A Jacksonville man is facing several charges, including multiple drug trafficking counts, second- degree kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon, following an investigation conducted by the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office.
Warrants allege the drug-related offenses occurred on Jan. 7. Investigators say that James Raphael Dahlbender, 49, possessed more than 28 grams of cocaine and used a 2025 Ford Escape to keep and sell cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine. Court documents also allege he possessed digital scales, plastic bags and a magnetic case used to package and conceal controlled substances.
According to the arrest warrants, Dahlbender was arrested on Feb. 6 and charged with offenses related to cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Those charges include the following:
Possession with intent to manufactureSell and deliver controlled substancesManufacturing controlled substancesMaintaining a vehicle or place for controlled substancesPossession of drug paraphernalia
In addition to the drug charges, Dahlbender is also charged with second-degree kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, and injury to property from a separate incident on Jan. 22. According to warrants, he is accused of unlawfully confining and restraining two people for the purpose of terrorizing them. Investigators also allege he struck the passenger window of a vehicle with a metal baseball bat during the incident.
Dahlbender is being held at the Onslow County Detention Center without bond. His first court appearance in Feb. 9.
We will update this story as we receive more information.