SAMPSON COUNTY, N.C. — Former Newton Grove Police Chief Greg Warren is facing additional criminal charges following new filings in an ongoing investigation conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
Warren was originally arrested in early January after an SBI investigation was launched at the request of the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office. At that time, he was charged with one count of indecent liberties with a minor, two counts of secret peeping, and four counts of possession of images derived from secret peeping.
This week, prosecutors filed new charges against Warren. Court records show he is now charged with drug trafficking related to the alleged possession of approximately 46 grams of a mixed oxycodone substance. He also faces a charge of possession of a weapon of mass destruction, specifically an AR-style short-barreled firearm without a serial number.
According to information presented in earlier court proceedings, the original case stems from allegations that in 2023 Warren entered the bedroom of a juvenile and took photographs of her while she was sleeping. Prosecutors stated the images were stored in a hidden folder on Warren’s phone and were later discovered on an iPad linked to that device.
During a prior hearing, Special Prosecutor Donna Rainwater told the court that the victim was unaware the photos had been taken and became extremely upset after learning of them. Investigators reportedly found multiple applications on Warren’s phone that prosecutors described as potential indicators of exploitation.
Prosecutors have previously argued in court that Warren poses a potential risk to the community, despite his long career in local law enforcement. Warren had served as Newton Grove Police Chief since 2019. Following his initial arrest, he was placed on administrative leave and formally resigned from the position earlier this week.
A judge has now set Warren’s bond at $500,000 as the case proceeds through the court system.
The investigation remains active. Authorities are asking anyone with information related to this case to contact the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation at 919-662-4500 or the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-592-4141.
