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Category Posts : Crime

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
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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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Crime Report

Fayetteville Woman Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking of a Mino
  • 02/06/2018
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GREENVILLE – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today 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 …..

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Convicted murderer dies in prison

A man serving a life sentence for first degree murder died Monday at Maury Correctional Institution. Officials said in a press release prison medical staff and local paramedics responded and worked to resuscitate Michael Grant (#0665675) an inmate at the facility.  Grant was pronounced dead at 4:08 p.m. at the facility after an apparent suicide according to the report. Grant, 42, was convicted for first degree murder in Pender County in 2013. Grant was convicted in the 2011 shooting death of his neighbor, Anthony Wayne Edens, according to reports. Edens and his three children were all present in his home at the time Grant opened fire on his neighbor’s residence. Reports say Grants defense was the fact he was high …..

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12 protesters arrested outside Smithfield Foods

Twelve people who were protesting outside Smithfield Foods on Thursday were arrested and the State Highway Patrol said Friday it is reviewing actions by troopers. More than 100 people from Vegan Outreach were outside the entrance to the Tar Heel facility which, the company says, processes 30,000 hogs per day and employs 5,000 people. The group says it is attempting to expose cruelty in slaughterhouses and cruelty on factory farms, according to its web site. Many were shouting “Animal liberation. Shut it down.” Members of the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office and Highway Patrol were called in to help with crowd and traffic control. Capt. Jeff Bridges of the Sheriff’s Office …..

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Public Safety Secretary Speaks to Legislative Committee About Prison Reform Efforts

Independent Group Conducted Thorough Safety Review of Three Correction Enterprises Plant Operations RALEIGH – Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks provided an update on prison reform efforts to members of the Justice and Public Safety Oversight Committee today in Raleigh, including sharing the results of a new independent report on prison industry operations. He talked about the department’s ongoing efforts to improve safety and security within the state’s prisons following two tragedies that resulted in the deaths of five prison employees in 2017. “We’re working to do whatever is needed to improve the safety and security of North Carolina’s prisons, reduce their inherent dangers and enhance the working environment for our …..

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Second suspect arrested in Lumberton bank robbery

By Erin Smith A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the robbery of the PNC Bank in Lumberton. Rashad Young, 27, of Whiteville was arrested Thursday and is being held in the Robeson County Jail. According to jail records he is charged with: * Robbery with a dangerous weapon * Five counts of assault with a deadly weapon on law enforcement * Two counts of second degree kidnapping * Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon * Conspiracy to commit robbery. He is being held under a $1 million bond, according to jail records. Also arrested on Thursday was Jeramie Ross Vaughn, 29, also of Whiteville. He …..

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Robbery suspect captured in Columbus County

By Erin Smith One of the suspects in Tuesday’s PNC bank robbery in Lumberton has been arrested, according to Michelle Tatum, a spokesperson with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office. Jeramie Ross Vaughn, 29, of Bitmore Road, Whiteville, was arrested on Wednesday night on Peacock Road after a citizen spotted him in his yard, according to Tatum. He made his first appearance in Robeson County Court on Thursday and is being held under a $1 million bond. “A homeowner saw him on his property and a deputy drove by at the same time the homeowner located him,” said Tatum. Vaughn was taken into custody by Columbus County Sheriff’s Deputies and agents …..

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Bladen County Sheriff’s Office investigating alleged stabbing

By Erin Smith The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a reported stabbing that took place on Ronald Britt Road near Bladenboro on Tuesday evening. “A lady called 911 and said there was a man in her yard saying he had been stabbed,” said Bladen County Chief Deputy Larry Guyton. He said the man got into a white pick-up truck which had pulled up and left the scene before law enforcement officers arrived. “Nobody knew who the man was,” said Guyton. He said the 911 caller’s neighbors reported hearing gunshots fired and officers did find some blood and bullet casings. Guyton said no one has attempted to seek treatment for …..

