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Category Posts : Crime

Fayetteville Detectives Request Assistance Identifying Robbery Suspect

On Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at approximately 11:45 p.m., officers with the Fayetteville Police Department responded to the BP Gas Station located at 1899 Skibo Road in reference to a personal robbery. The preliminary investigation revealed the victim was behind the gas station when he was approached by an unknown suspect. The suspect displayed a handgun and demanded the victim’s money. The victim complied with the demands and then ran to the McDonald’s to seek assistance and call 911. The suspect was observed fleeing the area on a bicycle heading towards Cross Creek Mall, where he later was seen on surveillance footage running through the mall with a mask and …..

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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

RALEIGH – Today, as the Department of Justice recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, reaffirms the Eastern District of North Carolina’s commitment to combating elder abuse and financial exploitation.  Mr. Higdon commented: “Our seniors deserve our best efforts to prosecute those who attempt to capitalize on their vulnerabilities.  As the Department of Justice continues to collaborate with other Departments to fight elder abuse on the national scale, the Eastern District of North Carolina continues to pursue justice for elderly victims in its district.” Examples of our commitment to prosecuting crimes targeting our elderly citizens include the …..

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Elizabethtown PD warns residents to lock your car doors

By Erin Smith The Elizabethtown Police Department is warning the town’s residents to lock their car doors at all times. Sgt. Detective T. Davis said the department has received six reports so far of someone entering unlocked vehicles on the east side of town and removing money. “We urge everyone to please leave their vehicles locked at all times,” said Sgt. Davis. He said the individual or individuals responsible have been checking car doors and have only entered the vehicles they found to be unlocked. None of the vehicles have been damaged and no other valuables have been reported missing, according to Sgt. Davis. He said the latest incident happened …..

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Whiteville man arrested for Insurance Fraud

Whiteville, NC – Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Unit and Columbus County Fire Marshal’s Office have completed a joint investigation of a structure fire that occurred at 166 Johnny George Roadin Whiteville. As a result of the investigation, one individual has been charged for intentionally setting the fire. On April 12, 2018, at approximately 6:30 am, the Columbus County Deputy Fire Marshall was dispatched to the residence on Johnny George Road in reference to a structure fire. Columbus County Sheriff’s Office was notified to assist with the investigation. The residence belonged to Thomas Baldwin of Whiteville. Mr. Baldwin allowed his nephew, Gebriel Jermaine Shipman, to reside in the residence. Mr. Shipman …..

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Second man charged in Clarkton murder has case continued

By Erin Smith A second man charged in the murder of a man on Ida’s Lane in Clarkton appeared in Bladen County Superior Court and had his case continued. Raliek Tyree Lapaix is facing a charge of first degree murder in the death of Charles Leon Leach of Clarkton. He is scheduled to appear in Bladen County Superior Court on Monday, July 9th. Lapaix is charged along with Gabriel James McDowell and Malik Sharmaine Riggans with robbing and killing Leach, 60, who lived on Ida’s Lane near Clarkton. Share:

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Three Aliens Indicted on Illegal Re-entry Charges

GREENVILLE – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Greenville has returned indictments charging Aquileo Perez-Pineda, age 48, of Mexico, Abel Ramirez-Uribe, age 33, of Mexico, and Pedro Vicente Sanchez-Jovel, age 34, of Guatemala, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien. If convicted of Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien,Perez-Pineda, found in Harnett County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of Illegal Reentry Subsequent to a Felony Conviction (possession of a controlled substance),Ramirez-Uribe, found in Robeson County, and …..

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Lumberton Man Sentenced for Possession of an Unregistered Firearm

GREENVILLE – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard sentenced Roderick McNeill, 23, of Lumberton, North Carolina to 40 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release. McNeill was named in an Indictment on June 22, 2017.  On March 12, 2018, McNeill pled guilty to one-count of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm. On April 4, 2016, Lumberton Police Department officers responded to a complaint of shots fired in the vicinity of a business which had both a restaurant and convenience store in the same building.  Upon their arrival, investigators …..

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Detectives Request Assistance Identifying Robbery Suspects

Fayetteville, NC— On Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at approximately 2:00 am, officers with the Fayetteville Police Department responded to the Econo Lodge located at 1952 Cedar Creek Road in reference to a reported robbery of a person. The preliminary investigation revealed the victim was speaking to a female he recently became acquainted with in a breezeway at this location. The victim was then struck in the back of his head by an unknown suspect. The victim was then assaulted by a black male. The suspects left with the victim’s cell phone, laptop, wallet, and vehicle. The vehicle is a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan, white in color, and was displaying Florida …..

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Man charged with Clarkton murder offered plea

By Erin Smith   The attorney representing the man who is charged with the shooting death of Lonnie Level Smith was in Bladen County Superior Court on Monday. According to attorney Brooke Mangum, her client, Harold Eugene Swindell, has received a plea offer from the Bladen County District Attorney’s Office. Mangum informed Bladen County Resident Superior Court Judge Douglas Sasser the Bladen County District Attorney’s Office offered a plea arrangement and it has been conveyed to Swindell. According to Mangum, the District Attorney’s Office has agreed to allow Swindell until August to make a decision as to whether or not he will accept the agreement. No details of the plea …..

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One of three charged in December murder appears in court

By Erin Smith The attorney for one of three co-defendants in the murder of Charles Leon Leach which took place at Ida’s Lane in Clarkton in December appeared in Bladen County Superior Court on Monday. Bladen County Resident Superior Court Judge Douglas Sasser heard arguments regarding setting bond for Malik Riggins. Riggins’ Attorney, William Dowdy, appeared before Judge Sasser and requested the court consider setting an unsecured bond for Riggins. Dowdy argued that there was a blood card and other evidence collected at the crime scene and sent to a private lab. Dowdy told the court the tests performed by the private lab were inconclusive. Dowdy argued Riggins, who is …..

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Elizabethtown Woman Arrested in Whiteville

Sheriff James A. McVicker announced today the arrest of an Elizabethtown woman wanted by Bladen County for selling narcotics. “The Whiteville Police Department arrested Antonia Nicole Smith, 30, of Elizabethtown Sunday on several outstanding warrants,” McVicker disclosed. Smith was charged with Sell/Deliver Cocaine, Maintain a Dwelling for the Purpose of Keeping or Selling Controlled Substances, Manufacturing Cocaine, Possession With Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Cocaine, and Possession of Cocaine. Smith was booked into the Columbus County Detention Center under a $50,000.00 secured bond. She will be transferred to Bladen County to face the charges in District Court in Elizabethtown. Share:

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Sampson County man sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for robbery

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced James Daniel Mckoy, 54 from Garland, North Carolina, to 210 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. James Mckoy was part of a violent drug trafficking organization operating in Sampson County. On February 5, 2018, James Mckoy pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess With Intent to Distribute 5 Kilograms of More of Cocaine, 280 Grams of More of Cocaine Base (Crack), a Quantity of Marijuana, and a Quantity of Heroin; three-counts of Distribution of a Quantity of Cocaine Base while …..

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LaGrange Farmer Sentenced for Crop Insurance Fraud, Fraudulent Federal Crop Disaster Claims, Aggravated Identity Theft and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that in federal court today, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced JAMES TRUMAN WIGGINS, JR.¸68, of LaGrange, North Carolina to 25 months of imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.  In addition the court ordered WIGGINS to pay restitution in the amount of $5,669,891.00 and he is excluded from participating in any federal crop insurance programs for 5 years.  The court also ordered forfeiture in the amount of $5,600,433.00. WIGGINS previously pleaded guilty to a Criminal Information charging him with conspiracy to commit various offenses against the United States, false statements to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, material …..

