WMBFNews.com | Myrtle Beach/Florence, SC | News, Weather, Sports80 weapons found in convicted felon's home

80 weapons found in convicted felon's home

By Jeff Rivenbark - email

SALISBURY, NC (WBTV) - Authorities have arrested and charged a convicted felon who had a large number of guns at his home in Salisbury.

Investigators with the Rowan County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) received a tip that Jessie Sexton was a convicted felon and had several firearms at his home on Jacob Bost Road.

Assault rifles, shotguns, handguns, rare and collectible guns were all seized. 

In 1982, Sexton was convicted of second-degree murder in Mobile, Alabama, the sheriff's office said.

Authorities searched Sexton's home on February 10 and seized 80 firearms including handguns, rifles, shotguns and assault-style rifles.

Investigators say tips from concerned citizens led to the arrest.

"I believe the ATF got the first call and we worked it and investigated with them," said Chief Deputy Kevin Auten.    "It's good cooperation by the public and between agencies that made this case successful."

On Wednesday, Sexton was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.