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Local, State, and Federal Authorities Hunt for Four Armed Bank Robbers

The Lumberton Police Department is seeking the assistance of the public to identify and or locate four armed bank robbery suspects.  Four heavily armed suspects robbed the PNC bank located at 707 North Chestnut Street, Lumberton, North Carolina, on January 23, 2018, at approximately 3:30 p.m.  No one at the bank was injured.  The suspects got away with an undisclosed amount of money, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  Immediately following the robbery, responding Lumberton Police Department officers spotted the suspects fleeing the area in a Grey Saturn car.  Officers pursued the vehicle out of city limits.  During the case, the suspects fired at officers multiple times, according …..

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Update: Columbus County Sheriff’s Office advises residents to remain vigilant

The search for at least two suspects involved in a Robeson County bank robbery is ongoing in the Silver Spoon Road and Bill Hooks Road area in northern Columbus County, according to Michelle Tatum, who is a spokesperson with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office. Schools in the immediate area have been placed on lockdown for precautionary measures. “We want to ensure the safety of your children during this search,” said Tatum. Columbus County Sheriff Lewis Hatcher wants to assure everyone that the area is contained. He urged citizens in the area and surrounding areas to secure their property, according to Tatum. Make sure all doors are locked, including your vehicles, …..

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Stabbing in Bladenboro leads to investigation
  • 01/24/2018
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Tuesday evening was busy for law enforcement. A stabbing was reported at Ronald Britt Court in Bladenboro according to Major Larry Guyton with Bladen County Sheriff’s Office on the evening of January 23, 2018. At last report the suspect had not been apprehended.  A suspect fitting the description of a white, male left the scene driving a light duty, white pick-up truck according to a witness. Bladenboro Police Department and other Bladen County Law Enforcement are working together to find the suspect. More information will be published as soon as it is available.  Share:

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Federal Jury Convicts Cumberland County Men of Drug and Money Laundering Offenses

ELIZABETH CITY – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that on Saturday, January 20, 2018, LEMONT JERRONE WEBB,  a Godwin, NC resident, and HARRY MYLES, SR., a Dunn, NC resident, were convicted following a four-day jury trial before United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle.  The jury found WEBB guilty of drug conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack), and several money laundering offenses. MYLES was found guilty of money laundering offenses.   The evidence at trial showed that WEBB operated a drug house in Godwin, NC, and placed property in the name of others to conceal the assets from law enforcement.  On June …..

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Robeson County officer involved shooting leads suspects on the run
  • 01/23/2018
  • Crime
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Update as of Wednesday, January 24th at 9 a.m.: Sheriff McVicker confirmed on Wednesday, January 24th, 2018 the hunt for the Robeson County shooting suspects is still underway. The suspects are accused of robbing a bank in Robeson County, shooting at law enforcement and then fleeing from the scene. Law enforcement say there are as many as four suspects. McVicker did clarify none of the suspects have been apprehended in Robeson or Columbus Counties as we first reported Tuesday evening and there are as many as four suspects. Law enforcement officers are still on the search in Columbus and Robeson Counties. First article: There have been reports by officials of …..

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Judge Issues Consent Judgment in Bolton Nuisance Case

WHITEVILLE – Superior Court Judge Douglas Sasser has entered a consent judgment against a nuisance property located at 316 Lizzie’s Drive, Bolton.  The defendant and property owner in this lawsuit is John H. Freeman. This judgment is the final step in a civil nuisance abatement action brought by Columbus County District Attorney Jon David, on behalf of the State of North Carolina. Chapter 19 of the N.C. General Statutes defines a public nuisance, and allows for a civil remedy to abate such nuisance activities. The investigation and information gathered for this lawsuit was a joint effort between members of the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office and N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement’s Nuisance Abatement Team. “The …..

