myfox8.com
FOX8 Staff Writer
5:09 p.m. EST, January 30, 2012

YADKIN COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP)—

A Hickory man is accused of illegally selling guns to shoppers -- including convicted felons and illegal immigrants -- at a flea market in Yadkin County.

According to a news release from the Yadkin County Sheriff's Office, authorities began investigating John Jacob Morton, 64, in September 2011. He was suspected of selling handguns, shotguns and rifles without a license at the Vintage Village Flea Market on Rocky Branch Road in Hamptonville, deputies said.

Deputies said undercover officers witnessed Morton selling handguns to convicted felons and illegal immigrants on multiple occasions. In addition, the undercover officers purchased multiple "weapons of mass death and destruction" from Morton, deputies said.

Morton did not keep any records of the guns he distributed, deputies said.

35 rifles, three handguns, two double-barrel sawed-off shotguns, multiple other shotguns, live ammunition, magazines, and gun accessories were among items seized after Morton's arrest, deputies said.

The suspect has been charged with possessing and transporting a weapon of mass destruction, manufacturing a weapon of mass destruction, and selling a weapon of mass destruction.

Deputies said the investigation is ongoing and further charges are pending.

He was being held in the Yadkin County Jail under a $15,000 secured bond.

Sheriff: Man Sold Guns to Felons, Illegal Immigrants at Flea Market - WGHP