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FEDERAL JURY CONVICTS THREE SAMPSON COUNTY MEMBERS OF A VIOLENT DRUG TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATION

RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that, ANTONIO KEVIN MCKOY, 31, of Garland, NC, TONY CHEVALLIER, 31, of Turkey, NC, and JABARR RYEHEINE RUDOLPH, 38, of Clinton, NC were convicted in Federal Court following a seven day jury trial before Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III. The jury found all three men guilty of Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute significant quantities of multiple controlled substances, including methamphetamine, heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine, and “Molly”. Additional convictions were sustained for the distribution of various controlled substances and multiple firearm related charges. …..

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Elizabethtown man found not guilty of drugs charges

By Erin Smith An Elizabethtown man was found not guilty of drugs charges and other charges against him have been dismissed. Treiman Davon Thomas, of 1003 Richardson Street in Elizabethtown, was found not guilty of possession with intent to manufacture sell and deliver, not guilty of possession of schedule II substance, and not guilty of delivering a schedule II substance and a charge of manufacture was dismissed at the discretion of the court. The jury trial took place on May 21st. Court records also show Thomas had charges of maintaining a vehicle/dwelling to sell controlled substances a charge for sell and delivering controlled substances dismissed at the discretion of the prosecution. Thomas …..

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Former Smithfield employee charged with larceny

By Erin Smith A former Smithfield Foods employee was arrested and charged with felony larceny by employee. Michael James Baxley Jr. of 310 Ronald Britt Road, Bladenboro, was charged with three counts of felony larceny by employee and three counts of possession of stolen goods, according to Bladen County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Larry Guyton. He is scheduled to appear in Bladen County District Court on Thursday, May 31. “He was caught removing stainless steel from Smithfield. It was a stainless steel drum known as a belly washer,” said Guyton. The belly washer was valued at $7,000. Guyton said the investigation was conducted over several weeks and led officers to Omni Source …..

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Fayetteville Man Sentenced After Conviction for Operation Illegal Gambling Business

NEW BERN – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that, Kiet Vo, 50, of Fayetteville, was sentenced by United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan to 18 months imprisonment for one count of Conspiracy to Conduct an Illegal Gambling Business. In January 2015, with the assistance of confidential informants (CIs), surveillance, and undercover operations, law enforcement established that a number of illegal gambling businesses were in operation in Cumberland County, North Carolina. Each gambling business had multiple video gaming machines (VGMs) which were owned and supplied by Kiet Vo and his wife, Phuong Truong.  CIs identified multiple co-conspirators who operated the …..

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Lumberton Man Sentenced for Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Felon in Possession Charges

RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced Marvin Earl Blanks, Jr., 33, of Lumberton, North Carolina, to 84 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release. Blanks was named in a two-count Indictment on June 15, 2017 charging him with one count of Possession of Stolen Firearms and one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.  On December 21, 2017, Blanks pled guilty to those charges. On August 12, 2016, officers of the Elizabethtown Police Department took a report as to the theft of a .38 caliber Taurus …..

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Roseboro Man Charged With Carjacking on Interstate 95

WILMINGTON– The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces that a Federal grand jury in Wilmington has returned an indictment against Raymond Lee Bryant, Jr., of Roseboro, North Carolina.  Bryant is charged with carjacking, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the carjacking,  possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of these charges, Bryant would face a statutory minimum of fifty-five years imprisonment and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. According to law enforcement, Bryant, is alleged to have committed multiple carjackings on Interstate 95 in …..

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Four wheelers target of Bladen County thieves

By Erin Smith Bladen County residents are being urged to secure their four wheelers when they are not in use after a rash of four wheeler thefts. “There have been several four wheelers stolen in the southern part of Bladen County,” said Bladen County Chief Deputy Larry Guyton. The most recent theft was reported on Wednesday, May 23rd, when a homeowner’s wife reported their Polaris Four Wheeler was missing. The incident ocurred at 154 McKee Road, Clarkton, said Guyton. The missing four wheeler is described as a red 2018 Polaris 570 Sportsman with two brackets in the front holding a speaker. The four wheeler was valued at $7,200 and has …..

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Shallotte Police asking public’s help identifying suspect

By Erin Smith The Shallotte Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the man in the photos. He is wanted for questioning by police for making fraudulent purchases at the Lowes Home Improvement Store in Shallotte and at other locations in North and South Carolina. If you have any information as to the identity of the individual in the photos, you are asked to contact the Shallotte Police Department at 910-754-6008 and ask for Detective Sgt. J. Holman. Share:

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Bladen County Sheriff's Department

Sheriff’s Office Seeks Help in Locating Wanted Individuals

Sheriff James A. McVicker is seeking the help of the public to locate several individuals being sought for the sale of drugs in Bladen. “Following an undercover operation involving the controlled purchase of narcotics, we are looking for these individuals to arrest,” said McVicker. “We need the public’s help to locate these individuals. If you know where they can be found please contact the Sheriff’s Officer at 910-862-6960. All information will be kept confidential.” The people being sought are: Nathaniel Spivey, 37, of Bladenboro is wanted for possession of schedule III controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of schedule VI controlled substances, maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of …..

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Bladen County Sheriff's Department

Tar Heel Area Narcotics Roundup Leads To Multiple Arrests

Sheriff James A. McVicker said Narcotics Investigators completed a three month undercover operation in and around Tar Heel with the arrest of several drug dealers. At least a half dozen of those arrested were employees of Smithfield Foods, according to the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office. “Pursuant to a three-month investigation and numerous controlled purchases of illegal narcotics in the Tar Heel area of Bladen County, the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, Lumberton Police Department, Fayetteville Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, Homeland Security, and North Carolina Probation and Parole conducted a multi-agency round-up on Tuesday, May 22, 2018”, said McVicker. Nine individuals were arrested for …..

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Man Arrested for Death of Trooper S. N. Bullard

Elkin- The suspect sought in the murder investigation of Trooper S. N. Bullard is in custody after an extensive search by state and local authorities.  On Wednesday, May 23 at approximately 3:30 a.m., investigators arrested Dakota Kape Whitt, 22, of Elkin without incident. At approximately 10:53 p.m., troopers attempted to stop a black BMW passenger vehicle that traveled through a checkpoint.  During the pursuit of the BMW, Trooper S. N. Bullard was involved in a collision, causing Bullard to succumb to his injuries at the scene. After an extensive search, authorities located the BMW along with the registered owner, identified as Cheyenne Harrison.  The driver of the BMW was identified as Dakota Kape Whitt, 22, …..

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Two make first appearance, one still sought in Dollar Tree robbery

By Erin Smith Two South Carolina men made their first appearance today in Bladen County Superior Court on charges related to the February robbery of the Dollar Tree in Elizabethtown. Robert Lee Fogle, age 60, and Darryl Antonio Burden, age 35, both of South Carolina, appeared before Judge James Bell Jr. on Monday morning for their first appearance. Both men are charged with safecracking, felony breaking and entering and felony larceny after breaking and entering. Both men are scheduled to be back in Bladen County Superior Court on June 4th. Judge Bell appointed Attorney Andrew Wall to represent Fogle. Fogle remained in the Bladen County Jail under a $100,000 bond. Burden waived his …..

