Mr. Christenbury was born July 31, 1953, to the late John Hubert Christenbury and Iva Lee Childress Christenbury.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister: Dorothy Addison; brothers: Steve, Ronald, Jim, John and Richard Christenbury; and a half-sister: Bernice Dow.

Mr. Christenbury is survived by his children, Kenneth C. Christenbury and his wife, Stacey Davidson Christenbury, and his grandson, Aven of Falls Church, VA; his daughter, Kate Elizabeth Christenbury of Raleigh, NC (with Douglas Klein); his siblings: Janet Sinclair and her husband, Rick, of Garner, NC; and David Christenbury of Chester, VA; his ex-wife Sarah Taylor Christenbury of Raleigh, NC, and his many nephews and nieces.

Mr. Christenbury graduated from Roanoke Rapids High School in 1971, and went on to earn a business degree from NC Wesleyan College in 1977.  He was employed as an electrician, by Dominion Resources and Virginia Electric and Power Company, and later retired to Lake Hartwell, in GA. 

First and foremost, Mr. Christenbury was a devoted family man.  His children and his grandson were his life. In addition, he deeply and unconditionally loved all of his family and friends. 

Rev. Randy Martin will conduct a graveside service in Cedarwood Cemetery, Roanoke Rapids Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at 11:00 am.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Diabetes Action Research & Education Foundation (www.diabetesaction.org).

Online condolences may be made at www.hockadayfs.com

The crime occurred May 22 at approximately 8:30 pm.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 or the sheriff’s office at 252-583-8201.

The larceny occurred July 9 around 3:40 pm.

Anyone with information is encouraged to the police department at 252-533-2810; Lieutenant Charles Vaught at 252-533-2819 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

The Gaston Buckeyes begining today and will practice Monday-Thursday at 6:30pm. Please have your child wear shorts, a t-shirt and cleats if you got em.

They will be at Northampton County High School football field. Their JV team (ages 7-9) won their division last year and are out for the super bowl this year. The varsity team (ages 10-12) will be good this year with players moving up that have been a part of the program and new players as well. Your child cannot turn 12 before July 1st. Bring your lawn chairs parents and enjoy sitting out watching your children perform.

The soccer camp is scheduled for Monday July 24th - Thursday July 27th at Doyle field behind TJ Davis recreation center. Camp is for girls and boys from eight to fourteen years old. Time is scheduled for 9am-Noon. The cost is $45 and you can sign your child up at TJ Davis recreation center.

Mildred was born December 9, 1926 in Rockingham County. She moved to Rich Square after graduating from East Carolina Teachers College. In addition to being a teacher, she worked as an insurance agent and ran her own business as a tax accountant, where she served her clients until her retirement. She supported her children in all of their activities, rarely missing a game or performance, and she served on countless school and church committees. She and Thomas always had bountiful gardens and enjoyed sharing what they grew. Mildred was a wonderful cook who never let her children return to college without a box full of home-cooked food. She delighted in watching the birds outside her kitchen window. She loved flowers – growing them, picking them, and shouting out with pleasure when she spotted colorful ones on the roadside. She was always ready to jump in the car and go anywhere, particularly if there were peaches or strawberries to be picked along the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Garfield and Daisy Pruitt; her brother, Robert Pruitt; her sisters Lillie Pruitt Cassidy and Anna Pruitt Massey; one daughter, Betsy Brown Chandler; and her husband of 62 years, Thomas Eugene Brown.

She is survived by her children; Anne Brown, Tom Brown (Viva), David Brown (Anne), John Brown (Joella), Jenny Brown, and Lou Brown (Jack Knight); grand-children Meghan Brown Grant (David), Lyndal Brown White (Thadd), Parker Brown, Amelia Brown, and Benjamin Knight; and great-grandchildren Alex White and Camden White.

The family would like to thank the loving women who cared for their mother: Veneice Benton, Sharlene Maggette, Karen Blackwell, Denise Wiggins, and Laverne Suggs.

