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Category Posts : Crime

SBI Environmental Investigation Helps Add 200 Acres to Lake Waccamaw State Park

LAKE WACCAMAW – Special agents from the State Bureau of Investigation’s Diversion and Environmental Crimes Unit will be on hand for the dedication of 200 new acres at Lake Waccamaw State Park in Columbus County, Friday, July 21, at 10 a.m. Agents with the SBI worked jointly with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigative Division on a hog waste discharge case that resulted in the conviction of the perpetrator who was fined $1.5 million.  A portion of that fine was given to the N.C. Coastal Land Trust and N.C. State Parks to purchase additional acreage for Lake Waccamaw State Park. “Agents from SBI’s Environmental Crime Unit work complex environmental investigations like this one …..

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Bladen Hardware is victim of break-in

The Bladen Hardware Store located at 138 S. Poplar Street in Elizabethtown was broken into on Sunday night and items were taken, according to the Elizabethtown Police Department. Lt. D. Cheshire said someone gained entry to the store through the rear doors and removed some firearms from the premises. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is assisting in the investigation. He said law enforcement does have some leads they are following. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Elizabethtown Police Department at 910-862-3152. Share:

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Bladen County Sheriffs Officers search for suspect

Bladen County Sheriffs Officials are searching for a suspect involved in a breaking and entering on Old Boardman Road. The Bladen County Sheriffs Office is using a helicopter to search for the suspect who is alleged to have attempted to break into a home and then fled. NC 242 was closed briefly between NC 410 and Old Boardman Road. The road is now open to traffic. Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker said on Monday afternoon a man came home and caught someone coming out of the house. Sheriff McVicker said the suspect hit the victim’s truck with his vehicle and a short time later the suspect drove into a ditch. …..

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National Health Care Fraud Takedown Results in Charges Against Over 412 Individuals Responsible for $1.3 Billion in Fraud Losses

Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tom Price, M.D., announced today the largest ever health care fraud enforcement action by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, involving 412 charged defendants across 41 federal districts, including 115 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud schemes involving approximately $1.3 billion in false billings. Of those charged, over 120 defendants, including doctors, were charged for their roles in prescribing and distributing opioids and other dangerous narcotics. Thirty state Medicaid Fraud Control Units also participated in today’s arrests. In addition, HHS has initiated suspension actions against 295 providers, including doctors, …..

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Bladen County, be aware of scammers

Public Should Be Aware of Scammers Claiming to be with the SBI Local law enforcement in Bladen County has sent out many warnings about scams to look out for in our area. Our readers have been warned about scammers knocking on doors and calling our local area with false claims trying to lure folks out of money. Now the State of North Carolina has a scam warning. The State Bureau of Investigation has learned that the SBI’s main phone number, 919-662-4500, is being used in a scam asking for money. The public should know that the SBI would never solicit money from a private citizen. “Unfortunately there is no way to prevent spoofing …..

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West Bladen High School Graduate Saves Carjacking Victims from Tragedy

Timing is everything. A West Bladen High School graduate happened to be at the right place at the right time. Charles (Charlie) Gooden,17 year old, was in the right place at the right time to save a family from being carjacked in Oak Island, North Carolina on Saturday, July 1, 2017. Charlie was working for Taylor Cubelet Ice and was delivering ice in Oak Island when he heard a scream and turned to see a lady screaming out an open passenger door while the driver was hitting her and pulling her back into the car. Charlie along with another person started running toward the chaos. Charlie told BladenOnline.com, “Instinct kicked in and …..

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White Lake suspects identified in felony larceny case

The suspects have been identified in a larceny of motor vehicle case. The White Lake police department would like to thank the public and the media for the assistance they have provided in the identification of two suspects involved in the Larceny of a Motor Vehicle that occurred at Goldstons Beach White Lake, N.C. on Saturday July 8, 2017. The suspects have been identified as Sherry Ann Hunt 27, of Pembroke, N.C. and Stephanie Leanne Lamm 29, of Lumberton, N.C. Warrants for arrests are being issued for Larceny of a Motor Vehicle.  Motor vehicle larceny suspect sought at White Lake, NC Share:

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Elizabethtown man pleads guilty to drug charges

An Elizabethtown man pled guilty in Bladen County Superior Court to drug-related charges. Terrell Shipman of Elizabethtown appeared before Judge Douglas Sasser and pled guilty to possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver schedule II controlled substance, sell schedule II controlled substance and manufacture of schedule II controlled substance.  Judge Sasser sentenced Shipman to 24 months of supervised probation and ordered him to complete a TASC assessment. TASC offers treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, according to their website. To learn more about TASC, go to http://insightnc.org/intervention/tasc/. Bladen County Assistant District Attorney Quinton McGee, in October, a cooperating source purchased from Shipman an OxyCodone pill. The source paid …..

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Swindell case is continued to August 7th

A Clarkton man who is charged with first degree murder, appeared in Bladen County Superior Court on Monday. Harold Eugene Swindell of Clarkton appeared in court and Judge Douglas Sasser set the next court date for August 7th. In June, the court submitted an application to the North Carolina Indigent Defense Office on behalf of Swindell. Brooke Smith, who works as an Assistant Capital Defender in Robeson County, was appointed to represent him. Swindell is charged with first degree murder and felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is currently being held without bond. If convicted of first degree murder, Swindell could be facing the death penalty. …..

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Man pleads guilty to breaking and entering 

A Duplin County man pled guilty to felony breaking and entering and attempted larceny on Monday in Bladen County Superior Court.  James Calvin King, of Teachey, appeared before Judge Douglas Sasser and pled guilty to felony breaking and entering and attempted larceny. In court, King admitted these charges were in violation of his probation. Judge Sasser sentenced King to 15 to 27 months for the felony larceny charge which will begin at the expiration of any sentence currently being served. King was sentenced to 9 to 20 months on the attempted larceny charge which will be served at the expiration of the prior sentence. King’s attorney, James Caviness of Chadbourn, …..

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Bladen and Sampson law enforcement work together on larceny case

Bladen and Sampson County law enforcement worked together on a felony larceny case. Sheriff Thornton from Sampson County stressed the importance of good relationships between different law enforcement agencies after an arrest was made last week. On July 6, 2017, Investigators with the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office charged Donald Hardman, 63, W/M of 1804 Bull St. Garland, NC with 2 counts of Felony Larceny and 1 count of Misdemeanor Larceny. The charges were related to three larcenies that were reported to the Sampson County Sheriff Office between June 30 and July 1. On June 30, a lawn mower and trailer were reported stolen from Broad St. in Roseboro and on …..

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Motor vehicle larceny suspect sought at White Lake, NC

UPDATE: White Lake suspects identified in felony larceny case https://bladenonline.com/white-lake-suspects-identified-in-felony-larceny-case/ Original Post: White Lake police are investigating a larceny of motor vehicle that happened at Goldstons Beach in the 1600 block of White Lake Drive on Saturday July 8, 2017. This occurred between 6:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The victim laid an article of clothing down next to them that contained the keys to their vehicle as they played arcade games with their family. A woman is seen on video removing the keys from the pocket of the clothing, walking to the parking area and sounding the alarm with the key fob. The woman is then seen entering the vehicle …..