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Case against Clarkton man dismissed

By Erin Smith A case against a Clarkton man was dismissed on Monday morning in Bladen County Superior Court. District Attorney Quentin McGee told Judge James G. Bell, Jr. the case against Marcus Cyril McKoy was dismissed. Marcus Cyril McKoy, of Pear Tree Road, Clarkton, was arrested in October 2016 and charged with one count of Robbery With A Dangerous Weapon and two counts of Second Degree Kidnapping that occurred on October 7th, 2016, in the Clarkton area. McGee said the charges stemmed from a 2016 home invasion/robbery in the Clarkton area. One of the victims has passed away since the incident ocurred and the second victim has changed their account of what …..

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Narcotics Arrest
  • 05/18/2018
  • Crime
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Whiteville, NC – During the early morning hours of May 18, 2018, Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Gore Trailer Road in Whiteville. The call was in reference to a domestic dispute between the adults residing at the residence, the defendant, his girlfriend, and her mother.  Two young children also reside at the residence and were present at the time of the incident. While deputies were on scene, they discovered precursors used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine.  The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Vice-Narcotics Unit was contacted to assist with the investigation.  The Vice-Narcotics Detectives obtained a search warrant for the property.  While executing the search warrant, …..

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Bladen County Commissioner to appear in Brunswick County court

Bladen County Commissioner Ashley S. Trivette is scheduled to appear on Tuesday, June 5th, in Brunswick County Superior Court. According to court records, she is facing charges of DWI and misdemeanor child abuse. Trivette was indicted on the misdemeanor child abuse charge in February and the indictment was served on March 2, according to court records. She is represented by Attorney James McGee.  Share:

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Case continued for Man in November standoff

The man involved in a 6-hour standoff with law enforcement in Dublin in November had his case continued in Bladen County Superior Court.  McKenzie Brisson is scheduled to appear in Bladen County Superior Court on July 9th.  Attorney Harold “Butch” Pope told the court in March his client was in a treatment center in Asheville. Brisson was involved in an armed standoff with law enforcement which lasted 6 hours in November. During the standoff, Brisson fired rounds of ammunition in and around a home on Paul Brisson Road in Dublin. The shots eventually ceased and law enforcement sent a robot into the house to locate Brisson. The robot was initially unable …..

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Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office makes Narcotics Bust

Agents with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Vice-Narcotics Unit have arrested two South Carolina men on multiple drug charges following a traffic stop yesterday evening. Dashon Cortez Grate, 27, of Golf Colony Lane, Little River, SC, is charged with two counts of PWIMSD heroin, sell/deliver heroin maintaining a vehicle used for selling heroin and other opiates, two counts of trafficking opum/heroin, conspiring to traffic opium/heroin, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Grate was booked into the Brunswick County Detention Facility under a $1 million bond. Marqivies Sedale Crawford, 28, of Irees Way, Longs, SC, is charged with two counts of trafficking opium/heroin, and conspiring to traffic opium/heroin. Crawford was also processed …..

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Fayetteville PD makes Narcotics Arrests

Officers with the Fayetteville Police Department’s Cross Creek District Community Empowerment Response Team (CERT) have charged and arrested four suspects for felony narcotic violations as the result of a search warrant executed along the 4500 block of Sterling Street on May 14, 2018. Officers conducted a search warrant at a residence along the 4500 block of Sterling Street as a result of an ongoing investigation in to the manufacturing, sell, and delivery of illegal narcotics. The following was located and seized during the execution of the search warrant: Over a quarter kilo of cocaine Approximately one (1) ounce of Fentanyl Heroin Marijuana A revolver handgun An AR-15 The Fayetteville Police …..

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White Oak man charged with resisting arrest

By Erin Smith Two Bladen County Sheriff’s Deputies received minor injuries last week when they attempted to serve an arrest warrant at a residence in White Oak. According to Bladen County Chief Deputy Larry Guyton, the two deputies arrived at 36 Lair Brown Road off of River Road in White Oak to serve a warrant for the arrest of Maurice Alphonso Williams, 46.  The warrants were for misdemeanor communicating threats and misdemeanor assault on a female, said Guyton. When officers attempted to arrest Williams he refused to go with the officers and began to fight with them, said Guyton.  “He told them he was not going,” said Guyton.  Williams fought with the …..

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Breaking and Entering suspects get caught at gun point

The saying goes, “Crime doesn’t pay.” Those words rang true Sunday evening for three suspects accused of trying to break in a Bladen County barn. “Three people tried to break into our barn and Dad and I held them at gun point until the cops got there,” Brent Underwood explained. The three suspects, Phillip Turner, Angel Bass and Joshua Johnson were charged Sunday evening with larceny crimes, according to Bladen County Sheriff records. Share:

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Suspects Arrested for Felony Narcotic Violations

Fayetteville, NC – Officers with the Fayetteville Police Department’s Central District Community Empowerment Response Team (CERT), with assistance from the Narcotics Unit, have identified and charged two suspects for felony narcotic violations as the result of a search warrant, along the 1100 block of Bernadine Street, on May 10, 2018. Officers conducted a search warrant at a residence along the 1100 block of Bernadine Street as a result of an ongoing investigation in to the manufacturing, sell, and delivery of illegal narcotics. During the execution of the search warrant, the Fayetteville Police Department’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) entered the residence to secure the residence and to secure any persons located …..

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Two arrested for Whiteville Dollar General robbery

Whiteville, NC – On April 29, 2018, the Dollar General located at 25 Dock Road in Whiteville was robbed at gun point by two masked subjects. The manager and a store employee locked the store and were getting into their vehicles when a masked male came from the side of the store with a shotgun in his hand. The subject pointed the shotgun at the victims and demanded them to unlock the store door and reenter same. Another masked male appeared and entered the store with the armed subject and the victims. Once inside, the subjects demanded money from the safe. They were advised that the safe was on a time delay. …..

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Former teacher faces trial for sex with student

By Erin Smith Bladen County Superior Court records indicate a former West Bladen High School teacher will face trial in July on charges she had sex with a student.  According to court documents, Shanna May Harrelson will go to trial on Monday, July 16th. She is facing charges of disseminating obscene material to a minor and crime against nature: 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 of a sex act with a student carries a maximum sentence of 47 months. Harrelson was a science teacher …..

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Final defendant in Council murder case to go to trial

By Erin Smith The final defendant charged in the 2015 shooting death of Darrell Dionte Council will soon face trial. Attorney Gregory Bullard, who is representing Christopher James Baldwin, appeared in Bladen County Superior Court on Monday and a trial date of September 24th was set.  Baldwin is facing charges of murder, two counts of felony conspiracy, one count of attempted first degree murder, and discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle in operation.  Darrell Dionte Council was shot in November 2015 near the intersection of Center Road and Twisted Hickory Road. According to the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, Council and his brother were sitting in a vehicle at a stop sign when two …..

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Roseboro Man Charged With Carjacking on I-95

RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that in federal court, before United States Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers, II, Raymond Lee Bryant, Jr., of Roseboro, North Carolina, was charged in a federal Criminal Complaint with carjacking and carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the carjacking. According to the affidavit attached to the Criminal Complaint, Bryant, is alleged to have committed multiple carjackings on Interstate 95 in Dunn, North Carolina on May 3, 2018. Bryant is alleged to have approached a semi-truck and trailer, forced the driver and passenger out of the truck at gunpoint …..

