A day in court turned into much more for a man charged with drug and assault offenses.
Dan Maurice Gowans, 26, is being held under $306,500 secured bond in the Columbus County Detention Center, according to sheriff’s reports.
Gowans was a target in the ongoing saturation patrols by the Vice-Narcotics Unit working around Central Middle School in Whiteville, the sheriff’s office said. Agents obtained warrants charging him with felony sale and delivery of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school; maintaining a vehicle for drug activities; two counts of sale and delivery of cocaine; and possession of cocaine with intent to sell and deliver.
Gowans was arrested March 16 at the Hallsboro courthouse while he was there on an unrelated case. It was discovered he also had an outstanding warrant for assault on a female. Deputies took him into custody without incident.
Agents have been working the area around Central due to numerous complaints from citizens in the area. In February, Antonio Alex Dobie Jr., Steven Rashad McKinney and Harold Devon Taylor were arrested on cocaine and marijuana charges during saturation patrols of the area.
“The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Vice-Narcotics Unit will continue to saturate this area of Whiteville to target those individuals that choose to participate in illegal activities,” Sheriff Jody Greene said.