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Man pleads guilty to misuse of 911 system

A Bladen County man pled guilty to one count of misuse of the 911 system on Wednesday in Bladen County District Court. He appeared before Judge William Fairley. According to Bladen County Assistant District Attorney Quentin McGee, David Fredendall was calling 911 with the belief he had an emergency. He said Fredendall alleged he had no minutes left on his cell phone so he mistakenly believed if he hung up, the dispatcher would send someone to his aid. McGee said Fredendall made multiple calls which led to the charges. Fredendall was given credit for time served and ordered to pay a fine. Share:

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Two plead guilty to misdemeanor larceny

Two men pled guilty to misdemeanor larceny charges in Bladen County District Court on Wednesday in a break-in that ocurred in Bladenboro. They appeared before Judge William Fairley. Nashawn Patrick pled guilty to one count of misdemeanor larceny and received 12 months of probation and was ordered to pay restitution. He was represented by Attorney Cynthia Singletary. J-Abril Baker also pled guilty to one count of misdemeanor larceny in the matter and received 12 months of probation and was ordered to pay restitution. He was represented by Attorney Kyle Melvin. According to Assistant Bladen County District Attorney Quentin McGee told the court that all of the items that were taken …..

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Inmates tested for Hepatitis C

Inmates in the Bladen County Jail are undergoing tests for Hepatitis C after a make-shift tattoo gun was found. Jailers learned last week three inmates had received tattoos using the device and one of those inmates has contracted Hepatitis C. According to WECT, jailers learned two other inmates also received tattoos and they are now being tested. It is not currently known how the inmate who tested positive for Hepatitis C contracted the illness, according to reports. The tattoo gun was found after a search was performed earlier this week. According to the Center’s for Disease Control in Atlanta, Ga., Hepatitis C affects the liver and is spread thorough contact …..

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Man held under $1 million bond on sex offense charges

An Elizabethtown man remains under a $1 million secured bond and he is to have no contact with individual’s under the age of 18. This is following his first appearance in court on Wednesday morning. William Bryan Clark, 35, of 305 Glenwood Drive, Elizabethtown, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with Disseminating Obscenity to a Minor, Soliciting a Child By Computer and Indecent Liberties with a Child. He appeared before Judge William Fairley who appointed Attorney Cynthia Singletary to represent him on the matter. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 17. Bladen County Assistant District Attorney Quentin McGee told the court Clark has two other sets of similar …..

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Sex Offender Arrested on New Charges

Sheriff James A. McVicker announced the arrest today of William Bryan Clark, 35, of 305 Glenwood Drive, Elizabethtown, on charges of Disseminating Obscenity to a Minor, Soliciting a Child By Computer and Indecent Liberties with a Child. Clark was placed under a $1 million secured bond pending a first appearance hearing Wednesday. “My deputies began investigating this case in early June and were able to obtain enough evidence to satisfy the elements of these crimes and make an arrest today,” said McVicker. “This individual was previously arrested in April of this year by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation on a charge of Indecent Liberties With a Minor. The …..

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Bladen County Sheriff’s Office implements new technology

The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office has implemented an advanced tool for  the benefit and enhanced safety of our citizens and deputies this week.  Sgt. Gary Turlington said training and qualifications have begun for the deployment of less lethal munitions for encounters with dangerous, violent, and resistive individuals. “This does not supplant the applications for Taser, pepper  spray, or other techniques. This adds another valuable tool in the  deputy’s toolbox to more effectively protect ourselves and the citizens of our county,” said Sgt. Turlington. Sgt. Turlington said this application, called a “beanbag munition,” affords Deputies the capability to apply less-lethal force to distract and/or overcome situations that would have previously been …..

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Copper Thief Caught In The Act

Sheriff James A. McVicker said deputies were able to locate and arrest a man who was in the process of stealing copper from a Four County Electric Membership sub-station on Natmore Road in Kelly Monday night. “Our 911 center received a call of an intruder at the substation Monday  night,” said McVicker. “Their live video feed showed a man attempting to cut through the fence. Deputies arrived and located a 2005 Toyota Tundra pickup parked down the road from the sub-station.  They placed the truck under surveillance and also checked the sub-station where they found discarded bolt cutters. They located a man in the woods lying down trying to evade …..

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Suspect sought in Elizabethtown armed robbery

The Elizabethtown Police Department is seeking a suspect in connection with an armed robbery that ocurred at the Melton’s Restaurant. Lt. D. Cheshire said the robbery ocurred as the restaurant was closing on Saturday. Lt. Cheshire said, “We do know one subject entered through the back door.” The suspect is described as wearing a camouflage coat with a hoodie and mask. He was also carrying a silver handgun. Lt. Cheshire said once the man entered the building, he approached the three employees who were inside and demanded money at gun point. The suspect left through the back door and was last seen on foot heading toward the O’Reilly’s Auto Parts …..

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Elizabethtown restaurant robbed

The Elizabethtown Police Department is investigating an armed robbery that occurred at Melton’s Restaurant on Saturday evening. The restaurant was open for business on Sunday morning. According to Sgt. Davis with the Elizabethtown Police Department, the Melton’s Restaurant was the victim of an armed robbery which occurred as the restaurant was closing on Saturday. Sgt. Davis said the incident is still under investigation and no arrests have been made. No further details were released. BladenOnline.com will have more information as it becomes available. Share:

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Suspect In Domestic Violence Shooting Arrested

Sheriff James A. McVicker said today that an incident which began at approximately 4:30 a.m. ended without incident when the suspect was taken into custody at his residence. “Our 911 Center received a call at approximately 4  a.m. this morning from a woman reporting she had shot herself,” said McVicker. “When EMS and Law Enforcement arrived they found she had been shot multiple times in the chest and arm with a .22 caliber rifle. She then told my deputies that her boyfriend, Johnny Mack Cook, 48, of 125 Bohica Drive had shot her.” The victim, Sylvia Ann Jacobs, 46 of 357 Bohica Drive, Elizabethtown, was transported to Bladen County Hospital …..

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Tabor Correctional Inmate Captured in Whiteville

RALEIGH — A Tabor Correctional Institution inmate who left his work assignment on Tuesday is back in custody after being captured today at 1 a.m. Members of the prison staff, along with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Department, captured Ricky Robinson in Whiteville early this morning. Robinson, a minimum custody inmate, was discovered missing from his work assignment Tuesday. He was working as a janitor at Columbus Correctional Institution in Whiteville when he walked away from his assignment. Robinson, 59, will face charges for his escape. He is currently serving a sentence as a habitual felon. He was scheduled for release in June 2021. Share:

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Barricaded man peacefully surrenders

A man who barricaded himself in his home earlier Thursday on Bohica Drive has surrendered peacefully. No one was injured in the incident. The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Hostage Negotiation and SRT team. The incident occurred when a call came into the 911 Call Center at about 4 a.m. with a report of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. When the ambulance arrived and transported the shooting victim to Cape Fear Valley-Bladen Healthcare for treatment, she then alleged her boyfriend, Johnny Mack Cook, had shot her, said Bladen County Sheriff’s Major Larry Guyton. The victim was shot multiple times in the chest and torso, according …..

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Man barricades self in home

A man has barricaded himself in his home on Bohica Drive following a shooting incident on Thursday morning. According to Major Larry Guyton, the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office has requested assistance from the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Hostage Negotiation and SRT team. Major Guyton said a call came into the 911 Call Center at about 4 a.m. from a woman saying she had a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He said when the ambulance transported the victim to Cape Fear Valley-Bladen Healthcare, she alleged her boyfriend had shot her. “She was shot multiple times in the chest area and arm,” said Major Guyton. He said officers used a K-9 and tracked the …..

