Felon With Extensive Criminal History Arrested During Garner Traffic Stop

Roger White, 61, was arrested for driving without an operator's license and carrying a concealed weapon. He also was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The arrest happened Wednesday. According to Garner police, officer William Beamish was patrolling in the area of Meadowbrook Drive when he stopped a vehicle for an equipment violation. The driver was not licensed by the state of North Carolina.

Police said Beamish obtained consent from the driver to search the vehicle. During the search, the officer found a .32 caliber handgun under the seat.

The driver, identified as White, was taken into custody and transported to the Wake County Detention Center in Raleigh.

White has an extensive history with the court system. He was convicted of manslaughter in 1965, sentenced to three to five years and released from prison in 1967.

In 1974, White was arrested for murder but convicted of voluntary manslaughter. He received a sentence of 16-20 years, being released from prison in 1981.

In 1982, White was charged with first-degree burglary and found guilty of trespassing. He received a prayer for judgment and was released without serving any time.

White was arrested in 1985 for felony possession of marijuana, possession with the intent to sell and deliver marijuana and maintaining a dwelling for marijuana -- all felonies. He was found guilty and received a fine, and he was sentenced to serve weekends in the county jail.

In 1986, White again was arrested for maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance -- also a felony. He was found guilty and received an active sentence to be served on weekends in the county jail , as well as five years of probation to be served at the end of the active sentence.

Garner officers are conferring with federal officials in reference to additional charges.

"Officer Beamish is to be commended for attention to duty and following up on these charges," Lt. Barry Moore said.