A Henderson man was arrested last week after allegedly selling a stolen firearm with an altered serial number at a Roanoke Rapids pawnshop.

Pawnshop staff notified the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office of the transaction and Detective O.L. Wiltsie charged Michael Tracy Cheatham, 45, on warrants for possession of a firearm with an altered serial number and possession of a stolen firearm.

Despite the serial number being filed off, Wiltsie said the sheriff’s office obtained an imprint and discovered the weapon was stolen.

Cheatham, who was charged on February 1, was jailed on $50,000 bond and has a February 27 court date.

Wiltsie said most pawnshops in the area work well with law enforcement. “They are law enforcement friendly.”