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Elizabethtown man wanted on arson charge arrested

By Erin Smith An Elizabethtown man who is wanted on an arson charge has been arrested in Robeson County. Brandon Malone is facing charges in connection to a fire that ocurred in apartment 5B at the Mercer Road Apartment complex. According to Lt. D. Cheshire, with the Elizabethtown Police Department, Malone was arrested in Robeson County on outstanding warrants there. He is expected to be served with the warrants from the Elizabethtown Police Department once the charges in Robeson County have been processed. Malone is facing charges of arson and two counts of attempted murder in connection with a fire which took place Sunday night at 700 Mercer Mill Road. …..

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Elizabethtown man sought on arson charge

By Erin Smith The Elizabethtown Police Department is searching for a man who is wanted for the arson of an apartment building located at 700 Mercer Mill Road on Sunday night. Sgt. W. Thompson said the fire started in Apartment 5B after Brandon Malone got into an argument with his girlfriend. At some point following the argument, Malone set a fire inside the apartment. There were two minor children inside the home at the time of the fire, according to Sgt. Thompson. “He fled the scene,” said Sgt. Thompson. Warrants have been issued for the arrest of Malone on charges of arson and two counts of attempted murder. Sgt. Thompson …..

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Columbus County Sheriff’s Office makes arrests in multiple property crimes

Contributed Columbus County, NC –The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Unit arrested five individuals for charges related to multiple residential breaking and entering cases that occurred in November and December of 2017.  The arrests were the result of a complex investigation. On November 24, 2017, suspects kicked in the rear entrance of a residence located on Hallsboro Road South in Whiteville.  Firearms, a gaming console, and some collectible coins were stolen during the incident. On November 27, 2017, the rear door of a residence on Bill Hooks Road in Whiteville was found to have been pried open.  Multiple items were stolen during this incident.  After the break in, the …..

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Woman found injured on Twisted Hickory Road
  • 01/12/2018
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By Erin Smith A woman was found in a ditch on Saturday morning on Twisted Hickory Road near Center Road after a night out. The call was received on Saturday morning at 7 a.m. said the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office.  Investigator Morgan Johnson said she had possibly been a victim of sexual assault as she was found with her pants down. BladenOnline.com does not name the victim of a sexual assault.  The woman also suffered a broken pelvis and a broken ankle. He said her injuries are consistent with being struck by a vehicle.  Investigator Johnson said the victim was riding in the car with a cousin and remembers nothing after that. A …..

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St. Pauls man sentenced for on firearms charges

NEW BERN – William Charlie Collins was sentenced to 95 months in custody followed by three years of supervised probation Tuesday on two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. The 32-year-old St. Pauls man had pled guilty to the charges in September and was sentenced in the Eastern District of North Carolina federal court by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. According to court record, on Feb. 28, 2017, an officer with the St. Pauls Police Department observed Collins place a handgun in the trunk of a vehicle. Once he saw the officer, Collins immediately shut the vehicle’s trunk. The officer approached the vehicle’s owner and obtained consent …..

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Update: According to law enforcement officials Jesse James Arp has been arrested.

Update: According to law enforcement officials Jesse James Arp has been arrested. Sheriff James A. McVicker is seeking the public’s help in locating an armed felon who committed a serious assault in the Buckhead community on New Year’s Eve. “Jesse James Arp is wanted for the assault of his brother-in-law, Michael Powers, who he shot in the foot with a shotgun during an altercation at 968 Jacobs Loop Road,” said McVicker. “We need the help of the community to locate and arrest this man.” McVicker said Arp is a convicted felon and in addition to the most recent charges against him of Assault With a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury …..