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Scam Alert: Company soliciting basketball sponsorships not legit

A company operating in Texas has been contacting Bladen County residents claiming to solicit sponsorships on behalf of the East Bladen High School basketball program. “This is a scam!” said Athletic Director Patty Evers. “Please, do not give any money to this company.” If you suspect you have been a victim of this or any other scam, contact the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement agency. The North Carolina Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Division offers tips to staying safe from scams. Those tips include: *Never give out your social security number, bank account or credit card information to strangers over the telephone or by email. *Don’t …..

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Tabor Correctional Inmate Escapes from Work Detail

RALEIGH – Corrections and law enforcement officers are seeking Ricky Robinson, a minimum custody inmate from Tabor Correctional Institution in Columbus County, who was discovered missing from his work assignment today. Robinson was working as a janitor at Columbus Correctional Institution in Whiteville when he walked away from his assignment. Robinson, 59, is serving a sentence as a habitual felon. He is scheduled for release in June 2021. Anyone who has seen Robinson or has information on his whereabouts is asked to call local law enforcement or Tabor Correctional Institution at (910) 653-6413. Share:

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Bladen County Sheriff's Department

Convicted Felon Caught With Weapon

Sheriff James A. McVicker said a stop by one of his K-9 officers lead to a narcotics violation and the recovery of a stolen weapon Saturday night. “Sergeant Daniel Clark and his K-9 partner Jaxx made a vehicle stop for suspected impaired driving, Saturday night around 11:00 p.m in the Butters Community,” said McVicker. “During the stop Clark determined the driver, Kendrick Lee Jackson, 36 of 421 Marigold Lane, Lumberton was operating a vehicle with no license. Deputy Clark requested the assistance of Bladenboro Officer Timothy Hester and Bladen Corporal Travis Deaver. Clark deployed his K-9 Jaxx who alerted on the vehicle.” McVicker said a subsequent search disclosed a stolen …..

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Bladen County Sheriff's Department

Trip To Beach Ends Early For Three Virginia Youths

Sheriff James A. McVicker released details of a traffic stop on Saturday that lead to arrests for drug and alcohol possession. “The traffic stop began Saturday at 11:30 when Trooper Ronnie Walker with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol stopped a 2006 Trailblazer for speeding 76 in a 55 mph speed zone on NC 87 near Tar Heel,” said McVicker. “Trooper Walker noticed the smell of marijuana on his approach to the vehicle. He asked for assistance and Sergeant Donnie Williamson with my office responded. A search of the vehicle disclosed drugs and alcohol and Agent Ron Hebert with North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement was also notified.” McVicker said the …..

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Suspect arrested in armed robbery

Sheriff James A. McVicker announced on Friday afternoon the arrest of Lonnie Junior Willis, 30, of 139 Pine Oak Road, Ivanhoe, NC, for Robbery With a Dangerous Weapon. “On Wednesday afternoon, June 14, the victim, Donnie Levane Stringfield, 59, of 605 Lightwood Knot Road, Kelly was robbed by three men at his home,” said McVicker. “The robbery happened about 7:30 p.m. The victim told my deputies he was at his residence when someone knocked on the door. Stringfield said when he opened the door that Lonnie Junior Willis, a man he knew, was there and asked if he had change for a $100 bill. When he told Willis no, Willis got …..

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Alleged murder weapon lost; murder trial still on

A motion to dismiss first degree murder charges filed against Haywood Lee Lewis was denied in Bladen County Superior Court Criminal Division recently. Judge Douglas Sasser heard the motion. Defense Attorney Michael Wilson presented a motion to dismiss the charges against his client, Haywood Lee Lewis, based on the fact that the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office “lost” the murder weapon. The motion was denied, by Judge Douglas Sasser. When asked about the case, Bladen County Assistant District Attorney Quentin McGee said, “There are plenty of murder cases that are tried without a murder weapon.” The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office referred all questions regarding the matter to the District Attorneys office. …..

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Crime: One charged in incident involving Elizabethtown Public Works pump

The Elizabethtown Police Department has identified the driver of a vehicle which struck a water pump at the Public Works facility during the Memorial Day weekend. According to Lt. D. Cheshire, Natalie Whitney Jackson of Elizabethtown was charged with injury to personal property.  He said On Sunday, May 28, Jackson’s vehicle struck the water pump located beside Public Works and then left the scene. The police department obtained video of the incident from a security camera in the area. He said information given to police led to a tip to her identity and Jackson turned herself in.   Share:

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Crime: Suspect identified in Memorial Day larceny

The Elizabethtown Police Department has identified a suspect in a larceny that occurred at the Elizabethtown Walmart store during the Memorial Day weekend. Lt. D. Cheshire said an anonymous caller identified the suspect as Frederick Anthony Cargill of Fayetteville. He is charged with one count of felony larceny. The incident occurred on Monday, May 29, 2017. According the Lt.  Cheshire, at approximately 8:45 a.m. Cargill entered the Walmart of Elizabethtown and stole two cell phones from the electronic section of the store. Share:

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Covington court case continued until July 31

Saquon Covington was in Bladen County Superior Court on Monday and his case was continued until July 31. He is facing charges of possession with intent to sell/deliver marijuana; manufacture schedule VI controlled substance; conspire to sell schedule VI controlled substance; Trafficking in MDA/MDMA; manufacture schedule I controlled substance; conspiring to traffic MDA/MDMA; felony possession schedule VI controlled substance; possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver schedule I controlled substance; possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine;  possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver schedule IV controlled substance; conspiracy to sell/deliver schedule IV controlled substance; felony carrying concealed gun; and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is represented by Attorney Goldstone …..

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May 22-June 4 Click It Or Ticket Campaign Results Announced

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol has announced the results from the May 22-June 4 Click It Or Ticket Campaign. The total traffic and criminal violations for Bladen County was 563. Other southeastern North Carolina county figures for traffic and criminal violations were Columbus (615), Brunswick (727, Duplin (807), Pender (497), Robeson (1,575) and Sampson (853). Share:

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Four make first appearance in East Arcadia drive by shooting

The four men arrested for a drive by shooting that ocurred on Carter Road in the East Arcadia community on Friday made their first appearance in court on Tuesday. They appeared before District Court Judge Jerry Jolly. Phil Wilson Jr. of Wilson McKoy Road, Elizabethtown, is charged with two felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Judge Jolly said each count carries a maximum sentence of 136 months. Wilson is also charged with felony fleeing to elude arrest which Judge Jolly said carries a maximum penalty of 39 months. He is also charged with one felony count of discharging a firearm from within an enclosure …..

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Man arrested in Clarkton shooting death to be in court July 10

The man arrested for the shooting death of Lonnie Level Smith will have his next court appearance on Monday, July 10, according to court records. Harold Eugene Swindell, 47, of South Page Road, Clarkton, is charged with first degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Smith, 38, of Jasmine Lane, Clarkton, was shot and killed following an altercation at the Oakdale Homes apartment complex. Share:

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Bladen County Sheriff's Department

Drive By Shooting Leads to Arrests

Sheriff James A. McVicker said a shooting that happened in the East Arcadia community Friday afternoon has led to the arrest of four men. “We received multiple 911 calls around 2:30 this afternoon of shots being fired at 161 Carter Road in the East Arcadia Community,” McVicker said. “The callers said at least two people had been shot and gave a description of the vehicle involved. One of my deputies who was responding to the call met a vehicle matching the description on NC 211 near Council and when he attempted to stop them they fled at a high rate of speed. Deputies pursued them several miles and were able …..