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Federal Jury Convicts Lumberton Man for Drug Trafficking and Firearm Offenses

   GREENVILLE – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that today in Federal court, Tranquere Sanchez Irons, a 30-year-old resident of Lumberton, was convicted following a two-day trial before Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard. The jury found Irons guilty of Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Cocaine Base (Crack), Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime and Being a Felon in Possession of a firearm. Sentencing is scheduled for August 7, 2018. Irons faces up to life imprisonment. The evidence at trial showed that on March 3, 2017, Officers with the …..

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President of NC Mental Health Service Provider Indicted for Not Paying Employment Taxes

WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury sitting in Raleigh, North Carolina returned an indictment today charging a Raleigh man with seven counts of willful failure to pay over employment taxes, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. According to the indictment, Sainte Deon Robinson failed to pay to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) more than $450,000 in federal employment taxes withheld from the wages paid to employees of his mental health services business, OneCare Inc.  The indictment alleges that Robinson served in several positions at OneCare Inc., including President.  If convicted, the defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison …..

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Six Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned indictments charging Ivan Diaz- Ramirez, age 33, of Mexico, Pedro Landeros-Tetatzia, age 33, of Mexico, and Fredi Perez-Navarro, age 44, of Mexico, Raul Mireles- Prado, age 43, of Mexico, Angel Pisano, age 44, of Mexico, and Aurelio Ramirez-Barrientos, age 41, of Mexico, with illegal reentry of a deported alien. If convicted of illegal reentry of an alien, Diaz-Ramirez, found in Duplin County, Landeros-Tetatzia, found in Harnett County, Perez-Navarro, found in Robeson County, Mireles-Prado, found in Wake County, Pisano, found in Wake County, and Ramirez-Barrientos, …..

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Man Sentenced to More Than 16 Years for Drug Distribution Charge

RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge W. Earl Britt sentenced FRANZ DIDYER RAMOS-FERNANDEZ, 29, of Pasadena, Texas, to 195 months of imprisonment followed by 6 years of supervised release.  RAMOS-FERNANDEZ and co-defendant Fernando Enrique Cardona-Zavala were named in a five-count Indictment filed on June 27, 2017.  On September 14, 2017 RAMOS-FERNANDEZ pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess With Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Methamphetamine, a Quantity of Cocaine, and a Quantity of Marijuana. The investigation revealed that RAMOS-FERNANDEZ was the head of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) selling crystal methamphetamine (hereinafter referred to …..

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Weekend Drug Arrest

Sheriff James A. McVicker said members of the Narcotics and Patrol Divisions conducted saturation patrols in several communities this weekend based on citizen complaints. “My deputies, acting on information and complaints from various communities worked aggressive enforcement in East Arcadia, White Oak, Abbottsburg, Bolton (Jacobs Loop Road) and Clarkton this past weekend, resulting in several arrests and drug seizures,” McVicker announced. “When we get complaints we try to actively work them. If people of a community reach out to us we will do our best to respond and work with the good citizens to rid their area of drug dealers, and other criminal activity.” A shooting occurred Friday night at …..

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Columbus County Breaking and Entering arrest 

Whiteville, NC – The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division has completed an investigation into a residential break in that occurred on April 19, 2018, on Smyrna Road. At a few minutes after 10:00 am, Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Smyrna Road in reference to an alarm call. The homeowners could see an unknown black male inside of their home via their security cameras.  The suspect fled the home on foot, traveling towards Brown Maultsby Road. Fortunately, no property was stolen during the incident. The victims posted photos from the video footage on social media, seeking assistance from the public to identify the male …..

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East Bladen Student Arrested For Drugs On Campus

Sheriff James A. McVicker announced the arrest today of Jasper McKenzie Munn, 18, of 261 Blue Moon Drive, Elizabethtown for the possession and sale of narcotics on the campus at East Bladen High School. “Narcotics agents conducted an operation at East Bladen High School today and arrested and charged Munn with Possession With Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana, Maintaining a Vehicle For The Purpose of Keeping and Selling Controlled Substances, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia,” said McVicker. Munn was booked into the Bladen County Detention Center under a $5,500.00 secured bond. He made bond and will have a first appearance hearing in Bladen County District Court on Monday, …..

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Clarkton man dies at Columbus County Detention Center

By Erin Smith A Clarkton man who was arrested last week in connection with a joint investigation by the Bladen County Sheriff”s Office and Columbus County Sheriff’s Office of a marijuana growing operation was found dead in his cell on Thursday. A press release from the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office on Monday stated Andrew James Ellis, 37, of Mercer Mill Road, Clarkton, was found unresponsive at the Columbus County Detention Center in Whiteville at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 19. According to officials, jail staff attempted CPR until Whiteville Rescue arrived and Ellis was transported to Columbus Regional Healthcare System in Whiteville were he was pronounced dead. Ellis was facing charges of: *Possession with the Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver …..

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Teen wanted in Brunswick County for attempted murder

By Erin Smith A teenager is wanted in Brunswick County for attempted murder, according to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. The teen is being sought on two charges of attempted murder following a shooting that occurred in Bolivia on Thursday.  According to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s’ Office, Jadakiss Jeheim Watkins, 16, of Delco, is wanted in connection to a shooting that ocurred at 3:15 p.m. on Zack Street in Bolivia. Watkins is alleged to have fired a gun towards two individuals who were outside of the residence.  Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Jadakis Jeheim Watkins should contact Det. Hester at 910-713-8360 or call 911.   Share:

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Two Whiteville Men Pled Guilty to Bank Robbery and Firing Weapons at Law Enforcement Officers

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that in federal court today, Rashad Davonte Young, 27, and Jeramie Ross Vaughn, 30, of Whiteville, North Carolina pled guilty in Raleigh before United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle to one count of Bank Robbery and one count of Discharging a Firearm in Furtherance of a Bank Robbery. On January 23, 2018, at approximately 3:35 p.m., Young, Vaughn, and two co-conspirators entered the PNC Bank in Lumberton, North Carolina where they held the PNC Bank employees and a customer at gunpoint while they stole over $40,000 in United States currency. They were in the bank for approximately 10 minutes. …..

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Two Month Cross County Undercover Investigation Leads to Arrest

Bladen County Sheriff James A. McVicker announced today the arrest of Curtis Devon Ballard, 33, of Clint Drive, Whiteville. “This arrest is the result of an undercover investigation involving controlled buys by members of the Bladen County Narcotics Unit,” said McVicker. Ballard was arrested Tuesday at his residence by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Uniform Patrol Division. He was placed in Columbus County Detention Center under a $125,000.00 secured bond. Ballard was charged with Sell/Deliver Marijuana (2 counts), Sell/Deliver Schedule II (Cocaine), Possession With Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Marijuana (2 counts), Possession With Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Schedule II (Cocaine), Manufacture Marijuana (2 counts), Manufacture Schedule II (Cocaine), Maintaining a Vehicle For …..

