Bear Creek, NC – A probation search conducted on December 8, 2025, resulted in felony firearm charges for a Bear Creek man following the discovery of a rifle inside his home.
North Carolina Probation and Parole Officers were conducting a search at the residence of Billy Joe Phillips, 36, at 530 Al Davis Road, Bear Creek, when they requested assistance from the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division. Investigators responded and aided in the search, during which a .22 rifle was located and seized.
Phillips, who is a convicted felon, is prohibited under North Carolina law from purchasing, owning, or possessing firearms. He was taken into custody and charged with one felony count of possession of firearm by felon.
Phillips was issued a $10,000.00 secured bond, and his first court appearance is scheduled for January 12, 2026, at the Chatham County Justice Center in Pittsboro.