He was born in Portsmouth, VA, to the late Leon Randolph Whichard, Sr. and Virginia Dare Braswell Whichard.

John enjoyed sailing, walking on the beach and horses.

John is survived by his son Brad Whichard of Danville, VA; his brother, Randy Whichard and his wife Diane of Jackson, NC; his grandson, Lane Whichard of Danville, VA, and his granddaughter, Jordan Bowman of Virginia Beach, VA; his close friend and caregiver, Marsha Tegl of Gaston, NC; his two nieces Jodie W. Barrett and her husband Thomas of Roanoke Rapids, NC, Melanie W. Whichard and her husband Bryan Ayscue of Woodland, NC; and his nephew, John Randolph Whichard, and Mable of Roanoke Rapids, NC; and his faithful companion Coco.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at Askew Funeral Service Jackson Chapel in Jackson, NC with Rev. Randy Martin officiating.

Interment will follow in Jackson Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home.

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

“They help a lot of people in the community,” said Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Kelly Manning. “They have worked with the city during different disasters. They do a lot of work for people in need, preparing bags with non-perishable items for the homeless. They really try to help those in need in the Roanoke Valley. We wanted to thank them for their contributions to the community.”

Mr. Moseley said this morning, “I feel like it was an honor. We appreciate that kind of support. It’s been a giving community and we are thankful to the good Lord above for all the support we get.”

Mr. Moseley said it will be fitting for the DIRT volunteers to ride on the float with he and his wife. About 20 volunteers are on a list for the various projects DIRT does, he said. “Everything we do we have others helping out.”

(To register visit the Christmas parade website or stop by T.J. Davis)

Councilwoman Suetta Scarbrough forged a friendship with the couple in the aftermath of the 2011 tornado. “They are benevolent. They’re unique to this area.”

The annual Christmas parade begins at 2 p.m. on December 3, starting from Thirteenth Street down Roanoke Avenue where it ends at First Street.

Between 20 to 35 groups have already signed up. The deadline for getting in the parade is November 17.

“I feel like we’ll have a good variety and good participation,” Manning said.

The Elizabeth City State University Marching Band has been invited to return and several high school and middle school bands have committed. They include Roanoke Rapids High School, Chaloner Middle School, North Edgecombe High School, Brunswick, Virginia High School and Weldon High School.

The Sudan clowns and Buccaneers have committed and the city is awaiting word on the return of the Greenville Public Safety Pipes and Drums.

“We want more to participate,” Manning said.

Registration can be made online or a form can be picked up at T.J. Davis, she said.

The parade will also serve as a benefit for Angel’s Closet and registrants are asked to donate two canned goods. Canned good donations will also be accepted at T.J. Davis.

The Christmas parade will be held rain or shine.

Leading up to the parade will be the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall on Jackson Street at 6 p.m November 30.

Madelyn Caudle will continue a tradition where a youngster gets to flip the switch lighting the tree in Veterans Park.

Before the lighting ceremony there will be refreshments inside Lloyd Andrews and there will be Christmas Carols outside performed by the RRHS chorus.

The tree lighting ceremony has become the traditional lead-in to the parade. “It’s a time to celebrate the spiritual meaning of the season and a time to celebrate our children’s anticipation of the holiday,” Manning said.

United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Robert J. Higdon Jr. announced the sentencing in a press release.

Hughes, 39, of Weldon, will serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.

Hughes was named in an indictment filed on July 24 and he pled to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The investigation began in April of 2016 after the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office received information from a confidential informant Hughes was selling cocaine from his residence in Weldon.

The City County Drug Task Force arrested Hughes in June of 2016.

Investigation showed between April 13 and June 8, of 2016, an informant was used to conduct two controlled purchases of cocaine totaling .73 grams from Hughes at his home.

On June 10, 2016, a search warrant led to the discovery of a loaded .380 Caliber handgun, 7.06 grams of cocaine, and two digital scales in the bedroom closet of his residence.

Law enforcement also located a small-unspecified quantity of marijuana, a marijuana grinder, and other drug paraphernalia inside the home.

This case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified team effort against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.

The task force, Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives conducted the criminal investigation.

Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette handled the prosecution of this case for the government.

The service will be held in Veterans Park off Roanoke Avenue.