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Bladen- Columbus Narcotics Team Arrest one After Search

On Monday, April 16, 2018 Narcotics Agents with the Bladen/Columbus County Narcotics Taskforce executed a search at 9329 Mercer Mill Road, Clarkton NC after citizen complaints of an indoor marijuana grow operation.  Pursuant to the search, Andrew James Ellis, 37, of Clarkton was arrested and charged with the following criminal offenses: Bladen County Sheriff’s Office charged Ellis with: Felony possession of marijuana Manufacture marijuana Possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver marijuana Maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of keeping/selling marijuana  Columbus County Sheriff’s Office charged Ellis with: Possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver marijuana Possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver Schedule II CS Ellis was arrested in Columbus County and taken to the …..

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Jury finds Shanika Mitchell guilty of murder

By Erin Smith The jury deliberated for one and one-half hours Friday afternoon before returning a verdict of guilty in the Shanika Mitchell murder trial in Bladen County Superior Court. Superior Court Judge Tanya Wallace sentenced Mitchell to life in prison with parole. Assistant District Attorney Quentin McGee told the court during the sentencing phase that due to the fact the sole basis of the jury’s verdict is the felony murder rule and the fact Mitchell was under the age of 18 at the time of the shooting, under North Carolina law she must be sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years. Mitchell was …..

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Leland woman arrested on embezzlement charges

By Erin Smith The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Leland woman on Tuesday for embezzling medication from her employer. According to The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office social media, Michelle Margaret Whitney, 36, of Leland was arrested and charged with three counts of embezzlement of a controlled substance by an employee and two counts of trafficking in opiates. She was employed by the Brunswick Cove Assisted Living Facility in Winnabow. Her bond was reported to be $450,000. Share:

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Bladen County murder trial winds down

By Erin Smith Closing arguments are slated to begin on Friday in Bladen County Superior Court in the murder trial of Shanika Mitchell who is the third person to be tried for the shooting death of Darrell Council in 2015. Mitchell told the court on Thursday afternoon that she has elected not to take the stand in her own defense. When asked by Superior Court Judge Tanya Wallace if they had any evidence to present to the court, Mitchell’s Attorney Wes Johnson replied, “No, your honor.”  Mitchell’s decision comes after the State rested its case just before lunch on Thursday. Judge Wallace then dismissed the jury for the rest of the afternoon. On Thursday morning, the jury heard testimony from …..

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Two men charged, stolen property recovered

Two Bladen County men have been arrested after Sheriff’s Office investigators recovered more than $4,000 worth of stolen property that had been taken in break-ins on Center Road, said Sheriff James McVicker. Louis Dicicco III, 56 of Village Street in Bladenboro, and Ashley Wade Conner, 38, of 8th Street in Elizabethtown have each been charged with two counts of felonious breaking and entering, two counts of felonious larceny and two counts of felonious possession of stolen goods. Each received $30,000 secured bonds. “Investigators were able to recover stolen property and break up a breaking and entering team operating in the Bladenboro area,” McVicker said. “Our investigators worked very hard to …..

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Brunswick County couple make first appearance on murder charges

By Erin Smith A Brunswick County couple who were convicted of severely abusing their child in 1997 are now facing first degree murder charges stemming from that incident.  David Tripp Jr. and Robyn Noffsinger are both charged with first degree murder in the death of their son, David Reinhardt which was subsequently changed to David Stuart.  According to the court record, On April 12, 1997, an EMT was called to the residence and Tripp and Noffsinger met them with 14 or 15 month old David, who could not breath. The court record reflects the child was transported to the Brunswick County hospital where doctors in the Emergency Room documented that …..

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Two Bladen County men arrested on drug charges

Two Bladen County men were arrested last week on several drug charges following a monthlong undercover operation, Sheriff James McVicker said Tuesday. “Our Narcotics unit just completed an operation where controlled buys of narcotics from two different locations in the county has removed two drug dealers from the streets,” McVicker said. Houston Junius Smith, 26, of McLeod Street in Elizabethtown, was charged with selling and delivering cocaine, possession with intent tto manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine, manufacture cocaine, possession cocaine, and maintaining a dwelling for keeping and selling cocaine. Smith was held under a $100,000 secured bond. William Dean Graeser, 53, of Sunset Park Road in Bladenboro was charged with …..

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Jury selection begins in Mitchell murder trial

By Erin Smith Jury selection got under way Monday afternoon for the third person accused in the shooting death of Darrell Dionte Council. Shanika Nicole Mitchell stood before Resident Superior Court Judge Tanya Wallace and said she wanted to go to trial after declining all of the plea offerings which have been made by the Bladen County District Attorney’s Office since her arrest. Bladen County Assistant District Attorney Quentin McGee told the court that the first plea offer was made to Mitchell on October 27th, 2016, and it expired without a response. McGee said the second offer was made to Mitchell on June 2, 2017. The second offer required her to plead guilty …..

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Arrest for Trafficking Opium or Heroin in Columbus County

Cerro Gordo, NC – The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Vice-Narcotics Unit completed an investigation into the distribution of opiates in the communities of Cerro Gordo and Chadbourn in Columbus County. The defendant resides in Cerro Gordo but has ties with narcotics dealers in Chadbourn.  This investigation originated from numerous citizen complaints. During the investigation, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Vice-Narcotics Detectives utilized an undercover operative to purchase four (4) grams of opiates from the defendant. On April 04, 2018, at the conclusion of the investigation, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Vice/Narcotics Detectives arrested one individual for the above offense.  The suspect was processed at the Columbus County Law Enforcement Center …..

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Elizabethtown Man Arrested on Cocaine Charges

Contributed Sheriff James A. McVicker said today an Elizabethtown man was taken into custody after a brief altercation with Narcotic Agents on Monday.   “Agents went to a residence in Elizabethtown with warrants for arrest on an individual when they confronted another man, Randolph Eugene Miller, 39, of 603 Blanche Street in Elizabethtown,” said McVicker. “When agents approached Miller they could smell marijuana on him and when asked what he had in his pockets Miller began to run.”   McVicker said the agents caught Miller after a short chase and he began fighting them. He was taken into custody and charged with several charges including: Trafficking Cocaine by Possession, Possession …..

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Immigrants indicted in Sampson and Cumberland Counties

By Erin Smith Two men were recently arrested and indicted on charges of illegal re-entry of a deported alien in Federal Court in Raleigh on Wednesday. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and Homeland Security investigators arrested Daniel Luis Perez-Flores, 34, of Mexico, in Sampson County and Orlando Echeverria-Hernandez, 40, of El Salvador, and charged them with illegal re-entry of a deported alien. According to a U.S. Attorney’s Office release, Perez-Flores has been deported five times in the past and Echeverria-Hernandez has been arrested previously and deported. Both men could be facing maximum penalties of two years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine each, and supervised probation, if convicted. Share:

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Immigrant found in Bladen County indicted in Federal Court

By Erin Smith A man from Guatemala was recently arrested and charged with illegal re-entry of a deported alien in federal court on Wednesday. Jesus Cervantez-Ruiz, 48, of Guatemala, was found in Bladen County by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents after having been deported, according to US Attorney’s Office release. He was previously convicted of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and illegal re-entry subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction. He could face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison, a fine of $250,000 and a period of supervised probation, if convicted. Share:

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11 arrested in joint operation in East Arcadia, Clarkton areas

Complaints from people in the East Arcadia and Clarkton areas led to the arrest on variety of charges of 11 people over the past week following a multi-agency operation, says Bladen County Sheriff James McVicker on Saturday. “When we receive complaints from the community we try to respond,” McVicker said. “These arrests were the direct result of complaints from citizens who want their streets safe. This type of aggressive street level enforcement requires a lot of manpower and that is why we seek help from multiple agencies when we begin this type of operation.” Other agencies involved in the operation along with the Bladen Sheriff’s Office were the Columbus County …..