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Clarkton Undercover Operation Leads to Search Warant

Sheriff James A. McVicker said today that deputies from his office, assisted by members of the Elizabethtown Police Department executed a search warrant at 94 North Mitchell Ford Road in Clarkton. McVicker said the search warrant was the result of citizen’s complaints which lead to an undercover operation that has been conducted for the past several months Two men were arrested as a result of the search warrant and a weapon and vehicle were seized. Arrested was James Alvin Ratliff, 38, of 94 North Mitchell Ford Road, Clarkton. Ratliff was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, felony fleeing to elude arrest and resist, obstruct and delay …..

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Bladen County Sheriff’s Office investigating possible shooting in East Arcadia area

Two men arrived at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington with gunshot wounds and it was learned they had allegedly been shot in Bladen County. Bladen County Sheriff’s Office Major Larry Guyton said “All we know right now is we have two people with gunshot wounds at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.” Major Guyton said the shooting is alleged to have ocurred in the East Arcadia area. He did not have the exact location of the shooting and the incident is under investigation. BladenOnline.com will have more details as they become available. Share:

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Bladen County Sheriff’s Office conducts search in Clarkton

The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search of a residence in Clarkton on Friday morning, according to Bladen County Sheriff’s Office Major Larry Guyton. According to the Sheriff’s Office, numerous complaints have been received from neighbors and an undercover operation was conducted resulting in the execution of a search warrant. Bladenonline.com will have more details as they become available. Share:

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Raleigh Investment Advisor Sentenced to Prison for Orchestrating Ponzi Scheme on Clients

Raleigh – United States Attorney John Stuart Bruce announced that yesterday afternoon in federal court Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced Hugh Monroe Dyson, 67, of Holly Springs, North Carolina, to serve 48 months in federal prison, for committing Mail Fraud. Dyson was also ordered to forfeit the proceeds of the offense, to make restitution, and to serve three years of supervised release. Between 1993 and 2012, Dyson was a registered representative and financial advisor who was employed at two financial services firms in Raleigh, where he provided financial advice to various investor clients. During that same time period, Dyson created a fictitious entity, known as …..

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Garland man pleads guilty to attempted burglary, DWI charges

Nathaniel G. Shirley, of Garland, pled guilty on Tuesday to attempted first degree burglary and DWI in Bladen County Superior Court. He appeared before Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Douglas Sasser. Shirley was sentenced to 36 months of supervised probation on the attempted first degree burglary charge and 12 months of supervised probation for the DWI charge to run concurrently with the original sentence. Judge Sasser also ordered Shirley to enroll in TROSA (Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers) which is a drug treatment program located in Durham. All others charges against Shirley were dismissed, according to court records. Shirley was arrested in November 2016 and charged with breaking into …..

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Tobacco Farmer Sentenced to 6 Months Imprisonment for Obstructing an On-Going Federal Investigation

RALEIGH – United States Attorney John Stuart Bruce announced that today in federal court, the Honorable James C. Dever III, Chief United States District Judge, sentenced KAY WEEKS FISHER, 67, of Whitakers, North Carolina, to six-months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release and a $25,000 fine for making material false statements. According to the Criminal Information and information in the public record, KAY WEEKS FISHER, being aware of an on-going federal grand jury investigation, took steps to help another farmer conceal the sales of hidden tobacco and encouraged the farmer to provide false testimony to federal agents. The farmer, who was also prosecuted by this office, eventually told …..

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Issues in Bladen County with Elder abuse

Ageism is defined as a tendency to regard older persons as debilitated, unworthy of attention. Abuse is treating a person or an animal with cruelty or violence, especially regularly or repeatedly. At times, ageism and abuse go hand in hand. Bladen County has reports of elder abuse. Bladen County Health and Human Services along with the Bladen County Commissioners are trying to take a stand against Elder abuse. Bladen County Board of Commissioners’ Chairman, Charles Ray Peterson Bladen County had 93 reports of senior citizens being abused in 2016. Peterson also said according to Social Services Director, Vicky Smith, there are already 84 cases of elder abuse this year. At …..

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Court cases continued in Bladenboro coin machine break-in

The court cases against the suspects involved in the break-in of the Wash and Dryve Carwash in January were continued on Friday morning. Judge Pauline Hankins presided over the proceedings. The case against Madison Cheshire was continued until July 14. Cheshire is charged with injury to personal property, failure to appear on a misdemeanor and breaking into a coin/currency machine. Also charged in the case is Brandon Jackson. His case was also continued to July 14. Jackson is facing charges of breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, possession of burglary tools, damage to property, and damage to a coin/currency machine. The pair are alleged to have driven to …..

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Case against West Bladen teacher continued

The probable cause hearing for a former West Bladen High School teacher was continued on Friday. Judge Pauline Hankins presided over the court proceedings. Shanna May Harrelson, 38, of Clarkton, was not in court but her court appointed attorney, Andrew Wall, did appear before Judge Hankins. The case was continued until July 31. Harrelson is facing charges of disseminating obscene material to a minor, one felony count of crime against nature, and one felony count of a sex act with a student. The charge of disseminating obscene material to a minor and the charge of crime against nature each carry a maximum sentence of 24 months and one felony count …..

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Online Scam Prevention Seminar

Protection against scams has always been important. New ways of scams pop-up almost on a daily basis according to some law enforcement. The Bladen County Division on Aging and Lumber River Council of Governments are working together to educate Bladen County residents about scams. A scam prevention seminar will take place on Thursday, June 15th, from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church in Elizabethtown. The seminar is free and is sponsored by the Lumber River Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging and the Bladen County Division on Aging.  The purpose of this seminar is to learn how to protect yourself and your family from falling …..

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North Carolina Don’t Drink and Drive Violations

State Highway Patrol and the Wildlife Resources Commission Release Campaign Efforts  On the Road, on the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive Memorial Day Totals   RALEIGH — The State Highway Patrol along with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Law Enforcement Division released the totals for “On the Road On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign for the period of Saturday, May 27 through Monday, May 29. The campaign is a collaborative effort between the State Highway Patrol and N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission which concentrates on the removal of impaired drivers from roadways and waterways. Highlighting the combined efforts of both agencies, SHP removed 222 impaired drivers from the roadways …..

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Crime: Elizabethtown Police need help identifying suspect

The Elizabethtown Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying a suspect in a larceny that occurred on Monday, May 29, 2017. According the Lt. D. Cheshire, at approximately 8:45 a.m. an unknown black male entered the Walmart of Elizabethtown and stole two cell phones from the electronic section of the store. The suspect was operating what appears to be a red Chevrolet Impala with black highlights around the headlights and a black stripe down the back of the vehicle on the trunk and rear bumper. Anyone with any information as to the identity of the suspect please contact the Elizabethtown Police Department at 910-862-3125 or email dcheshire@elizabethtownnc.org. Share:

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Bladen County Sheriff’s Office seeking information in deadly shooting

The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office is asking for anyone with information regarding the identities of the suspects in a shooting that left one immigrant dead on Friday night. The shooting occurred on Oakview Trail near Elizabethtown. Leonardo Zongua, 33, was shot and killed during the robbery attempt. Chief Deputy Larry Guyton said the purse of the victim’s wife was stolen during the incident and she told investigators it had her paperwork in it. Bladen County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Larry Guyton said, “We do believe they (the suspects) are local.” The suspects are described as a group of 4 to 6 black males who appeared to be in their late …..