Visitation will be held 7:00-8:30 pm, Tuesday, July 18, at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Services in Rich Square. A memorial service will be held at Rich Square United Methodist Church at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 19.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Rich Square United Methodist Church, PO Box 12, Rich Square, NC 27869 or online by clicking here

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Rich Square Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Brown family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.

John R. Martin, an Atlanta attorney, is the appointed learned counsel in Powell’s case.

He noted in a motion filed last week he was seeking to be excused from a Criminal Justice Act budget training session scheduled in Raleigh later this month.

United States Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer allowed Martin to be excused from the session, according to an order filed in Charlotte Monday.

“The vast majority of the attorneys invited to the CJA training are representing clients who do not face the possibility of a death sentence, while Mr. Powell does,” Martin wrote in the order.  “Budgeting for death penalty cases is very different from the budgeting for regular felony cases.”

Martin noted he has already contacted Fourth Circuit Budgeting Attorney Larry Dash regarding a seed budget which precedes a stage I budget for attorney and expert expenses through the death penalty authorization process by the United States Department of Justice.

“Undersigned counsel has been the attorney in a number of federal death penalty cases (over 25) and as a result is very familiar with the specific budgeting procedures for potential death penalty cases,” Martin wrote, noting his co-counsel, Mitch Syers, will be attending the July 27 meeting in Raleigh.

“Excusing counsel, whose offices are in Atlanta, Georgia, from attending the scheduled CJA budgeting training will also serve to save expenses in the case,” Martin wrote. “Airfare from Atlanta to one of the suggested sites is around $600.”

Federal court documents released last month indicated Powell was eligible for the death penalty in the case which is tied to UBN racketeering counts and the murders of Jimmy Ray Daniels in Scotland Neck and Cheeontah Howard in Gastonia.

Lamonte Lloyd, of Scotland Neck, faces the same counts as Powell and has already entered a not guilty plea.

The original indictment in the case alleges the murders were based on racketeering activity by Lloyd, who goes by the street name Murder Mo and Moo, and Powell, of Charlotte, also known as Savage, who allegedly killed Daniels and Howard with premeditation and deliberation.

Daniels was shot and killed while sitting in his vehicle at Grace and Eleventh streets in Scotland Neck. The state had planned to call Daniels as a witness in the case of Jimmel Horton, which ended in a mistrial. Horton had been charged in the 2013 murders of Monte Hines and Chris Harrison.

In all, 83 members of the UBN were indicted following a five-state raid.

Several guns were recovered from the attempt in the 900 block and one of them was stolen from Georgia. It had an altered serial number, Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said.

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting the police department in the continued investigation, Hasty said.

The new charges filed against all the defendants come after further investigation by Investigator Obert Wiltsie.

On Monday at  9:45 a.m., Officer M. Hunsucker arrested Aaron Addnus Powell, 18, on outstanding warrants for possession of a gun with an altered serial number and possession of a stolen firearm. Powell received a $2,000 bond and August 2 court date.

Darius and Skii’e Alston surrendered to the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office today to face the new charges. They also received $2,000 bonds and August 2 court dates.

Two of the defendants in the case, Key-Luntay Ashod Brickell and Vinlente Shamar Barnes, also face the new weapons charges but have not surrendered.

Barnes faces an additional charge of possession of a handgun by a minor.

The charges stem from a case investigated by Wiltsie where the victim reported around 10:30 p.m. they went to the back porch and saw a person with a mask and gloves on walking up.

When confronted by the victim the person ran.

A witness gave chase and found there were more people with the first suspect.

The witness pursuit of the man ended when the suspects pointed a gun.

Hasty said Barnes and Brickell are encouraged to surrender. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Cost estimates prepared by Missouri-based Counsilman-Hunsaker Aquatics for Life place the estimates between $594,000 to $649,000, Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon told council this evening.

An initial rough estimate by local engineer Jim Miller had placed the cost around $200,000.

Sources have indicated Miller’s comments in May were off-the-cuff and made prior to him doing full research.

The company, which has corporate offices in St. Louis, has a rich portfolio of pool projects including facilities in Raleigh, Greensboro, New Bern, Chapel Hill, Durham and Charlotte, Simeon said.

