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Staff report

Detectives with the Yadkin County Sheriff’s Office arrested John Jacob Morton, 64, of 720 36th Ave. NE, Hickory, and charged him with possessing and transporting a weapon of mass death and

The investigation that started in September of 2011 was regarding the sale and distribution of illegal firearms, according to a Yadkin County press release.

Morton was charged with possessing, having in storage, transporting a Weapon of Mass Death and Destruction; Manufacturing a Weapon of Mass Death and Destruction; and the Sell and/or Delivery of A Weapon of Mass Death and Destruction.

Detectives working undercover had contacted Morton at the Vintage Village Flea Market on Rocky Branch Road in Hamptonville and spoke with him about selling handguns, shot guns and rifles, according to the release.

During the investigation, deputies discovered that the suspect did not possess a federal firearms license allowing him to conduct business as a firearms dealer, according to the release. Also, the investigation turned up that Morton did not keep or maintain any records of his firearms transactions.

On more than one occasion detectives witnessed Morton sell handguns to convicted felons and illegal immigrants, according to the release. Also, detectives purchased (more than once) “a weapon of mass death and destruction” from the suspect, the release said.

Morton is currently in the Yadkin County Jail under a $15,000 secure bond.

Officers seized over 35 rifles and shot guns, three hand guns and two sawed off double barrel shot guns, live ammunition, magazines and gun accessories, according to the release.

Officers say that after further investigation additional charges may be filed.