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Town of Clarkton requests Sheriff’s Office assistance

By: Erin Smith The town of Clarkton recently sent a request to the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office for two deputies to be assigned to patrol the town. Bladen County Chief Deputy Larry Guyton said the Sheriff’s Office has submitted a cost estimate for the Clarkton Town Board to consider.  Chief Deputy Guyton said, “Basically, the deputies would be hired by the Sheriff’s Office and be assigned to Clarkton and their salaries, equipment and stuff would be reimbursed by the town. My understanding right now we have given them an estimate of what that would cost. We’re just waiting to hear back from them whether they decide to do it or …..

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Sheriff’s Office to open substation at Oakdale Homes

By: Erin Smith The Housing Authority in Clarkton has offered an office space at Oakdale Homes to the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office to be utilized as a substation, according to Bladen County Chief Deputy Larry Guyton. He said the offer came prior to last week’s shooting at the apartment complex and is a separate from a request from the Clarkton Town Board for two deputies to patrol the town. He said the office at Oakdale Homes will provide officers with a space where they can go and write a report, use the telephone, have access to internet, or if they need to interview someone rather than traveling to the Sheriff’s …..

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Answers still sought in Bladen County 2015 disappearance

By: Erin Smith The family of a Bladen County woman who has been missing since 2015 is still seeking clues as to her whereabouts. Bladen County Chief Deputy Larry Guyton said the Sheriff’s Office does have a person of interest in the case and investigators continue to pursue tips received from the public. “It’s still an open case,” said Chief Deputy Guyton. The family made a plea on Monday using Facebook, asking for leads in the case. On Tuesday morning, Chief Deputy Guyton said someone had been in contact with the Sheriff’s Office with new information. “A lady called in this morning and gave us some information on it,” said Chief …..

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Man arrested in Clarkton shooting makes first court appearance

The man charged in the shooting death of Lonnie Level Smith of Clarkton made his first appearance in court Monday before Judge William Fairley. Harold Eugene Swindell, 47, of Clarkton, is charged with first degree murder and felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is currently being held without bond. If convicted of first degree murder, Swindell could be facing the death penalty. No bond was set. Judge Fairley told Mr. Swindell he will be submitting his application for an attorney to the Indigent Defenders’ Office in Durham. The Indigent Defenders’ Office will appoint an attorney to represent Swindell. A probable cause hearing is scheduled for June …..

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Swindell turns himself in on murder charge in Clarkton shooting

The man accused of shooting to death Lonnie Level Smith on Wednesday at a Clarkton housing community turned himself in to authorities Saturday morning, Bladen County Sheriff James McVicker said. Harold Eugene Swindell, 47, of South Page Road in Clarkton, is charged with first degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He turned himself in about 10 a.m. Saturday at the Bladen County jail in Elizabethtown, McVicker said. He is expected to have a first appearance hearing Monday in Bladen County District Court. Smith, 38, of Jasmine Lane of Clarkton, was shot and killed during an altercation in the parking lot at Oakdale Homes in Clarkton …..

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Migrant worker shot dead Friday night during home robbery

A migrant worker was shot and killed during a struggle Friday night during a home robbery on Oakview Trail in Elizabethtown, Bladen County Sheriff James McVicker said. Oakview Trail is about three miles north of downtown Elizabethtown off Willard Tatum Road on the way to White Lake via U.S. 701. Leonardo Zongua, 33, was shot at least twice during the robbery, McVicker said. He was taken to Bladen County Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The incident began about 9:30 p.m. Friday when six people were outside of their rented mobile home and were approached by “several black males described as being in their late teens to early 20s,” McVicker …..

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Crime Report

Elizabethtown PD still following leads in murder

The Elizabethtown Police Department are still following leads in the murder investigation of an immigrant that took place in June at 902 Church Street in Elizabethtown. According to investigators, the murder was the result of a home invasion-type robbery. “By no means is this case closed,” said Lt. D. Cheshire. He said there are several persons of interest and leads that are still being investigated. The NC State Bureau of Investigation is also assisting the department in the case. Lt. Cheshire said authorities believe the individual or individuals responsible for the crime were familiar with the area. The victim, Blandio Nolasco Morales, 24 years of age, was a farm laborer. …..

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Bladen County Warrants Obtained in Clarkton Shooting

Sheriff James A. McVicker announced this afternoon that warrants have been obtained on Harold Eugene Swindell, 47 of 245 South Page Road, Clarkton for the murder of Lonnie Level Smith, 38 of 225 Jasmine Lane, Clarkton. “My Investigators have been working this case since yesterday afternoon and today were able to obtain enough probable cause to obtain a warrant for First Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon on Swindell,” said McVicker. “We have reason to believe Swindell is still in the state and we are asking anyone with any information on his location to please contact us at 910-862- 6960.” McVicker said Swindell should be …..

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Bladen County Sheriff's Department

Shooting Update 2: Investigation continuing in Clarkton shooting

An investigation into the Clarkton shooting death of Lonnie Smith is continuing and no arrests have been made as of Thursday morning. According to Bladen County Chief Deputy Larry Guyton, investigators are still continuing to question suspects. Chief Deputy Guyton, told Bladen Online the shooting occurred at about 6:05 p.m. at Oakdale Homes in Clarkton. Two individuals were detained for questioning at that time.  The father of the victim, Bernard Kemp, told Bladen Online at the hospital his son, Lonnie Smith of Jasmine Lane in Clarkton, was shot multiple times and had died as a result of his injuries. Ms. Augusta Smith is the mother of the 37 year old deceased man …..

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Bladen County Opiate Related Deaths go from 0-5

In the past ten years opioid addictions have turned into a crisis. North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper reported on new data released on May 16th, showing a sobering local impact of the opioid crisis. In 2015, there were more than 1,100 opioid-related deaths, a 73 percent increase from 2005 according to the newly released data. Bladen County Opiate related deaths went from 0 in 2005 to 5 Opiate Related deaths in 2015. “Opioid addiction is devastating families across the nation,” said Governor Cooper. “This is a uniquely challenging crisis for our communities and will require a new level of collaboration between law enforcement, treatment-providers, and those in recovery. I am …..

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Bladen County man dies from gun shot wounds

UPDATE: Bladen County Chief Deputy Larry Guyton first reported the shooting on Wednesday evening. The shooting occurred at Oakdale Homes. One person was shot on Wednesday afternoon in Clarkton and two people have been detained for questioning, according to Guyton’s report. Chief Deputy Guyton told BladenOnline that the victim, a male, was in serious condition when he was transported by Bladen County EMS to Cape Fear Valley-Bladen Hospital. While at the hospital in Bladen County, Mr. Bernard Kemp, introduced as the father of the victim, told a BladenOnline.com reporter his oldest son [Mr. Lonnie Smith] had been shot multiple times. Mr. Kemp said the hospital staff informed him his son died. The hospital …..

