Chaloner beat Weldon 41-30 and are undefeated regular season and tournament girls RMSAC champions.

Chaloner Stats:

Logan Abram scored 22 points

Jaliyah Hardy scored 9 points

Susannah Odom scored 7 points

Rachel Hayes scored 4 points

Harley Nowell scored 1 point

Both Logan Abram and Harley Nowell were named Tournament MVP.

Chalnoer head coach Susan McDonald stated, "Great Defense from Sue Davis, Lauren Garner,  Kamdyn Jean, and Cameron Neal."

Chaloner Lady Jackets beat Halifax College Prep 43-26 Wednesday to advance to the championship.

Wednesday Chaloner Stats:

Logan Abram scored 18 points

Susannah Odom scored 11 points

Kamdyn Jean scored 7 points

Harley Nowell scored 2 points

Jaliyah Hardy scored 2 points

Jenna Gross 2 points

Alexis Wolfe 1 point

Chalnoer head coach Susan McDonald stated, "Great defense from Lauren Garner, Harley Nowell, Susannah Odom and Kamdyn Jean. Great team win!"

Chaloner Middle boys lost Wednesday lost to William R. Davie 50-47.

Claloner Middle Stats:

Lazarus Bell scored 26 points

Wayne Wilkins scored 10 points

Jamari Edwards scored 4 points

Jon Lewis Temple scored 3 points

Austin Geary scored 2 points

Shaheed Moore scored 2 points

William R. Davie played Gaston College Prep in the boys Championship Thursday.

No other RMSAC tournament game information was reported to RRspin Sport.

The winds have caused numerous power outages throughout the Roanoke Valley.

At its peak there were about 1,000 residents in Halifax County without power, said Buddy Wrenn, county emergency manager coordinator.

While there has been a steady decrease in the power outages, trees are actively falling, he said. “To my knowledge there has been no structural damage to single family dwellings. I definitely suggest people be aware of limbs and shallow-rooted trees. There may be sporadic power outages throughout the day. It’s definitely trending in the right direction. We’re still getting calls about trees actively falling.”

Roanoke Rapids Public Works Director Larry Chalker said, “So far we’ve been lucky in the city. We’ve only had a few limbs down. There were some down last night causing scattered power outages and Dominion was right on top of that.”

Chalker said thus far the department has not discovered any structural damage in the city. “We do expect trees or limbs to fall before 10 p.m.”

He said Dominion is mobilizing at the theater, bringing in bucket trucks and crews.

As of this report, Dominion’s outage map shows approximately 77 customers without power in Halifax County and about 446 without power in Northampton County.

In its latest social media post, Halifax Electric reported, “Our service area is experiencing sustained winds of 25 miles per hour today with occasional gusts of up to 44 miles per hour. These winds are blowing tree limbs onto our power lines which has caused outages. At this time we have approximately 100 members without power. Crews are diligently working to restore power.”

A Dominion employee surveys a line this morning.

Dominion said in a statement this morning, “Our patrol teams are out in force to locate and assess damage as quickly and safely as possible. They will ensure we get the right resources to the right locations. Early damage assessments have been consistent with typical wind storms: downed wires and broken crossarms, as well as some fallen trees and broken utility poles.”

Dominion has brought in additional restoration workers and “will continue to work around the clock as quickly and safely as possible until power is restored to all customers. Very high wind and extreme weather conditions remain possible, which may temporarily delay restoration.”

The company says to beware of any lines that may have fallen or come into contact with trees, debris, or water as they could be energized. “Stay at least 30 feet away and make sure your family, pets, and neighbors also avoid the downed wire.”

Call Dominion Energy right away at 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357) to speak with an agent to report downed wires.

A native of Halifax County, he was the son of Nancy Gantt Porch and Edward Donald Porch.

“Matt” was preceded in death by his Mother, Nancy Gantt Porch and his sister, Valarie Porch.

“Matt” served his country in the United States Army.

He loved riding his Harley and loved working with the Roanoke Rapids High School Band.

“Matt” is survived by his wife Dawn McElheney Porch; his five daughters, Elizabeth P. Gardner and her husband, Josh of Clayton, NC, Samantha Porch of Roanoke Rapids, NC, Catherine P. Alston and her husband, Tommy of Littleton, NC, Victoria Porch of Clayton, NC, and Christine Porch of Roanoke Rapids, NC; his father, Ed Porch of Roanoke Rapids, NC; his two grandchildren, Belle Gardner and Luke Alston; his niece, Marcia Edmondson and his nephew, Kris Edmondson; his Father-in-Law, Charles McElheney and his wife Margo of Roanoke Rapids, NC; his sister-in-law, Shawn Perkins and her husband, Mark of Roanoke Rapids, NC; his brother-in-law Preston McElheney and his wife Lindsey of Roanoke Rapids, NC, and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, March 5, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in Roanoke Rapids, NC with Father Pius Wekesa, Rev Michael Butler and Rev. Mark J. Betti officiating.

Interment will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids, NC with military honors.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 4, 2018 from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Askew Funeral & Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

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

CALENDAR OF MEETINGS

(All City meetings are open to the public):

Roanoke Rapids City Council (Regular Meeting)

Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 5:15 p.m. in the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall.