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Columbus County Sheriff announces arrests

Chadbourn, NC – On March 27, 2018, Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to WR Cribb Drive in Chadbourn in reference to a suspicious vehicle parked in someone’s yard. When deputies arrived, they located a male inside of the reported vehicle. The male provided deputies with a fictitious name. Columbus Central ran the male’s name. Deputies were advised that the male suspect had outstanding warrants. When the male discovered that he was being arrested for the outstanding warrants, he attempted to flee from the arresting deputy. He also struck a deputy during the incident. On-scene deputies located narcotics in the suspect vehicle. Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Vice-Narcotics Unit was …..

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Davidson 911 Communicators Honored for Work to Help Catch Suspected Robbers

Lexington, N.C. – The North Carolina 911 Board today honored a team of 911 dispatchers who helped law enforcement officers in Davidson County arrest three men accused of robbing a jewelry store in Thomasville and then shooting a driver who was following them. Jason Beck, Holly Dunn, Loretta Hayes, Maurice Hodges, Lauren Hurd, Courtney Owens, Nicole Rebello, Jamison Sears, and Drake Sluder of the Davidson County 911 Emergency Communication center handled all of the communication during the incident on January 9. “All of our 911 communicators deal with stressful, chaotic situations, but in this case our communicators were also relaying real-time information that helped lead to the arrest of these suspects,” …..

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Large Cache of Weapons Seized From Felon

The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office assisted the North Carolina Probation and Parole at the residence of a probationer on Monday night resulting in the seizure of drugs and weapons according to Sheriff James A. McVicker.   “Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Agents, K-9 Unit and Uniform Patrol assisted North Carolina Probation and Parole officers with a search at 2133 Twisted Hickory Road, Elizabethtown,” said McVicker. This location was known to those dealing and buying drugs as “The Tree”.   Arrested was Terrell Monquiel Shipman, aka “Thuggy”, 39, of the same address. Several weapons were seized as well as marijuana. Shipman was charged with five counts of possession of a firearm by a …..

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Lumberton Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced WILLIAM MARTIN LAWSON, 42, of Lumberton to 120 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release. On August 22, 2017, LAWSON was named in an Indictment charging him with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. On November 13, 2017, LAWSON, pled guilty to that charge. On May 16, 2017, deputies from the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) responded to a report of a stolen firearm. When the deputies arrived at the residence, LAWSON’s nephew …..

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Probation search lands Elizabethtown man in jail

By Erin Smith A probation search has landed an Elizabethtown man in jail an drugs and firearms charges.  Terrell Monquiel Shipman, 39, of Elizabethtown was arrested by the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office and booked into the Bladen County following the search. The search was a joint effort of the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office and North Carolina Probation and Parole. Sheriff’s Officials said the location was well known and was referred to as “The Tree.”  Shipman is charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a stolen firearm, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, simple possession of schedule VI …..

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First Prison Reform Advisory Board to Meet Tuesday

RALEIGH – The Department of Public Safety has announced the first meeting of the Prison Reform Advisory Board will be Tuesday, March 20. Secretary Erik A. Hooks has appointed retired Army Maj. Gen. Elizabeth (Beth) Austin as chairperson for the board. “Major General Austin has a proven track record of leadership and advisory abilities based on many years of service with the National Guard,” Secretary Hooks stated. “In her role as assistant adjutant general, she advised the Adjutant General on plans and policies, as well as recruiting, retention, training, budget issues and personnel readiness.” A Wake County native, Austin retired from the National Guard in 2017. She received her bachelor’s degree from …..

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76 Arrested in Multi-State Child Exploitation Operation 

“Operation Southern Impact II” A total of 76 people were arrested, and 13 children were rescued or identified as victims during a mutually coordinated operation among eight southeastern states. The joint, proactive event, Operation Southern Impact II, was coordinated by nine Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces in those eight states and focused on persons who possess and distribute child pornography and those who are sexually exploiting children in other ways using technology and the internet. The planning for Operation Southern Impact II began four months ago and culminated in two days of investigative actions to include search warrant executions, undercover operations, and arrests in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South …..

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Arrests Made in Heroin Distribution Case in Wilmington

WILMINGTON – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces the arrests of three defendants and their transfers into federal custody pursuant to a 15-count federal indictment for drug related charges. An indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on February 28, 2018, against DEANDRE SWEET, 27, of Wilmington, KYERIC SWEET, 24, of Wilmington, and DIQUELLE SWEET, 21, of Wilmington.  The indictment charges the three defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, in the Eastern District of North Carolina beginning on or about April 2015 and continuing up to at least October, 2017. DIQUELLE SWEET is also charged with felon in possession …..

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Governor’s Crime Commission Meets Thursday

Governor’s Crime Commission will conduct their quarterly meeting on Thursday, March 8, in Raleigh. The meeting will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Governor’s Crime Commission, First Floor Conference Room, 1201 Front Street, Raleigh. The agenda is as follows: 9:00 a.m. Call to Order GCC Chairman Robert Evans 9:20 a.m. Executive Director’s Report GCC Executive Director Caroline C. Valand 9:45 a.m. GCC Voting Rules and Guidelines DPS Legal Carrie Randa 10:00 a.m. Subcommittee Break-Out Sessions 12:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00 p.m. 2018 Grant Applications – Recommendations Committee Chairs 3:00 p.m. Adjourn The Governor’s Crime Commission members make recommendations to the governor and the secretary of the Department of Public Safety on …..

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Bladen County Commissioner, Ashley S Trivette facing new charge

By Erin Smith A Bladen County Commissioner is now facing allegations of misdemeanor child abuse. BladenOnline.com has learned that Ashley S. Trivette, a Republican who represents District 3 on the Bladen County Board of Commissioners, is facing a charge of misdemeanor child abuse in Brunswick County. According to court records, she is scheduled to appear in Brunswick County Superior Court on April 10, 2018. She is also scheduled in Brunswick County Superior Court on April 2, on charges of DWI and expired registration card/tag. We’ve made attempts to reach out to Mrs. Trivette at Healthworks Fitness and Wellness and were told she has stepped away from managing it. We have …..

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Former Town Manager makes court appearance

By Erin Smith A former Bladenboro Town Manager made an appearance in Bladen County Superior Court on Monday. Delane Jackson, who once served as the town manager for the town of Bladenboro, appeared before Bladen County Resident Superior Court Judge Douglas Sasser on Monday and informed the court he did not need a court appointed attorney. Defense lawyer Harold “Butch” Pope told the court he was making a “general appearance” on behalf of Jackson. Judge Sasser continued the case until April 2. Jackson was indicted in February by a Bladen County Grand Jury. The indictment was issued following a State Bureau of Investigation probe of Jackson, who resigned from his …..

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Man in law enforcement standoff has case continued

By Erin Smith The man involved in a standoff with law enforcement in Dublin in November had his case continued in Bladen County Superior Court on Monday. Attorney Harold “Butch” Pope told the court his client, McKenzie Brisson, is in a treatment center in Asheville. A letter sent to his office recently said Brisson will be in the treatment center for 21 days and will then move to a recovery program, according to Pope. The Bladen County Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Douglas Sasser continued Brisson’s case until April 2. Brisson was involved in an armed standoff with law enforcement which lasted 6 hours in November. During the standoff, Brisson …..

