CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Federal agents arrested a suspected drug trafficker while he was en route to "threaten" a person that he believed stole marijuana, according to a criminal affidavit.
James Alexander Brown, 64, is facing federal charges in connection with the incident.
A lengthy a criminal affidavit, filed in federal court on Feb. 1, details a more than year-long investigation into Brown.
According to a DEA Task Force officer, an undercover agent met with Brown in November 2014 to discuss a future marijuana trafficking transaction.
Investigators say the two met again in January of 2016. The undercover agent discussed seeking 48 pounds of marijuana, the affidavit says. The DEA said Brown responded that he "currently had 60 pounds."
Brown allegedly gave the undercover agent a list of types of marijuana like "Granddaddy Purple Kush" and "Black Lime Reserve."
Eyewitness News interviewed former FBI assistant director Chris Swecker about the case. He said the branded names might indicate the marijuana came from "legitimate" grow operation.
According to the affidavit, Brown asked a confidential source if he would be willing to transport 40 pounds of marijuana from California to North Carolina.
The source later told Brown agents had seized the marijuana but investigators said Brown did not believe the source and planned to threaten him and, if necessary, the source's 12-year-old son.
The affidavit goes on to describe agents arresting Brown on a trip to confront the source. The undercover agent was scheduled to meet Brown in Mooresville on Jan. 30 before they went on the trip, investigators said.
Agents said after making the arrest they found a large machete and two buck knives in his rental vehicle.
Investigators said they also found a receipt for duct tape, trash bags, cable ties and buck knives all purchased on the same date.
"We've seen this scenario happen over and over again where threats are made to third parties and undercover agents and sources are able to get that information to the DEA or the FBI or local law enforcement," said Chris Swecker, former FBI assistant director. "They can actually prevent bad things from happening."
Brown is charged with attempt to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, attempted interference with commerce by threats or violence and interstate travel in aid of unlawful activity. Agents also say that he used overseas bank accounts and cashier checks to conceal money transactions.
He waived a detention hearing and is currently being held in the Mecklenburg County jail.
In 2011, Eyewitness News reported that Rowan County authorities arrested Brown with 35 pounds of marijuana. A search of North Carolina Department of Corrections records does not indicate whether he was ever convicted or served time.
Brown's attorney declined comment when reached by Eyewitness News.