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Bladen County Sheriff's Department

Shooting In Clarkton

UPDATE: Bladen County Chief Deputy Larry Guyton first reported the shooting on Wednesday evening. The shooting occurred at Oakdale Homes. One person was shot on Wednesday afternoon in Clarkton and two people have been detained for questioning, according to Guyton’s report. Chief Deputy Guyton told BladenOnline that the victim, a male, was in serious condition when he was transported by Bladen County EMS to Cape Fear Valley-Bladen Hospital. While at the hospital in Bladen County, Mr. Bernard Kemp, introduced as the father of the victim, told BladenOnline.com reporter his oldest son [Mr. Lonnie Smith] had been shot multiple times. Mr. Kemp said the hospital staff informed him his son died. The hospital parking …..

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Bladen County employees receive critical incident training

Bladen County employees were presented training by the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office for Critical Incidents last week. This training fosters work place safety and awareness concepts. Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker wanted this training completed to enhance employee safety at work and at home, according to Sgt. Gary Turlington of the BCSO Training Division. Additionally, through employee awareness the community is better prepared by having these leaders trained in Crisis Response ideology. Bladen County Manager Greg Martin’s office fully supported the training session, stated Sgt. Turlington. “Safety is a lifestyle and mindset. It doesn’t favor the untrained and unprepared,” said Sgt. Turlington. According to Turlington, there were six classes delivered …..

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Council man sentenced for sex offense with minor

A Council man plead guilty to statutory sex offense against a minor Monday in Bladen County Superior Court and was sentenced up to 21 years  in prison, according to the District Attorney’s Office. John Wayne Parks, 58, of Railroad Street, was sentenced to between 166 months and 260 months in the N.C. Department of Corrections under the agreement with the state. Parks was arrested in March 2015 following an investigation by the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office. The case began in December 2014 when a 14-year-old victim told authorities that she had been inappropriately touched in her genital area by Parks while the two were on a hunting trip in Bladen …..

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Former teacher makes first appearance on charges

A former West Bladen High School teacher made her first appearance in court on Monday afternoon.  Bladen County Clerk of Superior Court Nikki Dennis presided over the proceedings. Shanna May Harrelson, 38, of Clarkton, was asked if she had seen the charges against her and she replied no. Dennis explained to Harrelson she could have either a court appointed attorney or she could hire an attorney of her choice. Dennis allowed Harrelson to complete the affidavit for a court appointed attorney and Andrew Wall was appointed to serve as her attorney. Assistant District Attorney Alisha Benjamin read the charges against Harrelson in court. The charges are as follows: disseminating obscene …..

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Crime Report

Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery of Riegelwood Federal Credit Union

GREENVILLE –United States Attorney John Stuart Bruce announced that today in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Kimberly A. Swank, BORENZO CORTEZ PATRICK pled guilty to Armed Bank Robbery and to Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. During the defendant’s guilty plea hearing, the Government summarized the evidence supporting the defendant’s guilty plea. The evidence established that on December 22, 2016, at approximately 8:16 a.m., PATRICK robbed the Riegelwood Federal Credit Union (RFCU), located at 2065 Andrew Jackson Highway, Leland, NC, at gunpoint. During the robbery, PATRICK conducted a violent armed takeover of the credit union, and was carrying an AK-47 style assault rifle. Though …..

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Bladen County Teacher charged with sex crime
  • 05/12/2017
  • Crime
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A West Bladen High School science teacher was charged Friday with sexual activity involving a student, Bladen County Sheriff James McVicker said. Shanna May Harrelson, 38, of 3082 US 701 South in Clarkton, was arrested on charges of disseminating obscene material to a minor, crimes against nature and committing a sex act with a student, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Harrelson was placed under a $55,000 secured bond and is expected to have a first appearance hearing in Bladen County District Court on Monday. Harrelson was suspended without pay Friday by Bladen County Schools, it was announced. Harrelson had been suspended with pay April 26, the school system said in …..

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Bladen County Teacher charged with sex crime

A West Bladen High School science teacher was charged Friday with sexual activity involving a student, Bladen County Sheriff James McVicker said. Shanna May Harrelson, 38, of 3082 US 701 South in Clarkton, was arrested on charges of disseminating obscene material to a minor, crimes against nature and committing a sex act with a student, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Harrelson was placed under a $55,000 secured bond and is expected to have a first appearance hearing in Bladen County District Court on Monday. Harrelson was suspended without pay Friday by Bladen County Schools, it was announced. Harrelson had been suspended with pay April 26, the school system said in …..

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Crime: Counterfeit bill passed in Elizabethtown

A man passed a counterfeit bill in Elizabethtown, according to the Elizabethtown Police Department. On Monday, May 1, at about 9:57 p.m. a man walked into the Pizza Hut and asked for change for a $100. According to Lt. Cheshire, the clerk gave the man five $20 bills in exchange for the $100 bill. Shortly after the man left, it was discovered the $100 bill was counterfeit. Lt. Cheshire said the investigation into the incident is ongoing. Share:

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Department of Public Safety names three new prison administrators

RALEIGH – The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice has named new administrators at three state prisons. Ken Beaver will serve as the administrator at Alexander Correctional Institution in Taylorsville. Beaver is a long-time assistant superintendent for custody and operations at Lanesboro Correctional Institution in Polkton, who served under the past four Lanesboro administrators.  He replaces Susan White, who retired. Beaver began his career in 1991 as a correctional officer at Piedmont Correctional Institution in Salisbury. He advanced to the rank of captain there before transferring to Lanesboro as an assistant superintendent.   He serves as a DPS general instructor and is a graduate of the NCDPS Correctional Leadership …..

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Arrest Made in Armed Robbery

Bladen County Sheriff James A. McVicker announced the arrest Thursday, May 4, of Abdul Jabbar Tucker, 32, of 368 Lawrence Brown Road, Bladenboro. Tucker was charged with Robbery With a Dangerous Weapon. Deputies began an investigation when the victims, Karkie Lamont Henry, 36 of 854 Clyde Hatcher Road, Council and Celestal Antonise Miles, 36, of 403 South Canal Street, Rowland, NC went to the Handee Hugo’s store on North Main Street in Bladenboro and reported they had been robbed at the home of Tucker. The victims said they were at the residence visiting when Tucker produced a handgun and forced them to turn over $1,900.00 in cash. Investigators arrested Tucker …..

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Sheriff’s Office Seeking Information on Missing Bladenboro man

Sheriff James A. McVicker is seeking help from the public to locate Sanford Hardin Jr., 39, of 189 Hester Mill Road, Bladenboro. Hardin was last seen April 6, 2017. Hardin is an Indian male, 5 foot 9 inches tall, and weighs 160 pounds with black hair, brown eyes and a beard. Hardin’s last known location was near mile marker No. 3, on Interstate 95, just north of the North Carolina, South Carolina border. Hardin was operating a Black 2011 Toyota Tundra pickup, with North Carolina registration CAE-5269. He was pulling a 1985 Mako Model 238 boat with registration number NC-5073EC. The boat has the name Megan Marie written on the …..

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Bladen County Sheriff's Department

Undercover Work Yields Arrests

Bladen County Sheriff James A. McVicker announced several arrests that have occurred recently based on undercover work by the Narcotics Division and other arrests made in conjunction with North Carolina Probation and Parole officers. *Anthony Porter, 47, of 1677 Maysville Lane, Tar Heel was arrested following a search of his residence by Sheriff’s Deputies and Probation Officers. The search revealed an indoor marijuana grow operation. Porter was charged with Manufacturing Marijuana and Possession of a Firearm by Felon and Probation Violation. Porter’s bond was set at $2 million. This was his 109th criminal charge since the age of 16. *A recent undercover narcotics buy operation resulted in the arrest of …..