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Bladenboro man arrested
  • 01/08/2018
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By Erin Smith A Bladenboro man was arrested on a charge of simple possession on Friday evening.  According to court records, Bladen County Probation and Parole officers arrested Jerry Hales, 42, and charged him with simple possession of Schedule IV Controlled Substance.  According to the DEA, a Schedule IV controlled substance is defined as having a real but low potential for abuse — and if abused, a limited physical or psychological dependence effect — compared with the substances in other classifications (Schedules I-III). Share:

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Arrest Made in Drug and Firearm Charges in and Around Harnett County

RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announces the arrest yesterday of one defendant pursuant to a federal indictment for drug and firearms charges. A 12-count indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on December 12, 2017.  The indictment charges John Andrew Pipkin, aka “Puppy,” 58, of Erwin, N.C. with conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (crack), various drug offenses, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, …..

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Gore Marine owner now charged with second degree murder

By Erin Smith A Wilmington man is facing a charge of second degree murder in a shooting that ocurred in Kelly over the Christmas weekend. David Wayne Gore, 54, arrived in Bladen County on Thursday morning to face the new charges. Gore, who appeared in court with his attorney, Buddy Allard of the Hewlett, Collins and Allard, LLP law firm in Wilmington, was given a $100,000 bond.  The District Attorney’s Office had originally requested a bond amount of $750,000. Gore, who is the owner of Gore Marine in Wilmington, is charged with the shooting death of Allen Blanchard, 34, also of Wilmington. According to the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, Gore …..

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Crime Report

Tabor City store reports armed robbery

A Tabor City store reported being the victim of an armed robbery on Tuesday night. Norris Country Store located at 6088 Swamp Fox Highway East reported the robbery at 9 p.m., according to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office. According to reports, three men walked into the store and one man pointed a gun at the cashier and demanded money. All three men were reported to be wearing gray hoodies that covered their faces and fled the scene on foot with money obtained from the cash register. The incident is under investigation. Share:

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Wilmington boat shop owner now facing murder charge

By Erin Smith The owner of a Wilmington boat shop is now facing a murder charge after the victim of a weekend shooting at an abandoned saw mill in Kelly has passed away, according to the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office. Major Larry Guyton confirmed Allen Blanchard, 34, of Wilmington, who was shot during an altercation at the former Squires Timber Saw Mill, which was located on NC 210, died on Monday. Major Guyton said an autopsy, which was originally scheduled for today (Tuesday, December 26th), has been postponed until Wednesday. David Wayne Gore, 57, of Wilmington, was arrested on Saturday and charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent …..

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Crime Report

Second man arrested for Clarkton break-in

By Erin Smith A second person has been arrested for a breaking and entering that ocurred in Clarkton in August. According to Bladen County court records, Akimas Kendall Rose, 23, of 61 Willow Run Lane, Whiteville, has been arrested. Rose is one of three men who were being sought by the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office for a breaking and entering that ocurred on West Graham Street in Clarkton in August. Rose is facing charges of one count each of felony breaking and entering, felony larceny after breaking and entering, felony possession of stolen goods, and felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. He is scheduled to appear …..

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A look back at 2017’s Top Ten Crime Stories

By Erin Smith As the New Year of 2018 is looming, we pause to take a look back at the “old year” and all that happened. We decided to take a look back at our Top Ten Crime Stories for 2017. Below are the crime stories you found most interesting during 2017. Our number one most viewed crime story was Bladen County teacher charged with sex crime. The story outlines the charges against a former West Bladen High School Science teacher of having sex with a student. No. 2. Many of you were still interested in our story Be Aware! Kirby Van is not trying to sell vacuums from March …..

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2 Wilmington men arrested after shooting at abandoned lumber mill

Two men from Wilmington were in the Bladen County Detention Center and another man was hospitalized in critical condition Saturday following a shooting at an abandoned lumber mill in Bladen County, Sheriff James McVicker said. David Wayne Gore, 57, has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and is being held under a $100,000 bond. Ryan Ciro Thau, 33, who was not injured in the incident, has been charged with felonious larceny and is being held under a $5,000 bond, according to a news release from McVicker. Allen W. Blanchard, 34, also from Wilmington, was airlifted from the scene to New Hanover …..

