VALDOSTA — Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office received complaints about suspicious activity at a local resident’s home. On Wednesday, around 4:15 p.m. detectives went to 4709 Timber Drive in Lake Park to speak to Denarelle Benton. Upon arrival, detectives realized Benton’s home smelled like marijuana.

Detectives found a small quantity of marijuana and a nine millimeter handgun, accompanying magazine, and screw on barrel extension. Officials inspected the gun and realized that it had been altered into a fully automatic, meaning the gun will fire the entire time the trigger is held.

Due to a previous felony conviction, Benton was not allowed to possess any firearms by law.

He was taken to Lowndes County Jail and charged with possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of an automatic firearm.

With any information regarding this case or any other case please contact Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office at 229-671-2950 or anonymously at 229-671-2985.