SALISBURY — Randy Lee Church of Cooleemee was convicted this week in Rowan County Superior Court on charges of felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, misdemeanor carrying a concealed gun, and misdemeanor possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

Church admitted his status as a habitual felon. Judge Anna Mills Wagoner sentenced him to a minimum of 112 months to a maximum of 147 months in prison.

On Jan. 24, 2018, deputies with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office were called to investigate a domestic disturbance on Needmore Road. According to a 911 operator, the suspect left on foot with a pair of nunchucks. Deputies found Church walking along the road.

Deputies saw a shotgun sticking out from inside his clothing and found a box of Remington 20-gauge shotgun shells, a pocket knife, and a blue metal smoking pipe. Church was intoxicated and began threatening deputies and beating his head against a window, a report said.

Church has previous convictions for felony taking indecent liberties with a child; felony failure to register as a sex offender; and felony assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury; and others.

Rowan County District Attorney Brandy Cook said she appreciates the work of Assistant District Attorney Tim Gould and the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office on the case.

Cook said her office identified Church as a repeat offender at an early stage and his sentence was enhanced accordingly.