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One arrested for Clarkton break-in

By Erin Smith One of three men wanted for a breaking and entering that ocurred in Clarkton in August has been arrested. Henry Kendrell Robinson, 24, of Stanley Street in Council, was arrested on Thursday afternoon by the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office. He is charged with one count each of felony breaking and entering, felony larceny after breaking and entering, and felony possession of stolen goods. Robinson is being held in the Bladen County Jail under a$10,000 secured bond. He is scheduled to appear in Bladen County Superior Court on January 8, 2018. Major Larry Guyton, with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, said the breaking and entering ocurred on August …..

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Felony Warrant Enforcement Operation Nets 22 Defendants Wanted for Gun, Drug and Other Charges

FAYETTEVILLE – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon Jr., announces that “Operation Wintry Mix” resulted in the arrest of 16 defendants for outstanding federal charges in a coordinated warrant enforcement operation.  In addition, three subjects related to this operation were found to be in the custody of the North Carolina Department of Corrections and a local jail in Virginia.  Federal detainers have been filed against those subjects.  Also, three subjects were arrested on state charges. The following individuals were charged by way of Criminal Indictment.  The individual charges for each defendant is contained in the parenthesis following the personal information. *Larry Donnell Adams, …..

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3 men sought for theft of electronics from Elizabethtown Walmart

Elizabethtown police are looking for three men who were involved in the theft of several electronic items from Walmart in Elizabethtown on Saturday, Dec. 16. The three men entered the store through the garden center about 10 a.m., according to Police Chief Tony Parrish. Two of the men went to the electronics department while the third man appeared to serve as a lookout. One of the men, who appeared to be black and wore a black and yellow ball cap, black jacket and light colored pants based on surveillance images, placed three television sets in a shopping cart, according to Parrish. The second man, who was white and wore a …..

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Sampson County man facing child rape charges

A Sampson County man is facing charges of child rape, according to law enforcement officials. Raymond Davis, 42, of Clinton, was arrested and charged with two felony counts of child rape and two felony counts of indecent liberties with a child. He was placed under a $300,000 secured bond in the Sampson County Jail and is scheduled to be in court on January 12th, 2018. He is also scheduled to appear in court on January 2nd, 2018, on 10 felony counts of indecent liberties with a child and one felony count of first degree sexual offense, according to Sampson County court records. Share:

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Crime Report

On the hunt for two armed robbers

By Erin Smith The Elizabethtown Police Department is investigating an armed robbery that occurred on Friday night. According to Lt. D. Cheshire, the call came in at 8:35 p.m. reporting an armed robbery had occurred at the No. 1 Chinese restaurant.  “Two unknown suspects entered the restaurant wearing masks, gloves and dark clothing,” said Lt. Cheshire.  He said one suspect was armed with a semi-automatic handgun. Lt. Cheshire said the two suspects demanded cash from the clerk.  He said officers have received the video from the security cameras at the restaurant and are attempting to identify the suspects.  Anyone with any information regarding the robbery is encouraged to contact the …..

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Chicken truck over turned

Photo by Cheryl Thurston Tuesday morning came with a little haze and an accident in Bladenboro. A truck driver was leaving the newly opened Carroll Poultry plant in the industrial park in Bladenboro.  The driver of the truck was turning the vehicle at Southeastern Grain on JR Britt Road when the truck over turned according to the accident report. The truck was loaded with chickens. Junior Lee Campbell of Clarkton was the driver for the truck. He was charged with an unsafe movement by North Carolina Highway Patrol Officer, G. White.  The driver had no reported injuries. Share:

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One arrested for armed robbery

By Erin Smith The Elizabethtown Police Department has arrested one man for the armed robbery of the Dollar General located at 1011 West Broad Street. The robbery was reported at 9 p.m. Saturday. Lt. D. Cheshire, with the Elizabethtown Police Department, said a man armed with a handgun walked in and demanded cash from the clerk. “He departed from the store and was located a few blocks away by law enforcement,” said Lt. Cheshire. Arrested was Christopher Deon Autry, 21, of Elizabethtown. He is facing charges of felony robbery with a dangerous weapon and felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Lt. Cheshire said officers were able to …..

