Hampton Felon Wanted On Theft Charges After Guns, Vehicles Stolen

HAMPTON, NH — Police in Hampton are asking for the public’s help finding a local felon accused of stealing vehicles and firearms.

On two occasions earlier this month, police took reports of vehicles stolen from area residences, according to Alex Reno, the police chief in Hampton. Both vehicles were recovered quickly, he said. However, on June 16, it was discovered that two firearms were stolen from one of the vehicles. “Investigators quickly identified” James Roland Dustin, 22, of Hampton as a suspect in the case, Reno said.

A warrant was issued for his arrest on three felony theft counts and the Seacoast Emergency Response Team “attempted to conduct a high-risk arrest and search warrant” on Winnacunnet Road on Monday. Dustin, however, was accused of fleeing the area and eluding arrest.

“Hampton police recovered one of the two stolen firearms,” Reno said. “It is believed that Dustin may still be in possession of the other firearm.”

Dustin is white, about 5 feet, 3 inches tall, and weighs 120 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes. The letters “JD” are tattooed under his left eye. Dustin has no fixed address and is known to frequent the New Hampshire and Massachusetts seacoast areas.

“One of the stolen firearms is still unaccounted for,” Reno added. “Dustin should be considered armed, and the Hampton Police Department urges the public to not attempt to approach him but to call 911 instead.”

Reno said more charges may be filed in the case and the incident was still under investigation. He also reminded residents to lock their vehicles and safely secure firearms and other valuables.

Anyone with information about this incident was asked to contact the Hampton Police Department at 603-929-4444. Anonymous tips can be made through the Crimeline for the Hamptons at 603-929-1222.

According to superior court records, Dustin was charged with two counts of felony drug possession, felony theft, five misdemeanor theft charges, breach of bail, taking without owner’s consent — a rental from Enterprise, operating without a valid license, and driving after revocation or suspension in late November 2022 after an incident in Seabrook in October 2022. In August 2023, the driving charges, one drug charge, and breach of bail count were nolle prossed as part of a plea deal on one drug charge and the theft charges, making him a felon. Dustin was fined and received suspended sentences with 115 days time served. He was also required to admit himself to Live Free Recovery in Keene. In January, Dustin was accused of violation of probation or parole and a warrant was issued for his arrest. A motion was made to impose suspended sentences on Feb. 14. He failed to appear at a status conference on March 5. Dustin was in court the next day where he requested a lawyer. On March 7, a request to continue by the defense was denied. On April 1, cash bail was set at $250. But 10 days later, a warrant was issued for his arrest. A few hearings were canceled and a probation violation hearing rebooked for July 11.

Dustin was also accused by police of two counts of loitering and prowling, unlawful possession of alcohol, criminal trespass, and resisting arrest, in February 2021, after Cameron Ayers of North Hampton was accused of stealing booze from a store in town that later involved an exchange of gun fire, according to police. At the time of his arrest, Dustin had an active warrant from 2020, too. Ayers was found guilty of robbery and resisting arrest in the store case in May 2022. He was sentenced to two 12 month sentences, six months suspended for three years after completing a program, and 69 days of time served credit.

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