Man accused of hotel robberies

Updated at 7:05 p.m.

Police have accused a Jacksonville man recently released from prison of two hotel robberies in the last 10 days.

Leon Demetrius Jones, 36, of New River Drive, was charged late Friday by the Jacksonville Police Department with two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, and one count each of second degree kidnapping, resist delay obstruct public officer, felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jones was arrested by officers after attempting to elude arrest during a foot chase in the New River area, according to a press release from JPD. He was wanted by Jacksonville police as a suspect in the July 22 robbery at the My Motel and the July 28 robbery of the Comfort Suites Hotel.

Jones is accused of using a “large knife” to threaten employees of the two hotels and take $120 from My Motel and $242 from Comfort Suites, according to arrest warrants on file at the Onslow County Magistrate’s Office.

Jones was previously convicted of selling a Schedule II controlled substance in 2008, possession with the intent to sell a Schedule II controlled substance in 2006 and 1994, and larceny in 2005. He was also convicted of breaking and entering, cheating property and services in 1994, robbery in 1993, and larceny in 1992, according to the N.C. Department of Correction.

He was released from Sampson County Correctional Institution March 7, three months early, according to the DOC.

His bond was set at $180,000 secured.

A Jacksonville man has been accused of two recent hotel robberies, authorities said.

Leon Demetrius Jones, 36, of New River Drive, was charged late Friday by the Jacksonville Police Department with two counts of robbery with firearms or other dangerous weapons, and one count each of second degree kidnapping, resist delay obstruct public officer, felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, possesion of a Schedule VI controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jones was arrested by officers after attempting to elude arrest during a chase on foot in the New River area, according to a press release from JPD. Jones was wanted by Jacksonville police as a suspect in the July 22 robbery at the My Motel and the July 28 robbery of the Comfort Suites Hotel.

Bond was set at $180,000 secured.