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SBI Develops New Hand-held Fingerprint Technology

The State Bureau of Investigation has deployed a mobile fingerprint scanning application for local and state law enforcement officers that instantly searches state and national databases for a positive identification. The process is simple. A suspect places his or her finger on a small portable device, about the size of a smartphone and the fingerprints become digitized and sent to the SBI’s Statewide Automated Fingerprint Identification System and to the FBI for a search of their databases for any matches. The Rapid ID System allows law enforcement officers to capture fingerprints remotely using the mobile fingerprint scanner. An officer quickly receives the results of a search on the hand-held device. If a fingerprint …..

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One arrested on drug possession charges

By Erin Smith One Bladen County resident was arrested for two counts of felony drug possession charges on Thursday. Tamra Rae Russ of Tar Heel was arrested and charged with one felony count of possession of schedule 1 controlled substance and one felony count of possession of schedule II controlled substance. She is scheduled to appear in Bladen District Court on December 18th. Share:

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Romanian Man Sentenced for Role in International Fraud Scheme Involving Online Marketplace Websites

A Romanian man was sentenced today to 29 months in prison for his participation in an international scheme involving fraudulent advertisements on online marketplaces that induced victims to send over $870,000 to conspirators for the purchase of various items that were not actually available for purchase. Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Don Cochran of the Middle District of Tennessee made the announcement. Vlad Diaconu, 37, originally of Bucharest, Romania, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Marvin E. Aspen of the Northern District of Illinois, who sits in the Middle District of Tennessee by designation.  Diaconu pleaded guilty to …..

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Man pleads guilty to drugs possession

By Erin Smith DeMerion Jamar Barnhardt pled guilty to felony possession of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance in Bladen County Superior Court on Wednesday. Judge Rueben Young sentenced him to 6 to 17 months probation suspended and 24 months of supervised probation. Barnhardt will also receive credit for time served and he must consent to periodic warrantless searches and random drug testing. Judge Young told Barnhardt that in the event he should have a positive drug test, he is ordering he be immediately arrested and placed in jail under a $50,000 secured bond. Bladen County District Attorney Courtney Sanford told the court her office made an offer to Barnhardt on January …..

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One sentenced in Bladen Hardware break-in

By Erin Smith One of the defendants charged with breaking and entering and larceny of the Bladen Hardware Store in Elizabethtown was sentenced on Wednesday. Christopher Lamonta McDowell of Brown’s Creek Church Road, Elizabethtown,  accepted a plea arrangement which allowed him to plead guilty to one count of breaking and entering and one county of larceny of a firearm.  Judge Rueben Young asked McDowell if he was under the influence of any substances to which McDowell answered he had “smoked weed” Tuesday night prior to coming to court. Judge Young then sent McDowell to be drug tested before continuing with the sentencing process. It was announced later in court the drug test was positive for …..

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FORMER CONNECTICUT RESIDENT PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGALLY TRANSPORTING PROTECTED WILDLIFE

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIAM CARL BARTLETT, 65, of Eastpoint, Florida, formerly of Cheshire, Connecticut, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport to two counts of illegally transporting protected wildlife. According to court documents and statements made in court, BARTLETT is a snake and reptile collector.  In July 2012, BARTLETT shipped via overnight mail courier 10 Outer Banks kingsnakes from Connecticut to an individual in Emporium, Pennsylvania.  Prior to that date, BARTLETT collected a male and female kingsnake from the Outer Banks in violation of North Carolina law.  In North Carolina, the Outer Banks kingsnake is …..

