On July 6, 2025, a shooting took place at the 11 Eleven Lounge and Bar in Fairmont, North Carolina. The incident involved an employee working security at the establishment. During the investigation, authorities from North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) and the Fairmont Police Department determined that the individual had provided a false name to investigators. He was later identified as Jhaves Gilliam.
Further inquiry revealed that Gilliam’s security company, Gomez Protection Detail, along with Gilliam himself, were not registered through the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Private Protective Services as required by law for armed security providers.
Gilliam was arrested on July 29, 2025, at an Extended Stay America Select Suites hotel in Fayetteville. At the time of his arrest, he was found with a handgun despite being a convicted felon. ALE agents executed a search warrant at his residence in Fayetteville and seized ten firearms. Among these were three reported stolen guns, a sawed-off shotgun, and an AR-style rifle with an 8.5-inch barrel classified as a weapon of mass destruction. Additional items taken included a ballistic vest, law enforcement or security duty gear, other tactical equipment, and Gilliam’s fraudulent armed security ID badge.
The investigation also found that Brittney Inman—the ABC permit holder—and Dormearnie Smith—an employee—had failed to properly supervise the bar and had employed unlicensed security personnel.
A violation report will be submitted to the NC ABC Commission detailing these findings. This may result in fines or possible suspension or revocation of ABC permits for those involved.
“The Fairmont Police Department is committed to the safety of the citizens and visitors to our community. The relationship with our partners in law enforcement help us to provide that safe community. We are extremely grateful to the hard-working members of the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division who stepped in and assisted with this matter. Let me assure the citizens that this investigation is ongoing, and their concerns have not fell on deaf ears,” said Fairmont Police Chief John Edwards.
Charges resulting from this investigation include:
Jhaves Gilliam has been charged with multiple felonies including possession of firearm by felon (13 counts), possession of weapons of mass destruction (two counts), possession of stolen firearms (three counts), performing armed security services without proper registration or permit, and simple possession of schedule II controlled substance.
Britney Inman faces charges related to failing to supervise an ABC licensed establishment, allowing unlawful conduct on licensed premises, and employing unlicensed armed security staff.
Dormearnie Smith has been charged with allowing unlawful conduct on licensed premises and employing unlicensed armed security.
Additionally, Fairmont Police charged Gilliam with discharging a firearm within city limits, resisting a public officer, injury to personal property, and going armed to terror of people.
“This arrest and the recovery of these firearms reflect our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of the public,” said ALE Director Bryan House. “This convicted felon misrepresented himself as a security professional and brought firearms into an environment where alcohol is sold and consumed – a combination that poses serious risks. We remain committed to working with our partners to support safe, responsible operations at ABC licensed businesses and to address any violation that threatens that standard.”
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office assisted in this case.
ALE agents have statewide jurisdiction in North Carolina focusing on criminal activity at both legal and illegal alcohol establishments. They serve as lead enforcers for state laws regarding alcoholic beverages as well as gambling, lottery regulations, tobacco laws, and nuisance abatement statutes.
