The firearm was among 20 rifles – pistols, rifles and shotguns – that investigators found during the home search on Wednesday, along with cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms and marijuana. Police also seized approximately $ 2,300 in cash.
“Firearms of this kind, while not illegal to possess, are subject to law enforcement,” the release said. “Firearms are usually seized in conjunction with searches where there are many abusers.”
Damien Alonzo Burch, 35, of Catawba, was arrested and charged with criminal possession of cocaine, criminal possession of mushrooms and criminal possession of marijuana, the release said.
CNN is trying to reach him or a lawyer representing him for comment.
Capt. Aaron Turk, spokesman for the sheriff of Catawba County, said Burch was released on an unsecured $ 20,000 mortgage on Wednesday. Burch was formally notified on Thursday of the charges against him during a first appearance in Catawba District Court.
Turk said he does not know when Burch’s next court date is and whether he will be represented by a lawyer. He said investigators did not have a motive why the gun was made like a Nerf toy.