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Three Arrests Made in Ida’s Lane homicide

Three arrests have been announced by the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office in a homicide near Clarkton. On December 6th, 2017, at approximately 5:31 p.m. the Bladen County Sheriffs Office received a call of an unknown situation at 84 Ida’s Lane, Clarkton. Upon arrival deputies located Charles Leon Leach, 60 years of age of Clarkton, deceased in the residence. Investigators have determined that the victim in this case was the victim of an apparent robbery, according to Captain Jeff Singletary. An autopsy was conducted this morning by the Medical Examiner in Raleigh and the exact cause of death will be determined; however, blunt force trauma to the head was noted. Three …..

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Sheriff’s Office investigating apparent homicide

The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide.  On Wednesday, December 6th, 2017, at approximately 5:31 p.m. the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office received a call of an unknown situation at 84 Ida’s Lane, Clarkton, according to Captain Jeff Singletary. Upon arrival, deputies located Charles Leon Leach, 60 years of age, of Clarkton, deceased in the residence. Investigators determined foul play to be a part of the investigation, according to Captain Singletary. At this time, no other details are being released, but the investigation is ongoing and we will share updates as new information becomes available, said Captain Singletary. Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker asks that if you have any …..

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Downing sentenced in Dublin shooting

By Erin Smith A second person has been sentenced for the shooting death of Darrell Council n 2015. D’Nayza Downing pled guilty to being an accessory after the fact to first degree murder. She was sentenced by Judge Young on Wednesday afternoon to a minimum of 65 months and a maximum of 90 months active with credit received for time served. She has been in jail for about two years. Bladen County Assistant District Attorney Quentin McGee told the court Downing had fulfilled some of the requirements contained in her agreement with the court. McGee said she had already testified in one case and has agreed to testify against the other two …..

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ALE’s Overnight Statewide Operation Nets 158 Arrests on 297 Charges

North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement agents arrested more than 150 people on charges of illegal alcohol and drugs during an overnight operation Dec. 1-2 following a state-wide crackdown.   During the operation, one agent performed CPR on an unresponsive overdose victim until EMS could arrive and provide Naloxone. Another agent identified a suspect in a previous armed robbery who had 17 outstanding warrants for his arrest. The suspect had a mask believed to be used during an armed robbery two days before.   The special operation used every available ALE agent in partnership with sheriffs, police chiefs, and other law enforcement partners. Their goal was to prevent violence and other criminal …..

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Nightclub Shootings Prompt Statewide ALE Operation Dec. 1-2

RALEIGH – North Carolina’s Alcohol Law Enforcement agency is conducting a statewide operation to deter violence that has been occurring at nightclubs, bars and restaurants across the state, both licensed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission and unlicensed. Seven fatal shootings have occurred at several locations during November. Three people were shot to death at a suspected illegal bar in LaGrange Nov. 12. Three people were shot Nov. 18 at a suspected illegal bar in Goldsboro and two died from their injuries. Five people were shot at Diamondz Gentlemans Club in Fayetteville Nov. 11 and the owner of the business died. One person was shot at an illegal bar in …..

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Bladen County Sheriff's Department

Sheriff offers tips for shopping during the Holiday season

While people are searching for bargains and trying to find the perfect gift, Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker said don’t let your guard down at malls and stores. “The holiday season is upon us and shoppers are crowding malls and discount stores to buy the latest gadgets and find the best deals,” said Sheriff McVicker. He added shoppers should not be neglecting their safety.  According to Sheriff McVicker, “This time of year attracts more shopping-related criminal activity because of the larger crowds and the extended store hours.  These factors and the usual distraction of shopping, creates a more favorable environment for petty thieves and other offenders. The Sheriff reminds all …..

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Elizabethtown PD seeks identity of individual

By Erin Smith The Elizabethtown Police Department is asking for your assistance in identifying a man they want to speak with regarding a recent larceny. He is described as having a tattoo on the right side of his face, as well as several tattoos on his hands and arms. If you have any information in this case, you are asked to contact Detective Thompson at the Elizabethtown Police Department by calling 910-862-3125. Share:

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