It was through Miller’s further research he recommended the city consider the Counsilman-Hunsaker estimate.

Simeon told the panel this evening, “Please understand that these are cost estimates and not firm numbers that you would see in requests for proposals.”

The company broke down the cost estimates into two categories — construction costs and professional fees.

The construction cost breakdown is as follows:

Demolition and compacted infill: $40,000

Concrete pool and equipment: $450,000

Soil compaction and concrete testing: $5,000

Electrical panels, wiring and ground grid: $25,000

Equipment room and chemical storage renovation: $10,000

Site plumb, electrical work and landscaping: $10,000

Ten percent contingency: $54,000

Total: $594,000

The professional fees breakdown is as follows:

Counsilman-Hunsaker: $26,000

James Miller & Associates: $24,000

Ten percent contingency: $5,000

Total professional fees: $55,000

Total estimated project cost: $594,000 to $649,000

Simeon told council he and City Manager Joseph Scherer met with Congressman G.K. Butterfield’s office to see if there are federal resources or grants available. “We should hear back from them in about two weeks,” he said.

Simeon and Scherer will also meet with officials with the state Parks and Recreation Trust Fund to discuss other possible resources. That meeting is set for August 7.

Simeon said while the current Chaloner pool is L-shaped and slopes from 3-feet to 5-feet with an approximately 9.5-feet diving area, the city asked for different recommendations. “To try and minimize costs as much as possible, we asked for a 35 by 75 rectangular pool that has a zero-depth entry which extends down to 5-feet water depth.”

That proposal takes out the L-shape and the diving area.

Simeon said he plans to come back to council at its August 15 meeting for an update on the federal and state resources as well as any other possible resources and grants.

“This is a big difference than what we thought it would cost,” Councilman Carl Ferebee said.

“It went from renovation to complete demo and rebuilding,” Simeon said.

Miller told council soil borings ended up showing there was damage to the internal structure of the concrete.

City council in March appropriated $300,000 for the pool project. That money is still being set aside for the project, Scherer said.

The board adopted a resolution to renovate the Armory which sits adjacent to the historic high school campus.  

“Renovating this would save the district money and allow us to potentially open in the fall of 2018,” said Superintendent Dain Butler.  

School system spokesman Les Atkins said renovating the Armory would save the school system roughly $1 million rather than proceeding with original plans of building a facility behind the high school.

If approved by the Cooperative Innovative High Schools commission, the early college would provide increased opportunities for students to earn an associate degree or up to two years college transfer credit while simultaneously completing the requirements for high school graduation.  

More than 50 students have expressed interest in attending the first year with plans to maintain at least 100 in subsequent years.  

New mission

In an effort to more accurately reflect the direction of the district, the board revised the system’s mission statement to read: Every student will become a responsible and respectful global citizen through personalized learning opportunities.

It also revised its mission statement, which now reads: Roanoke Rapids Graded School District will offer rigorous customized learning opportunities in a safe and supportive learning environment. Our learning community will foster meaningful relationships with all partners to ensure the academic, emotional, and social growth of all students.  

“The leadership team has been working on this for several months,” said Assistant Superintendent Lowell Rogers. “As we move forward with our digital learning initiatives and curriculum enhancements, this gives us a framework from which to grow and operate in the coming years.”

Belmont

Trustees also approved the appointment of Jance Moody as the new assistant principal at Belmont Elementary.   

Moody attended Halifax County Schools, earned his bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State University, and his master’s degree from Elizabeth City State University.  

“He comes to us with more than eight years experience in education and is excited to be part of the Belmont Bees,” Atkins said.

Church League:
FCC / Valley  10     VS     Calvary  20

SRB  7     VS     New Life  17

Industrial League:
Merritt  11     VS     Dominion  9

Enviva  19     VS     Halifax Works  13

Halifax Linen  25     VS     GP  24

RV Rescue (forfeit)     VS     City RR (win )

The honors came during city council’s meeting Tuesday night.

“You don’t know how much help these guys are,” said Craig Pippen, a Halifax County EMT, who recommended the officers and firefighters receive commendations. “They help us drive, find victims, hold hands. These guys go above and beyond.”

