rogers.
Both incidents involved deputies assigned to Bravo Squad, whose routine patrols, security checks, and traffic enforcement led to multiple charges and the seizure of illegal substances.
Security Check Leads to Arrest, Drug Seizure in Boardman
On May 23, a deputy conducting a security check at the Sun‑Do in the Boardman community noticed a gray vehicle displaying a Vermont tag that did not return to any registered vehicle. The driver, Damien Kelly Thompson, was found to have an outstanding warrant for Breaking and Entering to Terrorize and was taken into custody.
During an inventory of the vehicle before towing, deputies located:
- Multiple bags of suspected mushrooms
- Suspected acid tabs
- Assorted pills
- A crystal‑like substance
- An unknown white substance
- Digital scales, syringes, needles, and plastic trays
- A container appearing to contain growing mushrooms
- An open bottle of vodka
Animal Control responded and took custody of a dog found inside the vehicle.
Thompson was transported to the Columbus County Detention Center and served on the outstanding warrant, receiving a $20,000 secured bond. Additional warrants related to the seized narcotics were obtained later, after Thompson had been transferred to New Hanover County.
Traffic Stop Leads to Firearm, Drug Charges
In a separate case on May 25, deputies assisting with a traffic stop observed a dark‑colored vehicle turn from Legion Drive onto Virgil Street without signaling. Deputies stopped the vehicle at Central Baptist Church.
The driver, later identified as Charleston Shipman, was seen making sudden movements inside the vehicle. Deputies reported a strong odor of marijuana and ordered Shipman out for officer safety. A frisk revealed a concealed handgun in his waistband and a magazine in his pocket. Shipman was determined to be a convicted felon.
A search of the vehicle uncovered marijuana, U.S. currency, baggies, glass jars containing marijuana, a scale, and additional drug paraphernalia.
Shipman was charged with:
- Possession of Firearm by Felon
- Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, and Deliver Marijuana
- Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Carrying Concealed Gun
- Concealed Handgun Permit Violation
- Resisting Public Officer
He received a $150,000 secured bond.
Sheriff Rogers praised the deputies’ work, saying proactive patrol remains a critical tool in removing illegal drugs and firearms from Columbus County communities.
All individuals listed are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Charges and case statuses may change as investigations and court proceedings continue.
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