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Inmate Dies in Apparent Suicide

BURGAW: Inmate Dennis Dickerson (#0940575) died this morning at Pender Correctional Institution after an apparent suicide. Dickerson was found unresponsive in his cell at about 6:07 a.m. Prison medical staff and local paramedics responded and worked to resuscitate the inmate, but were unsuccessful. Dickerson was serving a 6-year, 10-month sentence after convictions as a habitual felon and for possession of a firearm by a felon. He was scheduled to be released on July 15, 2022. Share:

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Funeral set for Sgt. Meggan Callahan

A North Carolina Corrections Officers will be laid to rest this week. Sgt. Meggan Lee Callahan’s funeral service will be held at Edenton United Methodist Church according to a N.C. Department of Public Safety news release.  The funeral will be held on Thursday, May 4th at 225 Virginia Road in Edenton. An inmate serving a life sentence for a first degree murder conviction 13 years ago was charged Friday with the killing of Bertie Correctional Institution Sgt. Meggan Lee Callahan, according to a N.C. Department of Public Safety news release. READ MORE Share:

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Fayetteville Man Sentenced for Drug and Firearm Offenses

RALEIGH – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced that in federal court today, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III, sentenced Darius Jerome Bradley, 28, of Fayetteville, NC to 204 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release. Bradley was named in a three-count indictment filed on August 2, 2016. On October 25, 2016, Bradley pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On January 10, 2016, officers with the Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) responded to an anonymous call from a concerned citizen …..

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Bladen County Sheriff’s Office needs help identifying suspect

By: Erin Smith The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect in the Tar Heel Dollar General robbery. Chief Deputy Larry Guyton said the incident happened just prior to the store’s closing on Saturday.  Two clerks were working in the store at the time of the incident but no one was injured. According to Guyton, the suspect walked into the store at about 10 p.m. and walked around but did not make any purchases. The suspect then approached the clerk and produced a gun and left with a small amount of money. “A nearby resident saw a black male running down Main Street …..

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SAMPSON COUNTY DRUG TRAFFICKER SENTENCED FOR COCAINE, METHAMPHETAMINE, AND MARIJUANA CONSPIRACY AND MONEY LAUNDERING CONSPIRACY; TEXAS MAN SENTENCED FOR MONEY LAUNDERING CONSPIRACY

RALEIGH – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced that in federal court on April 26, 2017, United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced MARTIN ACOSTA, from Sampson County, North Carolina, to 420 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, five hundred grams or more of methamphetamine, and one hundred kilograms or more of marijuana, as well as conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. ACOSTA pled guilty to these charges on August 1, 2016. Judge Boyle also sentenced codefendant NOE BARREIRO, from McAllen, Texas, to …..

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Elizabethtown Police respond to report of suspicious person on Glenwood Drive

By: Erin Smith The Elizabethtown Police Department responded to a report of a suspicious person early Monday morning in the vicinity of 503 Glenwood Drive, according to Lt. Mark McMichael.  Officers were performing a traffic check near Glenwood Drive at about midnight when the call was received. Lt. McMichael said the officers located the reporting party in the middle of the street and learned the property owner’s wife had said someone was shaking the front door as if they were trying to get into the home. The individual is described as a male wearing a brown jacket with a hood. “The person the officers made contact with shot into the …..

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Crime Report

Sheriff’s Office seeking suspect in Tar Heel robbery

By: Erin Smith The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a person of interest in the robbery of the Tar Heel Dollar General. According to Bladen County Chief Deputy Larry Guyton, the incident happened shortly before the store closed.  He said two clerks were working in the store at the time and no one was injured. Guyton said a black male entered the store just before 10 p.m. and walked around the store but made no purchases. He said the man then approached the clerk at the front of the store and produced a hand gun. Guyton said the man left the store with a small amount of money. …..

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Crime: North Carolina to Participate in Learning Lab to Fight Opioid Addiction

State One of Eight Selected by NGA to Develop Opioid Treatment for Inmates North Carolina is one of only eight states nationwide selected to participate in a learning lab to find better ways to fight opioid addiction among prison inmates, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The National Governors Association selected North Carolina to participate in the effort along with Alaska, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, New Jersey, Virginia and Washington. Through the learning lab, North Carolina and the other participating states will develop and execute six-month strategic action plans to treat the epidemic of opioid addiction in prisons. The plans will include steps for creating policy and aligning programs across relevant agencies …..

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Tar Heel Dollar General robbed Saturday night

By: Erin Smith The Dollar General store located at Dollar General at 14430 NC 87 Hwy W in Tar Heel was robbed on Saturday night at about 10 p.m. according to Tar Heel Mayor Roy Dew. Dew said the robbery occurred as the employees were closing for the evening. The local store was back up with normal business hours on Sunday. Check back with BladenOnline.com for more details as they become available. Update: Sheriff’s Office seeking suspect in Tar Heel robbery. READ MORE Share:

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Inmate charged with murder in Bertie Correctional sergeant’s death

WINDSOR – An inmate serving a life sentence for a first degree murder conviction 13 years ago was charged Friday with the killing of Bertie Correctional Institution Sgt. Meggan Lee Callahan, according to a N.C. Department of Publc Safety news release. Craig Wissink was charged with murder after the death of the 26-year-old officer after the attack, which took place about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. Callahan died about an hour after the assault, according to the state agency. The news release said that Callahan got a fire extinguisher in an attempt to put out a fire at the facility Wednesday afternoon. Wissink immediately attacked Callahan and managed to use the …..

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North Carolina flags were ordered lowered to half-staff in honor of fallen Corrections officer

Flags at the Bladen County Fallen Officers memorial were flying at half-staff on Thursday in honor of a fallen Corrections officer. Governor Cooper has ordered that state flags are to fly at half-staff in honor and remembrance of Sgt. Megan Lee Callahan. Flags are to remain at half-staff until sunset on Friday, April 28, 2017. Sgt. Callahan served as a Corrections officer at the Bertie Correctional Institution where she was attacked by an inmate at about 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. According to the Raleigh News and Observer, inmate Craig Wissink is suspected of the attack on Sgt. Callahan. The officer had been employed with the North Carolina Department of Corrections since 2012. …..

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Bertie correctional sergeant dies after assault by inmate

WINDSOR – A sergeant at Bertie Correctional Institution has died following an assault by an inmate about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to a N.C. Department of Public Safety news release. Sgt. Megan Lee Callahan, 29, died about 6:20 p.m. despite life saving measures conducted by Bertie Correctional Institution medical staff and local first responders, the release said. Craig Wissink, who is serving a life sentence for a first degree murder conviction in 2004 in Cumberland County, is being investigated in connection with the Callahan’s death. “I am deeply saddened and send my heartfelt sympathies to Sgt. Callahan’s family,” Public Safety Secretary Erik Hooks said. “We will do all we can …..