Pippen was referring to a shooting which occurred the morning of June 23 at West Thirteenth and Franklin streets.

In an email to Roanoke Rapids police Captain Andy Bryant, Pippen commended Sergeant Terrance Tyler, Officer Ryan Cross and Master Adam Salmon and firefighters Richard Cook, Bryan Hollowell, Carter Rowland, Ramah Long and Sean Marshall.

“They did their job by helping render first aid to the shooting victim.”

The officers, he said, “were very valuable in getting equipment, shining lights and helping us find where all the victim was shot and treating the wounds.”

Before arrival of EMS, Cross applied a pressure dressing and was holding pressure on a wound to the abdomen where the victim was bleeding. “I applaud their efforts in rendering aid to help us stabilize and save the life of this citizen,” Pippen wrote. “Your officers and the city firemen that responded were vital in providing the care needed to hopefully keep this case from turning into a murder investigation. Please let the officers know that we really appreciate their efforts on this call as well as all of the daily calls we run with them. Their actions reflect highly on their commitment to the citizens of the city of Roanoke Rapids that they protect and serve.”

Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said the victim is out of the hospital and recovering.

Roanoke Rapids fire Chief Stacy Coggins said, “We don’t do this to get a pat on the back but in a day when we have people who are ungrateful it’s always good to be appreciated.”

Hasty said, “When we tell them we are going to recognize them the guys always say we’re just doing our job.”

In his email to Coggins, Pippen wrote, Cook, a battalion chief, Hollowell, a lieutenant, Long, an engineer, and Marshall, a firefighter, “were a great help in providing aid, equipment as well as helping us to provide stabilization and transport to the victim.”

Pippen wrote: “I strongly feel that your efforts in conjunction with the efforts of the RRPD and Halifax EMS made the difference.”

{gallery}heroes{/gallery}

Officer Daniel Hundley

Meanwhile, Master Officer J.E. Benthall recognized Officer Daniel Hundley for helping two small children by buying them diapers out of his own wallet.

The humanitarian act occurred on June 8 when Hundley was dispatched to 1022 Vance Street to help someone pick up their belongings.

Hundley encountered the mother of the children “and learned she desperately needed to get diapers out of the house for her two small children.”

Hundley later conveyed to Benthall and the mother the children wore soiled diapers. “He attempted to make contact with the resident who was the father of the two children but could not get anyone to answer the door. Officer Hundley then searched the area and eventually found the father.”

“The father was unwilling to cooperate and refused to provide any diapers for the children,” Benthall wrote. “Officer Hundley realized that the two innocent children would likely continue to suffer and not receive the level of care that any small child is entitled to if he did not take action. He then took it upon himself to purchase some diapers for (the mother) with his own money.”

Wrote Benthall: “Officer Hundley’s actions display a level of empathy, kindness and selflessness that should be inculcated in all members of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department.”

Police Chief Chuck Hasty announced the hiring of Curtis Batchelor, Morgan Worrell, Elijah Ellington and Dwayne Ponton.

Ponton spoke to council, thanking Hasty for hiring him. “It’s a pleasure for me to be hired.”

Ponton told council he earned an undergraduate degree from Elizabeth City State University and in the fall plans to work on his masters. “It’s a steppingstone for my future.”

Hasty also announced the promotion of Jonathan Benthall from master officer to investigator; Obert Wiltsie from officer to investigator and Greg Colson from officer to master officer.

Ryan Cross and Wiltsie were named officers of the quarter.

{gallery}hires{/gallery}

Fire Chief Stacy Coggins presented new hires Sean Marshall, Corey Jenkins and Gabriel Fanara.

Matthew Dube was promoted from firefighter to engineer.

He was native of Halifax County and was preceded in death by his daughters Jennifer Elizabeth Bridgers, April Nicole Bridgers; his Mother, Janie Morris and his stepfather, Charlie Morris, his sister, Patricia Morris Stone; his Brother, Perry Bridgers.

Edward was retired from the Halifax Paper Board and was a member of First Christian Church of Roanoke Rapids. He never met a stranger and always had a smile on his face.

Edward is survived by his wife of forty-seven years, Betty Nowell Bridgers, his daughter, Emily Bridgers Lawhorn and her husband, Shane of Kenly, NC; his granddaughter, Emma Grace Lawhorn; his grandson, Brayden Lee Lawhorn; his Mother-in-law, Mary Nowell, of Roanoke Rapids, NC; his sister, Donna Morris of Roanoke Rapids, NC; Sister-in-laws, Hazel Bridgers of Roanoke Rapids, NC, Nancy Joyner and her husband Dennis of Roanoke Rapids, NC, Jonnie Miles and her husband, Charles of Roanoke Rapids, NC, Rhonda Turner and husband “Punk” of Roanoke Rapids, NC, Gilda Fowler and her husband Timmy of Rocky Mount, NC; his Brother-in-law Robbie Nowell and his wife Tammy  of Roanoke Rapids, NC, his Uncle, Bobby Burton of Roanoke Rapids, NC; his Aunt, Kathleen Stalls of Roanoke Rapids, NC; several Nieces and Nephews and his special Neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. David Abernathy.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, July 21, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at First Christian Church in Roanoke Rapids, NC with Minister Bane Angles and Rev. Dennis Joyner officiating.

Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 20, 2017 from 7:00 until 8:30 P.M. at Askew Funeral & Cremation Services of Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com

The charges filed against Collin Jarrett Webb, 33, reflect different victims, Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement.

Webb faces a count of kidnapping, a count of assault by strangulation, two counts assault on a female, two counts interfere with 911 communications and one count of damage to property.

The kidnapping, assault by strangulation, one of the assault on a female and one of the interfere with 911 communications charges reflect a matter investigated by Lieutenant J. Baggett Monday. That assault reportedly occurred on July 11.

The remaining counts are linked to a November assault in which a separate victim filed warrants against Webb which had not been served. No details were immediately available on that call.

Investigation into the most recent report indicated the victim was at Webb’s residence on Taylor Street when an argument took place. It was not clear what the argument was about, Hasty said.

Webb allegedly struck the victim and choked her. The victim broke free and attempted to use a cellphone, which Webb took.

The victim ran out of the house, but Webb allegedly grabbed her and dragged her inside. The victim finally left the residence and reported it to police later.

Webb was held without opportunity for bond and has an August 2 court date.

On September 26, the Small Business Center will begin the Agricultural Entrepreneurship Certificate program.  

This is a seven-week program and CEU credits will be awarded upon completion of the program.

The Agricultural Entrepreneurship Certificate program is designed to strengthen the business knowledge of community farmers and new agricultural entrepreneurs to help develop, launch and manage a profitable agricultural business or farm.  

This course will be held at HCC on Tuesday evenings from 6-9 p.m.  

The cost of this program is $70, plus the cost of the workbook. Sponsorships for the program will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.             

Interested individuals can register today in the Workforce & Economic Development Department, located in the 400 Building on HCC’s campus.  

For more information, please contact the HCC SBC director Jerry Edmonds, by email — jedmonds080@halifaxcc.edu — or by calling 252-536-7274.

Nursing success

The School of Nursing had a 100 percent pass rate for the National Council Licensure Exam.

The NCLEX is the national board exam for all registered and practical nurses. The five-hour exam, which covers topics ranging from safety and infection control to reducing patient risks, is the last step before a student obtains their nursing license.

“I am proud of the nursing faculty who have worked hard to improve our nursing program and help our students to be successful,” said President Michael Elam. “We continue to strive to improve everywhere we can, and I am looking forward to the success of the next nursing class.”

The HCC School of Nursing prepares registered and practical nurses, as well as Certified Nurses Assistants for entry into the workforce.

For more information on the requirements, or to inquire about admission to the program, please contact Judy Yates, program director, at 252-536-7231.

Founders Day

A sponsorship form for the annual Founder’s Day is included as a PDF at the end of this story.

Founders Day commemorates the founding of Halifax Community College.

In 1967, Halifax Community College officially opened its doors to  students.

In celebration of that milestone 50 years ago, Halifax Community College will host its Founders Day Celebration on Thursday, September 14.

Al was born July 15, 1941, in Halifax County to the late Robert Washington Joyner and Hattie Barnes Joyner.

Al was a member of New Testament Christian Church.

He was a loving husband, father and grandpa, he loved his Lord and Savior, his church and the youth of the church.

Al volunteered as a reading buddy at Belmont Elementary School.

He retired after 40 years from J. P. Stevens, Bibb Company and West-Point Stevens.

He loved going to gospel sings and visiting people at home and in the nursing home. Al loved Elvis, Hank Williams, Sr. and old westerns.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Joyner of the home; his daughters, Sophia Joyner Gums of Roanoke Rapids and Nicole Joyner Elliott and her husband Larry of Drexel, NC; his grandson, Robby Gums of Roanoke Rapids; his brother, Robert “Neighbor” Joyner of Roanoke Rapids.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 22, 2017 at New Testament Christian Church with Daniel West, Minister officiating.

Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:30 – 9:00 P.M. Friday, July 21, 2017 at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service and other times at the home.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com.

After finishing 20-4 with a 3rd round playoff loss to eventual state champion Edenton, the Roanoke Rapids Yellow Jacket baseball team was well represented on the 2A All-State team with two players.

Pitcher/Infielder Colby Warren and Catcher Cameron Rogerson were both name to the 2017 All-State Baseball team.

At the plate, Colby Warren batted .469 on the season with 30 runs scored, 6 Home runs, and 31 RBI.  On the mound, Colby was 10-2 with an ERA of 0.85, while striking out 78 batters in 57 innings pitched.

Cameron Rogerson also had a great year at the plate.  Cameron batter .437 with 36 runs scored and 22 RBI out of the leadoff position.  He also led the team with 32 stolen bases.

Church League:

New Life  9     VS     Calvary  20

FCC/Valley  10     VS     SRB  25

Unofficial Standings:

New Life                             3     1

Calvary Baptist                    3     2

South Rosemary Baptist       2     2

FCC /Valley                         0     4

Industrial League:

GP  5     VS     City RR  13

Dominion  14     VS     Halifax Linen  7

Halifax Works  8     VS     RV Rescue  14

Merritt  10     VS     Enviva  0

Unofficial Standings:

Enviva                  3     1

Halifax Linen         3     1

Merritt                  3     1

City of RR              3     1

NC Dominion         2     2

Georgia Pacific       1     3

RV Rescue             1     3

Halifax Works        0     4

The arrest of 46-year-old Steannie Chaplin Sawyer coincided with a two-month investigation based on complaints of foot traffic and anonymous calls, Lieutenant A. Thomas said this afternoon.

The brick and bags seized resulted in a total of 63 bags, Thomas said.

While not as rampant a problem as it is in Scotland Neck, where a pipeline from Patterson, New Jersey, has been documented in other cases, there is heroin in the county, Thomas said. He said he was not sure whether Sawyer had any connections within the Scotland Neck heroin trade.

“It’s so much cheaper compared to other stuff,” Sheriff Jack Smith said.

Thomas said the sheriff’s office executed the search warrant prepared by Sergeant M. Sledge of the narcotics unit around 5:30 this morning. It was served in the town limits of Woodland.

Sawyer was arrested and charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony maintaining of a dwelling for the purpose of selling or storing a controlled substance.

In a statement, Smith said, “Thanks to Sergeant Sledge’s due diligence and hard work on combating the illegal drug trade, 63 dosage units of heroin with a reported weight of approximately 1.2 grams will not be reaching the streets of Northampton County.”

The sheriff said, “I would like to commend Sergeant Sledge on this arrest as it makes a statement that the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office will not tolerate those who choose to pollute our community with poison. The Northampton County Sheriff’s Office is committed to working cases that involves the illegal narcotics trade.”

The Jackson and Woodland police departments assisted in the case, Smith said.

Sawyer was presented before a magistrate where probable cause was found for his arrest.

He received a secured $10,000 secured and a July 27 first appearance.