The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office announces on March 7, 2025, the Narcotic/Vice Suppression Unit (N.V.S.U.), served a narcotic related search warrant in the 100 block of Walnut Lane Raeford, North Carolina. The search warrant was obtained as a result of an active narcotic investigation. During the investigation the N.V.S.U. identified Nicolette Lee Tilly, Eric Lexi Johnson, Thomas James Roman, and Latosha Harris Herring as the primary suspects. Detectives also knew the subjects to operate a 2017 Chevrolet Trax and 2000 Jeep Cherokee. Detectives knew Mr. Johnson did not have an active driver’s license and Mr. Roman, who is on active probation, had an active arrest warrant for failing to appear on previous drug charges. Members of the N.V.S.U. and Hoke County Criminal Interdiction Team waited for the Chevrolet Trax to leave the residence and conducted a traffic stop. All four suspects were in the vehicle and a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search of the vehicle detectives located suspected methamphetamine, Suboxone, and assorted items of paraphernalia. All occupants of the vehicle were placed under arrest.
Remaining members of the N.V.S.U., Criminal Interdiction Team and Special Operations Unit served the search warrant on the residence located on Walnut Lane. When the search warrant was served an additional subject was located and detained. A search of the residence resulted in methamphetamine, scales, smoking devices, and loaded syringes being located. All arrestees were transported to the Hoke County Jail. After arriving at the jail, all subjects were searched again. Nicolette Tilly was found, to be concealing on her person, a trafficking amount of suspected fentanyl and Suboxone. Mrs. Tilly was charged with two counts of trafficking schedule-I controlled substance, possess controlled substance on jail premises, maintain a vehicle for the sell/delivery of a controlled substance, and possess drug paraphernalia. Eric Johnson was charged with possess with intent to sell/deliver Sch III-CS, maintain a vehicle for the sell/delivery of controlled substance and driving while license revoked. Thomas Roman was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possess drug paraphernalia. LaTosha Herring was charged with possess methamphetamine and possess drug paraphernalia.
Mrs. Tilly, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Roman, and Ms. Herring were served with arrest warrants and all arrestees were taken before the magistrate. Nicolette Davis Tilly was held on a $30,000.00 secured bond. All other subjects were given no bond due to being out on pre-trial release for pending charges.