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Bladen County Sheriff’s Office needs public’s help identifying person

Bladen County Sheriff James A. McVicker is asking for help from the public in identifying a man who used a cloned credit card at an ATM machine in Clarkton on February 18, 2018. The male subject in the photograph was seen accompanied by two white males. After his transaction at the machine he was seen getting in the silver four door sedan also pictured. These images were captured from the ATM camera. If you have any information on this case please contact the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office at 910-862-6960. Share:

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Scammers targeting recipients of new Medicare cards

By Erin Smith The North Carolina Department of Insurance reports a scam is occurring targeting people who are receiving their new Medicare cards. The new cards which are slated to be mailed to recipients in April contain a new identification number for the recipient which replaces the individual’s Social Security number. The new card requires no action from the user and is designed to reduce the risk of identity theft. All the card recipient has to do once they receive their new Medicare card is to simply present the card at the time of service. The Department of Insurance reports scammers are already contacting Medicare recipients and posing as Medicare …..

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Dollar Tree break-in could be tied to similar incidents in other locations

By Erin Smith The investigation into the breaking and entering of the Dollar Tree in Elizabethtown is continuing and now appears to involve similar incidents in multiple locations, according to the Elizabethtown Police Department. Lt. D. Cheshire said on Thursday morning there is a possibility the incident could involve multiple law enforcement jurisdictions in North Carolina and South Carolina. He said numerous locations are reporting that Dollar Tree stores in their jurisdictions have been burglarized in a similar manner to the Elizabethtown store. The Dollar Tree located at 1204 West Broad Street in Elizabethtown reported a breaking and entering on Tuesday morning. According to law enforcement officials, someone entered the store between the time it closed on …..

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Elizabethtown Police Make Drug Arrest

On Wednesday, February 28, 2018, at approximately 10:02 p.m. officers with the Elizabethtown Police Department responded to a call from dispatch about a suspicious vehicle at the end of Silent Alley.  Upon the officers arrival, officer Hunter Todd and K-9 officer Chris Price located a tan in color 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo backed in the dead end road of Silent Alley. The driver was identified as Marcellus Hopper Jr, age 29.  As officers approached the vehicle K-9 officer Price advised Hopper to show his hands.  Hopper threw out a green and white in color Newport cigarette box while putting his hands up.  K-9 officer Price opened the cigarette pack and located several bags containing marijuana and …..

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Update: Elizabethtown store robbed Tuesday

Update: Dollar Tree robbed overnight By Erin Smith The Elizabethtown Police Department is investigating a robbery that took place at the Dollar Tree in Elizabethtown. “A breaking and entering, not an armed robbery, happened last night,” said Lt. McMichael. He said someone entered the store between the time it closed on Monday night and the time employees began arriving for work on Tuesday. Lt. McMichael said the suspect removed money from the store’s safe. Lt. McMichael said the Pembroke Police Department also reported a similar Incident occurred there. Lt. McMichael said investigators are reviewing video from neighboring stores and working on leads. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information …..

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 Escaped Inmate Dies in Single-Vehicle Accident   

GASTONIA – A Gaston Correctional Center minimum custody inmate who left his outside work assignment was killed today in a single vehicle accident. The inmate, who was reported missing at 12:50 p.m., was driving a city of Lowell Ford pickup truck when it crashed at Exit 14 off Interstate 85 at approximately 2:15 p.m. The Gastonia Police Department is investigating the accident. The Division of Prisons will investigate the circumstances surrounding his escape. His identity will be released after next of kin have been notified. Share:

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Escaped Gaston Correctional Center Inmate Dies in Single-Vehicle Accident

RALEIGH – A Gaston Correctional Center minimum custody inmate who left his outside work assignment was killed today in a single vehicle accident. David A. Woods (#0491245), who left his outside work assignment today and was reported missing at 12:50 p.m., was driving a city of Lowell Ford pickup truck when it crashed at Exit 14 off Interstate 85 at approximately 2:15 p.m. Woods, 46, was originally from New Hanover County. He was serving a life sentence for second-degree murder and convicted on May 25, 1995. The Gastonia Police Department is investigating the accident. The Division of Prisons will investigate the circumstances surrounding his escape. Share:

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Cash reward offered

The Duplin County Sheriff’s Office is seeking your help in locating Javier Gomez (aka) Humberto Gomez Chavez. Mr. Gomez is a 47 year old (Date of Birth 03/24/1970) Hispanic male who was last seen leaving Plantation Drive in Warsaw, North Carolina on Saturday, April 22, 2017.  A $5,000 CASH REWARD IS BEING OFFERED FOR ANY INFORMATION ON THIS CASE WHICH LEADS TO THE ARREST AND CONVICTION OF ANY SUSPECT(S) IN REGARDS TO THE DISAPPEARANCE OF JAVIER GOMEZ. If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office at 910-296-2150. Share:

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Vehicle stop, K-9 search, results in narcotics arrest

K-9 Jaxx knows how to use his nose. That skill by the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office dog turned a routine traffic stop into the arrest of a St. Pauls man on drug charges. Deion Dominick Gilchrist, 23, of Edgegrove Circle in St. Pauls, was charged Feb. 10 with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver marijuana, felonious possession of marijuana, maintaining a vehicle for the sale of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia, says Sheriff James A. McVicker. Sgt. Daniel Clark saw a vehicle fail to stop for a stop sign at the intersection of Chickenfoot Road and Shaw Mill Road, McVicker said. Upon approaching the vehicle, Clark smelled …..

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Bladenboro felon charged with weapon possession

A Bladenboro man who had a prior criminal record was charged Thursday with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon after allegedly beginning to raise a rifle toward a deputy before fleeing, the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. Marcus Theodore Hill, 29, of Holly Britt Court in Bladenboro, is in Bladen County Jail under a $100,000 bond. The incident began when a Bladen County Sheriff’s Office deputy and N.C. Probation and Parole officers went to Holly Britt Court on Thursday to conduct an unannounced search of the residence of Keith Powell, who is on probation, says Sheriff James A. McVicker. During the search, officers found …..

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Elizabethtown man treated at hospital for gunshot wound to leg

By Erin Smith An Elizabethtown arrived at Cape Fear Valley-Bladen Healthcare seeking treatment of a gunshot wound to his leg on Thursday night. According to the Elizabethtown Police Department, the hospital notified the department shortly before 9 p.m. a patient was being treated for a gunshot wound. Lt. D. Cheshire said the man was uncooperative and incoherent when officers arrived at the hospital. During the investigation, Mark Bancroft of Elizabethtown, who was treated for the gunshot wound, was also found to be in possession of a stolen firearm. “It was reported stolen from Norfolk, Virginia,” said Lt. Cheshire. Once Bancroft was discharged from the hospital, he was arrested and charged …..

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Haw River man found not guilty on drug charges in Bladen County Court

By Erin Smith A Haw River man who was arrested following an undercover operation by the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division and North Carolina Probation and Parole officers was found not guilty on a felony possession charge and other charges were dismissed. Anthony Holt, 50, of 719 East Main Street, Haw River, NC, was found not guilty on Tuesday in Bladen County Superior Court of Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Crack Cocaine, and the State dismissed the charge of Sell and Deliver Cocaine. He was represented by Attorney Allen Johnson. Holt was arrested in May 2017 during an undercover operation and charged with Possession with Intent to …..