The service includes special music from Valley Community Church in Weldon, a JROTC drill and recognition of all veterans

Veteran leadership and local veteran posts will also be recognized as well the veterans in attendance from Valley church.

Meanwhile, Halifax Resolves Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution has a veterans display in the hallway of the Halifax County Library honoring veterans past and present.

Chief James Avens is suspending the department’s grooming policy as it participates in what he is calling Let it Grow for Cancer in which funds will be donated locally.

Part of the effort includes a program on November 18 at Weldon Elementary School in which two speakers will discuss, colon cancer, prostate cancer and heart disease.

The program will feature Dr. Veronica Carlisle of UNC who will speak on colon cancer and Dr. Isaac Miller of Halifax Medical Specialists who will discuss prostate health and heart disease. The program will be from 9 a.m.to noon.

(A flyer with specifics and sponsors is included as an attachment at the end of the story)

Last year the department participated in No Shave November but Avens found the money raised was sent out of state and there was no way to show whether local efforts were supported.

“This year the police department decided to take the initiative again and created our own by naming it Let it Grow for Cancer, Growing Awareness for Men in efforts of growing our hair, which many cancer patients lose during the process of chemo and radiation treatment.”

Each officer will participate and donate to the cause. “In return for participating our grooming policy will be on hold in an effort to generate conversation with other men to get wellness checks.”

The public may donate to the effort, Avens said. “The funds raised will support cancer prevention, research, and education for men which will be donated locally this year.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the leading cause of cancer death among men is lung cancer at 52 percent, prostate cancer at 19.1 percent, colorectal cancer at 16.9 percent and liver cancer at 9.6 percent.

For Avens the cause is personal. “I have two close friends in their early to mid 40's who are battling cancer along with several male family members who have passed from cancer related death. Cancer has affected many of us personally or through someone we know.”

Mrs. Tanner was born in Chenango County, NY, the daughter of the late George Neuman Mac Durmon and Helen Groening Mac Durmon. 

She retired from the Bibb Company with forty years of service.

She is survived by: her husband, Richard Lee Tanner; two daughters, Pam Kidd of Grandy, NC, and Windy Hooker and her husband, Gary, of Roanoke Rapids, NC; two sons, Frankie Carter and his wife Darlene and Bo Tanner and his wife Karen, of Roanoke Rapids, NC; three step-daughters, Jo Ann Murty and her husband Bubba, of Roanoke Rapids, NC, Bet Richardson and her husband Grant of Roanoke Rapids, NC; and Nan Parrish and her husband Ken of Butner, NC; two step sons, John David Tanner of Kinston, NC and Billy Tanner and his wife Karen of Roanoke Rapids, NC; a sister, Phyllis McFadden and her husband Harry of Quarryville, PA, 17 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

The family will receive at Wrenn Clarke & Hagan Funeral and Cremation Service, 1015 W. 5th Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC, Thursday, November 9, 2017, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and other times at 188 Bishop Road, Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Graveside services will be held in Cedarwood Cemetery, Roanoke Rapids, NC, Friday, November 10, 2017, at 2:00 PM, with Minister Norwood Starling, officiating.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www. wrennclarkehagan.com

Meacham defeated former town Commissioner Stanley Edwards, who stepped down to run for the mayor’s seat. She beat Edwards by a 69.57 to 30.43 percent margin.

Incumbent Weldon commissioners Susie Adams and Kimberly Robinson lost their seats as challengers Walter Clark Jr., Larry Brunson and Reailyn Stanback won. Clark is a former Weldon town commissioner.

Challenger Christon Martin finished last behind Adams and Robinson collecting 9.50 percent of the votes.

Turnout across the county was 11.10 percent.

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Enfield

In Enfield, incumbent Mayor Barbara Simmons was ousted by challenger Wayne Anderson. Anderson collected 71.12 percent of the votes in the race.

In the Enfield District A town commissioner race, challenger Bobby Whitaker unseated incumbent Therman Hunter, taking 73.94 percent of the votes.

In the Enfield District B race, challenger Kenneth Ward collected 69.41 percent of the votes to beat out incumbent Earl Harvey.

Halifax

A write-in candidate will determine the fifth seat on the Halifax Town Board of Commissioners, county Board of Elections Director Kristin Scott said.

The winner of the fifth seat should be known Wednesday.

Mayor John White, who ran unopposed, was re-elected.

Three incumbents — John Suiter, Barbara Daniels and Lee Clements — won their seats and newcomer Christina Wells won a seat.

There were 21 write-ins in the race.

Hobgood

Incumbent Mayor Dannie Flanary and incumbent Sam Johnson and Robert Sykes were re-elected.

Littleton

In Littleton, Owen Scott won the mayor’s seat after John Girdley did not refile.

Two of three newcomers were elected to the board after two incumbents did not refile.

Stephen Barcelo and Bonita Knight won the two seats.

Roanoke Rapids

Mayor Emery Doughtie, who ran unopposed was re-elected as were council members Suetta Scarbrough and Wayne Smith.

In the Roanoke Rapids Board of Education race, incumbents Mike Salanik and Valencia Davis were re-elected. Newcomer Henry Ford won a seat.

Incumbent Jane Deese did not refile.

In the Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District Board race, incumbents Steve Holliday and Eugene St. Clair were re-elected.

Challenger Gregory Browning, the chair of the planning board, won a seat.

Incumbent Jack Barber did not seek re-election.

Challenger Dom Fenner came in last, getting 12.67 percent of the votes.

Scotland Neck

Incumbent Mayor Eddie Braxton ran unopposed and was re-elected.

Incumbent commissioners James Savage and Charles Suit were re-elected.

Challenger Susie Dickens came in last, collecting 20 percent of the votes.

Roanoke Rapids fell 0-1 to Dixon.

Jackets head coach Craig Jean stated after the match, "It was a tough loss tonight as Dixon is an extremely talented team. The speed and skill of their entire team, but especially #15, Ames, caused us to switch up our strategy. He was by far the most difficult player to stop we have seen this year. Camden Parks did a great job marking him but it wore him down and took him out of our attack. They did a great job of keeping us on the defensive end and never let us find any rhythm offensively. Thomas Merritt played great again- he made 26 saves and about 10 of them were very difficult. We had a handful of good chances but we were off the majority of the game tonight. They scored the only goal with little under 3 min left in game to win it 1-0. I am still very proud of my guys' effort tonight and this entire season. We will miss the seniors that we are losing, (Thomas Merritt, Zach Carter, Billy Ricks, Chase Johnson, Camden Parks, and Devonte Hyman), but they have left the program in great shape. I can't say enough good things about these young men. It was a heck of a fun ride and in few days the dissapointment of this loss will turn into an appreciation of what we did accomplish. 21-1-1 is a record we are all very proud of. The bar is set high now and returning players will work hard to continue having success."

Coach Jean also stated, "We would like to say thank you for all the support we received at RRHS and from the community throughout the season. "

Pictured above are:

Front Row L to R: Nicholas King, Cameron Wilson, Thomas Merritt, AJ Pearson, Paul MacNichol, Justin Mitchell, Peyton Anderson

2nd Row: Camden Parks, Jake Van Dam, Josh Miller, Anderson Castillo, Daniel Acree, Devonte Hyman

3rd Row: Eric Gonzalez, Billy Ricks, Carson Neal, Abdul Alrahimi, Gray Draper, Emerson Escobar, Emerson Castillo

4th Row: Coach Craig Jean, Chase Johnson, Zach Carter, Alexander Thompson

Not pictured: Logan Walton and Assistant Coach Johnny Tripp

Captain Bobby Martin of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department said while nothing was taken, an armed robbery charge still applies in the case under state law.

The man arrested, Tajma Ussery, 19, ended up shooting himself in the arm during a struggle with the victim, Martin said.

On Monday around 8:30 p.m., Ussery was arrested and charged with armed robbery and a parole violation.

Ussery had been sentenced in March to 30 months supervised release after being found guilty of larceny from a person in a July 9, 2016, case, state Department of Public Safety records show.

The victim was defending himself when Ussery shot himself, Martin said. He was treated locally and then taken to a trauma center for further treatment.

Probation took Ussery into custody following investigation by investigators O.L. Wiltsie and J. Benthall.

He received a $75,000 bond for the armed robbery charge and a $15,000 cash bond for the probation violation. He has a December 6 court date.

Walgreen’s disturbance

On Tuesday at approximately 10:48 a.m., officers responded to Walgreen’s on a disturbance call between two men.

Officers learned the disturbance started outside of the business but eventually filtered inside where 911 was called. The nature of the disturbance was not immediately known, Martin said.

Through further investigation officers learned one of the men had a gun and stashed it on a shelf before encountering law enforcement.

The weapon was located and secured.

Warrants have been obtained for James Randolph Williams Jr. of Roanoke Rapids for possession of a firearm by a felon and giving a false report to law enforcement.

Williams frequents areas of Roanoke Rapids.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Halifax County Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 or the police department at 252-533-2810.

Officers M. Hunsucker and H. Grimes, with her dog, Jimi, assisted along with Lieutenant J. Baggett.

The deposit represents 5 percent of the $3 million offer Thomas and Evon McClean have made on the building, City Manager Joseph Scherer said this morning.

A notice announcing the upset bid process will be posted Friday on rrspin.com as well as the local newspaper.

In trying to obtain more information on the potential buyers of the theater, Scherer said the couple has indicated to the city they don’t wish to be interviewed at this point.

The city manager said during a meeting Monday the couple divides their time between Chocowinity and Florida. It has not been disclosed who other potential partners are in the project.

Scherer said following Monday’s meeting, where a resolution was passed on the offer, the McCleans intend to operate it to put shows, develop it as a meeting place, develop it as an attraction and conduct internet gaming.

He said this morning receipt of the down payment shows, “They are conducting business in good faith.”

The upset bid process will begin Friday and closes at 5 p.m. November 20 and that time the city clerk shall open the bids, if any, and the highest qualifying bid will become the new offer.

If there is more than one bid in the highest amount, the first such bid received will become the new offer.

A qualifying higher bid is one that raises the existing offer to an amount not less than $3,150,000.

City council must approve the final high offer before the sale is closed, which it will do within 30 days after the final upset bid period has passed.

There are approximately 30 seats left for anyone interested in attending the game.

The price is $20.00 for the seat. It does not include the ticket for the game or any meal costs.

Please let Cindy Boone know if you want to reserve a seat by calling 519-7200.

The bus will depart promptly at 2:30 p.m. from beside the RRHS Gymnasium.

Mr. Gordon was a US Army Veteran having served during the Vietnam War.

Rev. Darren Lambert will conduct funeral services at 11:00 am on Friday, November 10th at Blaylock Funeral Home in Littleton.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Beverly Whispel Gordon; his daughters, Kim Elmore and Kelly Collins; his brothers, Oscar Gordon and wife, Ethel, Wilbur Gordon and wife, Sandy and Wayne Gordon; his sisters, Bonnie G. Driver and husband, Rodney, Annie Allen and husband, Lorn, Juanita Grizzard and husband, Wiley, and Audrey Dancy; six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the Littleton Volunteer Fire Department.

The family will receive friends prior to the service on Friday from 10-11:00 am at Blaylock Funeral Home in Littleton.

During a search of the residence agents seized 16 grams of marijuana, 4.3 grams of cocaine, eight oxycodone pills, heroin wrapped in lottery tickets and a digital scale.  

Captain A.M. Harris of the task force said occupants of the residence reportedly tried to flush some items as agents attempted to make a forced entry into the house.

The return to the residence in the 800 block of Zoo Road North was based on alleged evidence of traffic for the purpose of drug activity coming to and leaving the house despite a major bust there last week.

A trap house is common among drug dealers, who will either rent or a buy a house to sell drugs from instead of selling from their own residence. Some dealers will allow addicts to use in the trap houses.

In a raid last Friday agents levied heroin trafficking and other charges

Agent D.J. Epperson arrested and charged Alphonso Williams, 29, of Roanoke Rapids, for felony possession of heroin and Audwin Parker Jr., 28, of Roanoke Rapids, for felony possession of cocaine, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, simple possession of schedule II controlled substance and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

Williams received a $2,000 bond and Parker a $5,000 bond. Both have December 20 court dates.

The names of Williams and Parker came up during initial investigation of the house, Harris said.

Harris said nuisance abatement proceedings are a possibility as agents attempt to determine who owns the house and who is renting it.

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Traffic stop

On Tuesday around 3:30 p.m., Epperson conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a violation on West Tenth near Burton streets.

Cocaine, two bags of marijuana and a marijuana grinder were seized.

Epperson arrested and charged Brian Eugene Luckey, 40, of Highway 158, for felony possession of cocaine, possess marijuana up to one-half ounce and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

He received a $750 bond and November 15 court date.  

Agent D.R. Radford assisted.

He was the son of the late Willie Leon Liles, Sr. and Annie Crawley Liles.  

He was also preceded in death by his wife, Helen Hayes Butts Liles and his siblings, B.B. Liles, Virginia Milteer, Nan Holland, Herman Liles, Leon Liles, Jr., Louise Liles Faison, and Mildred Tippett.

Roger was a farmer in Halifax County for many years.  

He served his country in the U.S. Army (Korean War).  He loved his family and was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.  

He is survived by 2 sons, Greg Liles and his wife, Dr. Kay Lawrence of Littleton; Michael Butts and his wife, Wanda of Littleton; a sister, Mary Catherine Lee of Norfolk, VA; a brother, Sam Liles of Aurelian Springs; 4 grandchildren, Christina Sewell and her husband, Brian of Roanoke Rapids, Lori Anne Cain and her husband, Derrick of Eure, NC, Lynley Liles of Littleton, and Michael Butts and his wife, Sarah of Littleton; 6 great grandchildren, Natalie France, Holly France, Ben France, Lance Sewell, Reese Cain, Camden Butts; and a great-great grandchild, Leighton Fahey.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 10, 2017, at Tabor United Methodist Church in Littleton at 2:00 PM officiated by Rev. Stan Lewis.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  

The family will receive friends at the church on Friday, November 10, 2017 from 1:00 PM until the time of service.

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

She was born to Willis Henry Swinson and Lily Kornegay on June 16, 1929, in Duplin County, NC.

Joyce lived in Newnan, Georgia for many years and was a member of First Baptist Church of Newnan. She was a charter Member of the Kiwanis Club of Coweta County.

She was an active member of the LakeHills Bridge Club and the Jeanette Barron Sunday School Class;  a past President of the LakeHills Garden Club and a Member of the Eastern Airline Pilot Wives Club.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her six siblings.

She is survived by her husband, Marvin Bernard Johnson Jr.; son, Marvin B. Johnson III; daughters, Cynthia Joy Johnson and Candace Gay Johnson; and grandchildren, Jacob Hamilton Moore, Swinson Matthews Moore, Caitlin Christine Johnson, and Catherine Lillian Johnson.

A graveside service will be held 2:00 PM November 11, 2017 at Roberts Chapel Cemetery 2617 Britton Rd, Pendleton, NC 27862.

A memorial service will be held in Newnan, Georgia, at a date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Baptist Children’s Home of North Carolina in Thomasville, NC. You can donate at www.bchfamily.org or by mail to Baptist Children's Homes of NC, P.O. Box 338 Thomasville, NC 27361-0338

Condolences and shared memories may be sent to the family by selecting "Guestbook" above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Wilmington and Askew Funeral and Cremation  Services, Jackson Chapel are handling the arrangements

Chief Chuck Hasty said a female victim sustained minor injuries after she was allegedly assaulted Tuesday.

In a statement Hasty said Officer J. DeSare arrested and charged James Matthew Cain, 40, of Roanoke Rapids, on outstanding warrants for kidnapping, assault on a female and communicating threats.

Cain was jailed without opportunity for bond and has a January 3 court date.

The charges stem from DeSare’s investigation into a Tuesday report by the victim in which she claimed Cain allegedly assaulted her, made threats and would not allow her to leave the residence.

Lieutenant J. Baggett and Sergeant D. Jenkins assisted with the Wednesday arrest.

Public’s help needed

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Lieutenant Charles Vaught reported police are seeking the public’s help in identifying two people who allegedly stole several gaming consoles from Walmart on November 4 shortly before midnight.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police department at 252-533-2810, Detective Gorton Williams at 252-533-2821, or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

City County Drug Force Captain A.M. Harris said in a statement Agent D.J. Epperson attempted to stop a vehicle traveling west on Highway 158 for driving left of center around 5:45 p.m.

The driver of the vehicle was later determined to be Kevin Lee Andre Davis, 30, of Airbase Road.

Davis reportedly did not stop for the agent and sped up. He began passing other vehicles and took Epperson and Harris on a chase from the area of Little Deep Creek Road to the 3000 block of Roper Springs Road.

During the chase Davis stuck his hands out of the window several times in what Harris said he believed was an attempt to get rid of items in the vehicle. Agents could find no items following a search after the stop. Deputies from B Squad of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and additional agents of the task force assisted in that search.

Once the chase ended, Davis was ordered out of the vehicle but was eventually escorted out.

Harris said in the statement agents have dealt with Davis in the past in traffic stops and search warrants.

In 2015 he was charged with heroin trafficking following a stop and last year was charged with more heroin counts.

Epperson arrested and charged Davis with flee to elude arrest with motor vehicle, resisting a public officer and fail to heed light or siren.  

He received a $10,000 bond and December 20 court date.

The Arizona cardinals play host to the Seattle Seahawks tonight Thursday November 9th on NBC Thursday Night Football at 7:30 PM.

Kareem Martin #96 in his fourth year with the Arizona Cardinals with 9 tackles to date this season is a Roanoke Rapids High School Yellow Jackets Alumnus as well as a UNC Tar Heel Alumnus. 

Nazair Jones #92 in his Rookie season with the Seattle Seahawks with 6 solo tackles, 7 assisted tackles, one sack and one interception is also a Roanoke Rapids High School Yellow Jackets Alumnus and a UNC Tar Heel Alumnus.

Agent D.R. Radford of the City County Drug Task Force confirmed Vicky Jo Green, 41, successfully obtained Oxycodone through fraudulent means and allegedly made another unsuccessful attempt.

The task force began an investigation in February after it received information from Roanoke Rapids police and Halifax County Sheriff’s Office investigators about a woman making fraudulent prescriptions and obtaining them illegally, Radford said in a statement.

Radford’s investigation identified Green as the alleged suspect.

Radford said this afternoon it was not clear how Green obtained prescription forms — whether they were purchased online, someone printed them for her or other means.

Radford has obtained warrants for her arrest in the sheriff’s office case for obtaining a controlled substance by fraud or forgery and the police department’s case for attempt to obtain a controlled substance by fraud or forgery.

Special Agent Paul Munson of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Diversion & Environmental Crimes Unit assisted in the investigation.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is encouraged to call Halifax County Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 or log on to www.halifaxsheriff.com to submit a tip.

Simms is a defendant in the murders of four elderly people in the Glenview community in August and is also a defendant in a gang-related murder in Enfield in 2015.

The decision to return Simms to prison was based on an administrative review of cases in which he was convicted in July of last year, state court records show.

A 2015 charge of possession of firearm by felon was consolidated with a 2014 charge of possession of marijuana, according to state Department of Public safety records.

He originally received a suspended sentence with a supervision term of 18 months. That sentence was handed down July of last year by Special Superior Court Judge Beecher Gray.

Terms of that probation, according to the violation report contained in court files, included Simms not absconding either through willfully avoiding supervision or making his whereabouts unknown to his supervising probation officer.

The document notes, however, “On or about (May 23 of this year) after numerous attempts to contact the defendant, including at the last known address … the said defendant has refused to make himself available for supervision as instructed by the probation officer, thereby absconding probation.”

Simms failed to report to his supervising officer on March 31 and April 27.

He paid $100 toward his supervision fees and at the time of the administrative review was $290 in arrears.

The review also notes he failed to comply with attending substance abuse classes and terminated from the program “due to many missed classes.”

The revocation of his probation was carried out last Wednesday, a day before Kenneth Westcott took a plea in the 2015 murder of Jarshamel Cambridge in Enfield, a crime in which Simms was also charged.

The revocation of his probation also came a day after Cambridge murder defendants Jequan Kimble and Dequan Marrow took pleas in the Cambridge case.

Westcott, Kimble, Marrow and Jamonte Green all pled to solicitation to commit gang activity in the case. Dexter Taylor, the man whose bullet killed Cambridge, is serving a six-year sentence for manslaughter in the case and Tony Hill received probation for shooting into an occupied vehicle to incite fear.

The remaining defendants, Simms and Taphill Yancy, are expected to appear in court next month in the Cambridge case.

The district attorney’s office has said they will most likely not receive the same plea offers as the four others did because of their failure to cooperate with the state.

Halifax County Superior Court Judge Alma Hinton ordered the revocation and Simms was transferred from the Halifax County Detention Center to Craven Correctional Institution.

Total incarceration term is two years and two months, according to Department of Public Safety records.

Simms is scheduled to appear in Halifax County District Court Wednesday for further administrative matters in the Glenview murders.