10/30/2026
Fugitive On the Run for Over a Year Is Arrested for Drug Trafficking
On October 29, 2026, the Nash County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, Community Action Team (CAT), and Patrol Division arrested Maurice Lee GILLESPIE, after investigators concluded an investigation regarding the distribution of Fentanyl in Nash County. During the investigation, Detectives learned that GILLESPIE was wanted for failing to report to serve a prison sentence for a conviction of Trafficking Heroin/Fentanyl in Cleveland County, NC. GILLESPIE also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for Felony Flee to Elude Arrest, Reckless Driving, and multiple other driving offenses from Gaston County, NC. A further search also indicated that GILLESPIE failed to appear for a drug offense in Chester County, SC, however extradition was not warranted for an out of state arrest.
Throughout the investigation, detectives conducted several controlled purchases from GILLESPIE for Trafficking amounts of suspected Fentanyl near his residence at 2600 S. Church St. Rocky Mount, NC. On October 29, 2026, Detectives witnessed GILLESPIE walking from his residence towards Key Food at the intersection of Kingston Ave and S. Church St. Rocky Mount. Deputies converged on GILLESPIE as he entered the parking lot and were able to take him into custody after he attempted to flee on foot. A search of GILLESPIE revealed approximately fifteen (15) grams of suspected Fentanyl in his pocket.
Deputies responded to GILLESPIE’s residence at 2600 S. Church St. Rocky Mount and executed a search warrant based on probable cause from this investigation. During the search, detectives seized approximately twenty (20) grams of suspected Fentanyl and digital scales from the residence.
In total, detectives seized approximately 85 grams of suspected Fentanyl from GILLESPIE throughout this investigation.
GILLESPIE was transported to the Nash County Magistrate’s Office and charged with the following:
• (F) Trafficking Fentanyl (18 Counts)
• (F) Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver Heroin/Fentanyl (7 Counts)
• (M) Resisting Public Officer
• (M) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
GILLESPIE was not issued a bond and a date has not been set for his initial appearance. He is currently in custody at the Nash County Detention Center and awaiting the Department of Adult Corrections to take custody to serve his prison sentence as he awaits further proceedings in Nash County for the above charges.
“The Nash County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to its core mission of combating gangs, guns, and drugs while ensuring the safety and well-being of the citizens of Nash County. Every day, our deputies willingly face dangerous and unpredictable situations as they work proactively to identify, locate, and apprehend individuals responsible for criminal activity within our community. Mr. Gillespie had avoided law enforcement in both North Carolina and South Carolina for more than a year. However, he made the mistake of believing he could come to Nash County, commit crimes, and evade accountability. Through the persistence, dedication, and professionalism of our deputies, he was ultimately taken into custody.
I am extremely grateful for the hard work and commitment our deputies demonstrate each day. Their determination to protect our communities and serve our citizens is instrumental in removing dangerous offenders, illegal drugs, and fi****ms from our streets. It is this dedication that continues to make Nash County a safer place for everyone.” – Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone
