Clayton Campbell was captured in Rocky Mount by the Department of Public Safety Prisons Emergency Response Team and local law enforcement at 12:08 shortly after midnight  without trouble.

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.

Captain Bobby Martin of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department said Investigator Jeff Davis today filed warrants against Elrod for two counts of breaking, entering and larceny which stem from two break-ins of the same business in September.

Elrod is currently in jail on $130,000 bond awaiting a March 7 court date in the armed robbery of New Dixie Mart on Roanoke Avenue near KapStone. The robbery occurred February 8.

Investigation of the robbery led to a search warrant the following day after investigators smelled the strong odor of marijuana coming from the residence, Martin said.

The execution of that warrant led police to file charges against Elrod for the following drug counts:

Possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine

Possession of schedule II

Possession of marijuana

Maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance

Two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia

The search warrant was executed at his residence in the 100 block of Hamilton Street, Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement.

In addition to the drug charges, he was served an outstanding warrant for resist, delay and obstruct for a matter which occurred in October.

Elrod was one of two people wanted in the New Dixie armed robbery and was apprehended Thursday afternoon at Food Lion on Roanoke Avenue.

For the robbery he was charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy, three counts of assault by pointing a gun, illegal discharge of a firearm and injury to property.

The first person arrested was 16-year-old Amani Laveral Lashley of Gaston. He was arrested last week with assistance of the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

Lashley faces charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy, three counts of assault by pointing a gun and illegal discharge of a firearm.

He was also served Northampton County warrants for breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering and possession of stolen goods. He has a March 7 court date.

On Thursday shortly after 1 p.m., agents executed a search warrant in the 1100 block of Highway 903. The investigation was conducted by Agent D.W. McKeel.

During the search agents seized approximately 2.65 grams of crack cocaine, 37 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, marijuana grinder, Mason jar, and a razor blade with white residue which tested positive for the presence of cocaine.

Mckeel obtained warrants on Harry Briscoe Moore Jr., 47, for felony possession of cocaine, possession with intent to sell/deliver marijuana, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana more than one-half ounce.

Harris said Moore frequents Garysburg and South Rosemary.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to contact Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 or log on to www.halifaxsheriff.com to submit a tip.

On Thursday at approximately 9:24 a.m., agents, officers of the Scotland Neck Police Department and the patrol and investigative divisions of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant in the 700 block of Greenwood Street.

The investigation was conducted by McKeel due to complaints of heroin sales at the residence.

Scotland Neck police located Demarcus Bridges, 35, in the area of Ball Park Road.  

Bridges was found in possession of a handgun. No items were seized from the residence.

McKeel arrested and charged Bridges with felon in possession of firearm. He received  a February 21 court date.

At approximately 3:15 p.m., agents and Scotland Neck officers executed a search warrant in the 300 block of West Tenth Street due to drug complaints.  

No items were seized from the residence. Agents will continue to follow up.

“It is and has a been a true honor and privilege to serve the people of Bertie, Hertford and Northampton counties as their elected District Attorney for the past 18 years and to serve the people of Halifax County as their elected district attorney for the past three years,” Asbell stated. “When the General Assembly merged the two districts in 2015, it doubled the size of my district and they eliminated positions within my office as well. It was a demanding task, doubling the caseload of my office with less manpower, but I accepted and embraced the challenge and assembled an amazing staff of dedicated, fearless professionals. My assistant district attorneys have over 82 years of prosecuting experience combined.

“Along with the great relationships with all of the people of Bertie, Hertford and Northampton counties, I have come to make wonderful relationships and lifelong friends with my colleagues, law enforcement, and the community in Halifax County. With over 24 years of experience in the courtroom as a prosecutor, I am the only candidate with the experience, background, and proven results in a multi-county district to continue to serve all four counties.”

Asbell has tried all types of cases in District and Superior Court, including first-degree murder cases (both capital and non-capital). Asbell has sought and has given substantial active sentences for murderers, habitual felons, drug dealers, child molesters, sex offenders and other felony offenders, and has tried more than 250 cases in Superior Court.

“I take crime personally in this community and with the outbreak of violence in these four counties and our communities, my staff and I have worked countless hours preparing and trying murder cases, attempted murder cases, armed robberies, sex offenders and other violent crime including gang related crimes,” Asbell noted. “There have been many violent offenders who have gone through local law enforcement and our court system in the past 24 years, but particularly the past three years, who have received decades in prison.

“I work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s office in cases against violent offenders who originated in our local courts who have been tried and sentenced in federal court for substantial punishments. My office works closely with the local law enforcement departments, and state and federal authorities.”

Asbell stressed that no two counties are the same and no two cities are the same.

“But the values of right and wrong are the same no matter where you go. You have to be a part of the community to serve a community,” Asbell said. “I have worked continuously to strike a good balance by enforcing the laws and holding criminals accountable while also trying to work with first-time non-violent offenders to help them get on a straight-and-narrow path so they can be productive citizens of society. To that end, I offer Deferred Prosecution programs to certain first time felony and misdemeanor offenders so that these people can have clean records if they successfully complete these programs.”

Asbell has taken a proactive approach to preventing crime and preventing young people from coming into the court system. She is active in initiatives and outreach efforts and in the schools, civic organizations, and the faith-based community to help reach at-risk youth.

She is a speaker in the school systems and in the community, addressing many topics including drug and gang awareness, cyber bullying, elder abuse, financial crimes and other violent crimes.

Asbell has served the public in many capacities locally and statewide: Board Member of the Roanoke Chowan Domestic Violence Task Force; Member of the North Carolina Domestic Violence Commission (2006-2011); Board Member for Hannah’s Place; Past President of the 6B Judicial Bar; Adjunct Professor for the National Advocacy Center; Instructor for the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys and the North Carolina Institute of Government.

Asbell graduated in 1989 from Emory University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion and Psychology and graduated from Tulane Law School in 1992. She is married to Jimmy Asbell who is the Major with the Ahoskie Police Department and she is the proud mother of two children, Cole and Ethan.

The family attends and are members of Center Grove Baptist Church in Ahoskie.

“I promise to continue to be honest, open, and accessible to all of the citizens of these four counties,” Asbell said. “I will listen and work to make sure the needs of our communities are being met and our citizens and property are protected. It is an incredible privilege to be the Elected District Attorney in District 6. I am asking for your support and your prayers during this campaign season.”

“I have fought for crime victims since the start of my legal career, while maintaining a commitment to the Constitution of the United States, as your district attorney, I will continue to prosecute cases with fairness and integrity” said Graves.

As district attorney, Graves said he will work “to build a safer community.”

He emphasized that prosecuting violent crimes and combating the opioid crisis would be his top priorities.

He has named former District Attorney Bob Caudle as an advisor to his campaign.

“I have prosecuted crimes ranging from murder to drug trafficking, and I believe I have the vision and leadership experience it takes to move our community forward,” said Graves.

Graves resides in Roanoke Rapids.

He currently is a Superior Court prosecutor in the Seventh Prosecutorial District and has taken a leave of absence to devote time to the campaign.

He previously served as a criminal justice instructor at Halifax Community College.

He earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and his law degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law.

He represents Halifax County on the Board of Governors of the Upper Coastal Plains Council of Government.

He is a member of First Baptist Church of Weldon, vice-President elect of the Roanoke Rapids Rotary Club and served as President of the Halifax County Bar Association. He is also a graduate of the North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership Fellows Program.

He can followed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/norlangraves

Bio

Background and Experience

8 years in criminal prosecution

4 years in criminal justice teaching

Professional and Community Activities

Board of Governors, Upper Coastal Plains Council of Government - 2015 to Present

Criminal Justice Professor, Halifax Community College - 2013 to 2017

Board of Governors, North Carolina Criminal Justice Information Network - 2011 to 2015

6th Judicial  District Merger Committee - 2014 to 2015

North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys Best Practices Committee - 2013 to Present

President, Halifax County Bar Association - 2013 to 2014

Criminal Justice Legislative Chair, North Carolina Bar Association - 2009 to 2011

Roanoke Rapids Rotary Club

Roanoke Valley Southern Christian Leadership Conference

Halifax County NAACP

Jackson Square Masonic Lodge #700

Roanoke-Chowan Scottish Rite Consistory #276

Education

University of North Carolina at Pembroke - Bachelor of Arts, 2005

North Carolina Central University School of Law - Juris Doctorate,  2009

Beautification Committee

Monday, February 19, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. in the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall.

Roanoke Rapids City Council (Regular Meeting)

Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at 5:15 p.m. in the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall.

Notice of Public Hearing

Notice is hereby given that the Roanoke Rapids City Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at 5:15 p.m. at the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall located at 700 Jackson Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC to hear the following item:

1. A Zoning Map Amendment (rezoning) request from Anthony R. Dickens (applicant and property owner) to rezone a 6.5-acre undeveloped parcel with approximately 280± feet of frontage along NC Hwy 125 from R-40, Residential, to B-4, Commercial District. The property is identified as Halifax County parcel 1200770 in the City’s Planning & Zoning Jurisdiction. The property is located adjacent to the north of The Mystique Multi Venue Complex at 1652 NC Hwy 125 and across from Nature’s Trail Drive. The requested B-4 district allows the widest range of commercial uses.  

Any resident or property owner in the city’s zoning jurisdiction may submit written statements concerning this matter. Please include your name and address on all written statements and submit to City Clerk Traci Storey at least two business days prior to the City Council meeting (deadline of 12 p.m. Thursday, February 15, 2018). After this deadline, citizens are encouraged to attend the public hearing to present comments.

Related information is available for public inspection in the Planning and Development office at the J. Reuben Daniel City Hall, 1040 Roanoke Avenue. Any persons, firms, organizations or corporations interested in this matter are urged to attend the meeting.

The City of Roanoke Rapids will provide reasonable accommodations and services for any qualified disabled person interested in attending the meeting.  To request the above you may call the Planning and Development Office at (252) 533-2844 no later than three (3) days prior to the date of the meeting.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:   

The City of Roanoke Rapids is now accepting applications for the following positions:

(Part Time) Aqua Zumba Instructor

An employee in this class plans, coordinates and provides instruction for Aqua Zumba fitness program activities.  Qualifications:  - Zumba and/or Aqua Zumba Certifications (Preferred, but not required) – High School Diploma or GED – Must have excellent people service skills – Ability to provide service with integrity – Must have good verbal and written communication skills.

ALL POSITIONS ARE OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The City of Roanoke Rapids is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Applications may be obtained at www.roanokerapidsnc.com or may be picked up at City Hall – 1040 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC

Kathy A. Kearney – HR Manager – City of Roanoke Rapids

Phone: (252) 533-2845 – Fax (252) 537-2097

BRIEFS

COMMITTEE VACANCIES: Contact Traci Storey, City Clerk, at (252) 533-2840 for committee information.

►Historic Preservation Advisory Committee         

►Planning Board/Board of Adjustment (ETJ)

►Canal Museum Advisory Committee

ROANOKE RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL

Mayor Emery G. Doughtie    Mayor Pro Tem Carl Ferebee            

Council Members:  Ernest C. Bobbitt, Suetta S. Scarbrough, Carol H. Cowen, Wayne Smith

Joseph Scherer, City Manager   Gilbert Chichester, City Attorney

Traci V. Storey, City Clerk   Kathy Kearney, Deputy City Clerk

Milton F. “Toby” Fitch of Wilson filed today to run against O.D. Sykes of Weldon for the seat.

There were no other filings today, according to the latest information provided by the Halifax County Board of Elections Office.

The filing period for the May 8 primary ends at noon on February 28.

On Thursday Claude Cooper, current chair of the Halifax County Board of Education, filed to seek re-election.

Incumbent county school board members Susie Evans-Lynch and Joyce Lashley have yet to file.

Lawrence then had a big upset when he pinned the #1 seed from the Mid-East Harry Lochlear of St. Pauls.

Lawrence advances to the third round consolation Saturday morning wrestling the #1 seed from the West Region Terran Brown of Pisgah.

The #1 seed Weldon JV boys beat #2 seed Northwest Halifax 77-52.

The #1 seed Northampton County girls beat #2 seed Weldon 48-39.

The #1 seed Rocky Mount Prep boys beat #2 seed Southeast Halifax 66-57

Graveside Services will be held on Monday February, 19, 2018 at 4:00 P.M. at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Rich Square with Pastor Mike Blowe officiating. 

Askew Funeral Services Jackson Chapel in Jackson, NC, is helping the family with arrangements. 

Memorial contributions can be made to Rich Square Volunteer Fire Department, Rich Square, NC 27869

First Round of the 2017-18 NCHSAA Women's Basketball State Championship.  

2A

#24 seed Roanoke Rapids (14-8) will travel back to #9 seed South Granville (19-8)

1A

#3 seed Northampton County (19-3) has a Bye

#10 seed Weldon (18-2) will host #23 seed Princeton (12-11)

#21 seed Rocky Mount Prep (7-10) will travel to #12 seed Vance Charter School (15-5)

Registration forms may be obtained from the Roanoke Rapids Recreation Department. The cost of registration is $25 for the 2018 season.

An evaluation is required for all athletes moving into a new age group and any new athlete moving into the area. The evaluation date is March 10th at Ledgerwood Baseball Complex on Allen field.

Minor League tine is 10:00 AM

Major League time is 12:00 PM

Senior League time is 1:00 PM at Doyle Field

Anyone interested in the coaching/sponsoring a team or becoming a league sponsor can contact League President Todd Lockamon at 252-203-3478.

Saturday morning Lawrence wrestled the number one seed from the West Region and was pinned in :53 by Terran Brown of Pisgah. This allowed for Antonio to claim top eight honors at 285 lbs.

Jackets head coach DA White stated, "I'm very proud of the way he wrestled. This only his second year wrestling as a Sophomore. Not many second year wrestler qualify for States.  You have to remember that he beat a number one seed and a number three seed yesterday. As a team, we are losing two starters to graduation.  All I can say is look out next year."

The Barton freshman singled, scored a run and had one RBI in Barton's 6-4 win over Mercy in Wilson Saturday.

Warren earned the save pitching two innings and facing seven batters. Warren allowed one hit, one run and walked three batters. 

Must have own glove and be dressed ready to give it your all cold, warm, muddy etc. Be dressed and ready to hit the dirt daily.

All Physicals must be turned into to Chaloner prior to hitting the field.

Must have your own transportation to and from the field, planning to end daily at 5ish.

1st cuts on Wednesday the 28th, final cuts Friday the 2nd. Those involved in basketball make sure coach Ott is aware so She can take that into consideration, and be ready to hit the field in full force to show what you have prior to final cuts.

Chief Ed Porter Jr. of Gaston Fire and Rescue said in a statement the call was received shortly before 1:15 p.m.

{gallery}218weldon{/gallery}

Gaston sent two swiftwater teams to the boat landing at River Falls Park. Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad arrived for backup, said Weldon Fire Department Chief Rusty Bolt, who was also at the scene.

The swiftwater team found two men holding onto the overturned boat, Porter said in the statement.

Bolt said the dog was on top of the boat.

They were found about a mile down river from the landing, Porter said.

The victims and the dog were pulled aboard the Gaston boat. The men refused medical treatment and left the scene.

Weldon recovered the boat, which Bolt said had Virginia registration.

Porter said bystanders reported the men attempted to shoot a gap at the river when the boat overturned.

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Officer Patrick Brown said the boat capsized as the operators were trying to navigate the river between rocks and the water was too shallow, causing the boat to overturn. Brown said the swift currents also factored in the boat capsizing.

No violations were detected.

First responders cleared the scene shortly after 2 p.m.

In all, James Donald Lewter, 49, faces six counts of indecent liberties with a child and one count of false imprisonment.

Five of the indecent liberties counts are from an investigation by Investigator Gorton Williams of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department as is the false imprisonment charge, Captain Bobby Martin said this evening.

Martin said the city’s counts reflect three victims ages 12, 13 and 7 and crimes which allegedly occurred in 2017. The county charge also reportedly occurred last year, Chief Deputy Scott Hall of the sheriff’s office said.

Martin said Williams continues to investigate and further charges from the city police are possible. “We’re still investigating and we ask anyone who has contact with Mr. Lewter that they feel is inappropriate to contact Investigator Williams.”

Martin said the police department received its information on Lewter within the last month.

In a statement, Hall said a report was filed Friday with the sheriff’s office regarding indecent liberties with a child.

Hall said the victim in the county’s case, which was investigated by Detective R.B. Biggerstaff, was a child under the age of 16. Both Hall and Martin declined to release the gender of the victims.

The investigation by Biggerstaff and Williams led to the county charge of indecent liberties with a child against Lewter.

Lewter, who had been detained in Florida two weeks ago because of the Roanoke Rapids charges, was extradited back to Halifax County.

He initially received a $75,000 bond for the city’s charges and he received a $100,000 bond for the county charges. He has a February 21 court date on the county charge and a March 7 court date on the city charges.

Martin said Lewter was reportedly familiar with the victims in the case.

Martin commended the work of Biggerstaff and Williams. “I commend them for utilizing the info they had. When agencies work together to solve crimes like that it’s instrumental and it just goes to show that we’re working together for the citizens of Halifax County.”

Hall said, “We’re working together in an effort that hopefully allows the victims to see some resolution.”

Anyone with further information is encouraged to call Williams at 252-533-2821 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Roger Warren Allison of Durham, a Republican challenger, filed earlier.

In the only other filing today, Norlan Graves filed to run against incumbent Valerie Asbell for District 7 district attorney office.Filing for the May 8 primary ends at noon on February 28.