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New Executive Director of Governor’s Crime Commission Named

RALEIGH – Department of Public Safety Secretary Erik Hooks has named Caroline C. Valand as the next executive director of the Governor’s Crime Commission.  She begins her new duties May 1. “Caroline is a strategic thinker and consensus builder and will work well managing the Governor’s Crime Commission staff,” said Hooks.  “She has worked with CEOs and elected officials, and we look forward to her high-energy, results-oriented leadership.” Most recently, Valand served as chief of staff to the president and CEO of 3D Systems in Rock Hill where she oversaw the planning and execution of administrative and operational activities of the company. Prior to that time, Valand served as chief of staff …..

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BladenOnline.com Roundtable Discussions Series on Opioid Epidemic: HB 243

 BladenOnline.com‘s roundtable discussions on the opioid epidemic in North Carolina and Bladen County continues this week with a look at NC House Bill 243 known as the “The STOP Act.” NC Rep. Brenden Jones was a co-sponsor of the bill. His comments regarding the bill are below: “Over the last several years, there has been an ongoing opioid abuse problem across the country.  In North Carolina, we have 4 of the top 25 cities in the country for opioid abuse rate.*  This is a crisis that is causing people to lose their lives, displacing families, and wreaking havoc on many neighborhoods. What HB243 does is attempt to address this problem …..

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Crash at NC 41 West and Marsh Road temporarily closes road

By Erin Smith A crash on Monday morning at the intersection of NC 41 West and Marsh Road resulted in the temporary closing of NC 41 West.  The road has since re-opened to traffic. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol Troopers on the scene, four people were transported to Cape Fear Valley-Bladen Healthcare with minor injuries. According to Troopers, the driver of a small pickup truck was traveling eastbound on NC 41 when the truck hydroplaned on the roadway and turned sideways into the path of a car. The names of the drivers and passengers were not immediately available. Charges are pending against the driver of the pickup …..

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One felon reported voting in Bladen County 2016 elections

SBE: SBE Releases Post-Election Report for 2016 General Election RALEIGH, N.C. – The N.C. State Board of Elections on Friday released a report detailing findings of post-election audits and investigations into irregularities following the 2016 elections.  The Post-Election Audit Report: General Election 2016 was prepared in response to inquiries from members of Congress, state lawmakers, media organizations and the general public. The following is a statement from Kim Westbrook Strach, executive director of the State Board of Elections: “This report reflects our agency’s commitment to transparency in its effort to investigate election irregularities and fraud, as required by state law. It also provides necessary context to a complicated issue. Our …..

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Crime: Elizabethtown couple arrested on drugs charges after search of home

On Friday, April 21, 2017, at approximately 7 a.m. Bladen County Probation and Parole Officers requested the assistance of the Elizabethtown Police Department and Bladen County Sheriff’s Department to conduct a search of a residence at 412 South Lower Street after receiving complaints of possible drug activity at the residence. Arlene Rhoda and Tracy Custis both who are currently on active probation, were arrested after investigators discovered and seized 125.8 grams of Marijuana under a bed in the residence and another 5.6 grams in a vehicle located on the property along with $448 in currency.  Rhoda and Custis were charged with Possession with the Intent to Sell/Deliver Marijuana, Maintaining a …..

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Crime: SBI Reviews Cold Cases with New Technology

RALEIGH – The SBI is inspecting unsolved murder case files using new technology and old warhorses to garner evidence for potential convictions. A grant from the Governor’s Crime Commission is allowing the SBI to contract with 10 retired SBI agents and several law school students to examine cold homicide cases. “Retesting evidence using the latest DNA or forensic technology may yield new information that could result in arrests,” said SBI’s attorney, Angel Gray, who is overseeing the cold case project. “The lack of evidence to convict a suspect is one of the most common reasons that cases remain unsolved.” The SBI retirees, all former homicide investigators, would like to hear …..

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Crime: Department of Public Safety Appoints New Directors of Prisons, Community Corrections

RALEIGH – Secretary Erik A. Hooks of the Department of Public Safety today named two senior administrators to new leadership roles as Director of Prisons and Director of Community Corrections. Kenneth Lassiter will serve as Director of Prisons, while Tracy Lee will become the Director of Community Corrections. Both appointments are effective May 1. Lassiter will replace George Solomon, who is retiring after 33 years of service. Lassiter will oversee 55 state prisons that house more than 36,500 inmates. The state prison system has a budget of approximately $1.2 billion and more than 17,000 employees. Lassiter is a 28-year corrections veteran who has served for the past three years as …..

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Crime: Elizabethtown man arrested on indecent liberties charges

On April 20, 2017, at approximately 6 a.m. Agent Shawn Ellerby of the State Bureau of Investigations and Detective Sergeant Jeffrey Guyton of the Elizabethtown Police Department initiated an arrest of William Bryan Clark at 305 Glenwood Drive, Elizabethtown, NC. William Clark was charged with two counts of indecent liberties with a child. This arrest came as a result of an ongoing investigation by agent Shawn Ellerby and the State Bureau of Investigation’s Computer Crime Unit with assistance from Elizabethtown Police Department’s criminal investigators Jeffrey Guyton and Willie Thompson. William Bryan Clark is currently being held in Bladen County Jail under a $100,000.00 secured bond. Share:

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New staff needed to for new detention center in Bladen County

The Bladen County Board of Commissioners heard about staffing needs from the Sheriff at the meeting on Tuesday, April 18th. “I’m here tonight to propose three new detention officers for the new detention center and two new Deputy Sheriffs to work in the new law enforcement center,” Bladen County Sheriff McVicker stated. Sheriff McVicker gave commissioners examples of staffing need to operate other law enforcement centers and detention centers across the state similar to the new facility in Bladen County. Cogdell asked if five new staff members would be enough. McVicker explained he was trying to ask for the bare minimal for now. Our jail inspector, Mr. Charles Brown, will …..

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FedEx deliveries may be delayed due to wreck

Thursday afternoon rain came with little warning in some parts of Bladen County. The rain along with speed was a factor in a single vehicle wreck involving a FedEx truck according to Highway Patrol officer Jason Weissinger. According to the trooper’s report FedEx driver, Raymond Thomas from Pembroke was traveling south on NC Hwy 131 and crossed the centerline, ran out of road to the left and struck a ditch causing the delivery truck to overturn. Thomas was charged with exceeding a safe speed due to rain, according to Weissinger. No injuries were reported. The truck did have packages on board. As our staff was leaving more FedEx truck drivers were …..

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Reducing the use of segregation allows prisons to provide new programs and treatment

RALEIGH – As part of its overall effort to assign new missions to prison facilities across the state, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety is working to reduce the use of segregation — also known as solitary confinement or restrictive housing— and to improve mental health and reentry services for inmates.  NCDPS has accepted a report by the Vera Institute of Justice that analyzes the state’s use of segregation and provides recommendations for further reducing its use. NCDPS is incorporating the report’s findings and recommendations into its continuing re-missioning work. “In addition to making many recommendations that will help us continue reducing segregation’s use, Vera’s year-long review also validated …..

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UPDATE: Missing Charlotte 11-year-old found safe in Washington, DC

An Amber Alert for a missing 11-year-old girl from Charlotte has been cancelled after she was found safe. Arieyana Simone Forney was found after the Washington, DC  Police located the car and it crashed. According to reports, one man has been arrested in the incident. The Amber Alert was issued after Charlotte Police were called to home on Glenncannon Drive where Forney’s grandparents were found murdered. Police and firefighters were called to the residence at about 11 a.m. and found the bodies inside and learned Forney was missing. According to reports, Police have not stated how the individuals died. Share:

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