Couple Arrested after Possessing Concealed Firearms during Traffic Stop

On February 22, 2024 at approximately 10:00pm, An Officer with the Morganton Department of Public Safety was patrolling Burkemont Avenue when she located a vehicle without a registration plate attached to the rear. The officer conducted a vehicle stop as the SUV turned onto Walker Road. Once the vehicle was stopped, the officer located both occupants, Thomas Wayne Carlson, 40, of Morganton and Echo Danielle Camp, 32, of Morganton, inside the passenger area. During the course of the investigation, officers were able to locate three firearms in the vehicle, two of which had been concealed on the occupants themselves. A criminal history check of both Carlson and Camp revealed that they were both convicted felons and not allowed to possess firearms. A subsequent search of the vehicle also revealed numerous quantities of a Schedule IV controlled substance and a sizable amount of U.S. currency. Both subjects were taken into custody and charged with the following:

Thomas Wayne Carlson – No Bond Due to Pretrial Release

• Possession of a Firearm by Felon
• Possession with intent to Manufacture, Sell Deliver Sch IV Controlled Substance
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon
• No Liability Insurance
• Fictitious Registration Plate

Echo Danielle Camp - $7,500 Secured Bond

• Possession of a Firearm by Felon
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon  (2 Counts)

Both subjects received court dates of February 23, 2024 for their first appearance.