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Case involving November standoff continued

By Erin Smith A Dublin man who was arrested following a 6-hour standoff with police in November, had his case continued recently. MacKenzie Brisson was arrested following the standoff on November 21, 2017. He is charged with three counts of felony assault with a deadly weapon on a government official and his next court appearance is scheduled for March 5th. He is represented by Whiteville attorney Harold Pope. The case stems from a day when Brisson barricaded himself in a home on Paul Brisson Road and shooting rounds of ammunition inside and around the home. No one was injured in the incident and law enforcement did not return fire. After …..

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Correction Enterprises Employee Arrested for Allegedly Attempting to Bring Contraband into Sampson Prison Laundry

CLINTON – A Correction Enterprises employee is facing charges tonight after he was caught this afternoon allegedly attempting to bring contraband into the Sampson Correctional Institution Laundry facility. Correctional staff discovered nearly 59 grams of marijuana, two cell phones and tobacco in a duffle bag as Christopher Bishop was trying to enter the facility just before 3 p.m. today. The Clinton Police Department was called in to investigate. They have charged Bishop with two felonies — Providing a Phone to an Inmate and Providing Contraband to an Inmate, along with misdemeanor Providing Products to an Inmate. His bail was set at $5,000.  Bishop, 42, a 2nd shift supervisor at the Sampson Laundry, has been …..

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Escaped Caledonia CI Inmate Captured in Rocky Mount

RALEIGH — A Caledonia Correctional Institution minimum custody inmate who left his outside work assignment on Thursday was captured early Friday morning. Clayton Campbell (#1454355) was captured in Rocky Mount by the DPS Prisons Emergency Response Team and local law enforcement at 12:08 a.m. without incident. Campbell, 24, now faces escape charges. He will be demoted from the minimum custody facility at Caledonia to one of the state’s higher security facilities. Campbell was convicted of identity fraud and theft in May 2015 and was scheduled for release this October. Share:

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Fayetteville Woman Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking of a Minor

GREENVILLE – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced in federal court, before United States Magistrate Judge Kimberly A. Swank, Daquanjra Tasha White, 28, of Fayetteville,  pled guilty to one count of Sex Trafficking of Children. During the defendant’s guilty plea hearing, the Government summarized the evidence supporting the defendant’s guilty plea.  Throughout the fall of 2015 into 2016, White, met the minor on Facebook, struck up conversations about White’s escorting services, and convinced the minor to meet with her.  When the minor got together with White, she took pictures of her (in various stages of undress), posted those pictures on Backpage, …..

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Columbus County Sheriff’s office seeking assistance

On January 20th, a white, Carson 7×12 enclosed trailer was stolen from Peacock Road in Chadbourn. The suspect vehicle is believed to be a Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD with a utility bed. If you recognize the vehicle in these photos or have information about the incident, please contact Columbus County Sheriff’s Office at 910-640-6629. Share:

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Bladenboro man sentenced for shooting into apartment

A Bladenboro man was sentenced to between 48 and 70 months in state custody Tuesday after pleading guilty to discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling. Teonte L. Ray, 30, made the plea during a session of Bladen County Superior Court. According to the Bladen County District Attorney’s office, the case stemmed when Bladenboro police officers were called to Village Oak Apartments for shots fire on Feb. 18, 2017. Officers learned that two people were inside one of the apartments when they heard gunshots and saw a bullet penetrate a screen door and wall inside the residence. Another person at the complex identified Ray as firing a handgun in the …..

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Wilmington man indicted on murder charge by Bladen County Grand Jury

By Erin Smith A Wilmington man was indicted on Monday morning by the Bladen  County Grand Jury in connection with a deadly shooting which took place on Saturday, December 23, in Kelly. David Wayne Gore, 57, owner of Gore Marine in Wilmington, was indicted on a charge of second degree murder for the shooting death of Allen Blanchard, 34, also of Wilmington. The incident ocurred at the former Squires Saw Mill on NC 210 in Kelly after Gore received a tip that a boat which was stolen from his shop was seen on NC 210 near Bladen County. The boat was valued at $200,000 and Gore was traveling on NC …..

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Former Bladenboro Town Manager indicted by Grand Jury

By Erin Smith The Bladen County Grand Jury indicted a former Bladenboro town manager on Monday morning. The  indictment comes following a State Bureau of Investigation probe of Delane Jackson, who resigned from his post in 2013. Jackson will face one felony count of obtaining property by false pretenses in excess of $100,000. The SBI probe involved a company called Cygnus to which Jackson is alleged to have ties. The company was contracted by the town to perform work at the town’s wastewater treatment plant. Jackson is represented by Attorney Butch Pope of Whiteville.     Share:

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Five Members of Robeson County Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced  in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced five members of a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) operating in Robson County, responsible for shipping and distributing large quantities of cocaine and marijuana within the Eastern District of North Carolina.  The following sentences were handed down: MITCHELL RAY LOCKLEAR, 55, of Maxton, North Carolina was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release. TIMMY LLOYD HUNT, 43, of Maxton, North Carolina was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. BRANDON DARRIS LOCKLEAR, 36, of Maxton, North Carolina was sentenced …..

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Wilmington Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years for Drug Distribution Charge

RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced Jermaine Dale Rogers, 39, of Wilmington, to 210 months of imprisonment followed by 6 years of supervised release. Rogers was named in an indictment filed on July 19, 2017.  On October 25, 2017, Rogers pled guilty to distribution of a quantity of heroin. In February 2017, a confidential informant (informant) advised law enforcement in New Hanover County that Rogers was actively selling heroin.  At the time, Rogers was residing in a federal halfway house in Wilmington following his release …..

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Southeastern Community College temporarily locked down on Thursday

Whiteville, NC – On February 8, 2018, shortly after 9 a.m., Columbus County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Southeastern Community College, located at 4564 Chadbourn Highway, in reference to an attempted robbery and assault. A female employed with Southeastern Community College was approached by a black male who was wearing a black hoodie.  He had short dreads and appeared to be in his mid-twenties.  The male demanded money from the female.  When the female advised the male that she did not currently possess cash, he assaulted her.  In an attempt to protect herself, the female victim fought back.  The male suspect fled from the scene on foot.  The incident occurred in …..

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FIVE MEMBERS OF ROBESON COUNTY DRUG TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATION SENTENCED
  • 02/07/2018
  • Crime
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RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced five members of a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) operating in Robson County, responsible for shipping and distributing large quantities of cocaine and marijuana within the Eastern District of North Carolina. The following sentences were handed down on today’s date: MITCHELL RAY LOCKLEAR, 55, of Maxton, North Carolina was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release. TIMMY LLOYD HUNT, 43, of Maxton, North Carolina was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. BRANDON DARRIS LOCKLEAR, 36, …..

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Crime Report

Wilmington Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years for Drug Distribution Charge

RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced JERMAINE DALE ROGERS, 39, of Wilmington, to 210 months of imprisonment followed by 6 years of supervised release. ROGERS was named in an Indictment filed on July 19, 2017.  On October 25, 2017, ROGERS pled guilty to Distribution of a Quantity of Heroin. In February 2017, a Confidential Informant (informant) advised law enforcement in New Hanover County that ROGERS was actively selling heroin.  At the time, ROGERS was residing in a Federal halfway house in Wilmington following …..

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