LELAND – Former Brunswick County Sheriff’s Deputy John Christian Blasingame has been arrested on numerous charges, including possession and distribution of drugs, and stealing badges, an identification card, and other uniform equipment from the Sheriff’s Office.
Blasingame, 42, is a resident of Leland, and served as a deputy for the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) for less than a year. He was sworn in on Jan. 19, 2016, and was dismissed by Sheriff John Ingram in early August of the same year. The Sheriff’s Office did not specify why he was terminated.
According to BCSO Spokeswoman Emily Flax, Blasingame was arrested during a traffic stop, on Chappell Loop Road in Leland, on the evening of Thursday, May 3. He was later booked at the Brunswick County Detention Facility.
Warrants issued for Blasingame indicate he was stopped after “feloniously” delivering lisdexamfetamine, a prescription amphetamine sold under the brand name Vyvanse.
According to Flax, a search of Blasingame’s vehicle and residence revealed Blasingame was in possession of amphetamines, cocaine, testosterone, and both marijuana and paraphernalia – including a glass bong, and plastic baggies apparently intended for resale use.
Deputies with the Vice and Narcotics unit that arrested Blasingame searched his house, and discovered stolen Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office identification, including an ID card, badges, tie and lapel pins.
According to Flax, Blasingame was not impersonating an officer – that is, wearing or using any of the stolen items – at the time of his arrest.
Blasingame is charged with several felonies, including possession of marijuana and cocaine, and embezzlement of state property.
He is currently being held on a $1.5 million bond.