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

HYDRANT TESTING: The Roanoke Rapids Fire Department will begin testing hydrants Monday, March 12, 2018. Please check your tap water for discoloration before drinking, bathing or washing clothes. If your water is discolored, turn the cold water tap on until the water runs clear. We hope to finish hydrant testing by May 31, 2018. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions, please contact the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department at (252) 533-2880.

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

A native of Northampton County, PA, she was born to the late George Peter Muller Jr. and Elizabeth Jane Shull Muller.

She was a longtime member of Rosemary Methodist Church, was a master gardener, was very active for many years with relay for life, was a volunteer at the Halifax Regional Medical Center free clinic and was also a part of the Halifax Regional Medical Center Auxiliary.

Joanne is survived by her husband George T. Jackson, Jr.; her daughter Beth Jackson Cooke and her husband, James of Cary, NC; her son Bruce Jackson and his wife Cynthia of Roanoke Rapids, NC; her brother, George Peter Muller, III and his wife Barbara of Annapolis, Maryland; her three grandchildren, Lauren Jackson Winstead and her husband, James of Wendell, NC, Jennifer N. Fitzpatrick and her husband, Ford, of Cary, NC, Jennifer C. Dooly and her husband, Andrew of Apex, NC; her four great-grandchildren, Natalie Dooley, Evelyn Fitzpatrick, Stevie Fitzpatrick and Jackson Winstead.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at the Askew Funeral Service Jackson Street Chapel on 839 Jackson Street in Roanoke Rapids, NC with Rev. Steve McElroy officiating.

Interment will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 from 6:30 until 8:30 P.M. at the Askew Funeral & Cremation Services on 731 Roanoke Ave. Roanoke Rapids, NC.

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

Williams' 17 rebounds tonight continues to push higher a new single-season record for the ODAC; Williams shattered the single-season record of in the ODAC Championship against Emory & Henry last weekend. Williams currently sits at 512. The previous record was 489, set by Stacey Carr of then-Virginia Wesleyan College in 1989-90, 

In addition to Williams, three other players were in double-figures for the Yellow Jackets, including junior Jayla Wade (Newport News, Va. / Heritage), who scored three three-pointers in that critical second quarter. Wade's rash of threes came as part of a 23-2 run by the Yellow Jackets in the second that helped push them ahead at the half, where R-MC stayed safely in front of the Patriots for the last two quarters of play. Junior Kelsey Wisner (York, Pa. / Central York) threw in 11 points and dished out four assists while sophomore Charlotte Woods (Richmond, Va. / Trinity) scored 13 points and pulled in seven rebounds. Off the bench, freshman Becca Arrington (Amelia, Va. / Amelia Academy) scored seven points and junior Leara Shumate (Fishersville, Va./Wilson Memorial) added two points and three rebounds.

Valley Forge sophomore and Westmoreland, Va. native Jhanel Brown tallied a triple-double with 12 points, 18 rebounds and 14 blocks in a physical game on the boards. She was 6-6 from the free throw lines as well, helping Valley Forge shoot 88% from the charity stripe.

Williams and Brown went after many of the same rebounds, with Williams coming away with more offensive rebounds, tallying eight. Her offensive boards, along with 18 other offensive grabs by R-MC players helped lead to 22 second-chance points, one of the largest difference makers in the game. 

Brown held the defensive rebound battle 16-9. Overall, the Patriots got more defensive boards than R-MC 34-29.

But R-MC still dominated the boards overall, 55-40. With the team's total rebounds in the game, Randolph-Macon also set a team record for most rebounds in a single season in the ODAC -- 1418 thus far this season -- overtaking Roanoke in 1993-94, a team that made 1,389 rebounds in a single-season.

R-MC held the advantage in shooting beyond the arc, 35% to 23%

#1 Randolph-Macon will now face #2 Christopher Newport tomorrow night at 7:00 PM. CNU is ranked No. 18 in the country and fifth in the Mid-Atlantic region. R-MC is ranked second in the South Region. Tickets will go on sale at 6:00 PM and will cost $10 per person or $5 per student/seniors over 60. 

Between 250-300 participated in the event which the student planned himself.

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Between January of 2016 and March 1 of this year there have been 170 child-related crimes reported in Roanoke Rapids, police Chief Chuck Hasty told the audience.

Weldon Stats:

Washington,Taniyan scored 3 points

Jones,Jalaya scored 5 points

Travis,Skylah scored 13 points

Harrison,Kayrisma scored 8 points  

Mungin,Ashaunti scored 12 points   

Ashe,Tacara scored 8 points

Faulcon, Reagan scored 2 points

Halifax Academy sported pink shirts supporting Sandra Stephenson #TeamSandra, while Roanoke Rapids sported pink shirt supporting Marcia Hudson #TeamMarcia, both ladies fighting breast cancer.

Halifax Academy Lady Vikings took to the field first in game one against the Southampton Academy Raiders.

Halifax lost 10-3 in it's season opener to Southampton to fall to the consolation game.

At the plate for Halifax, Candice Smith had a double and a single, Emerson Poole had two singles and two RBI's, Sydney Smith had a single with a RBI, Ashton Garner had a single as did Ella Howell.

Sydney Smith pitched the first three innings, with Candice Smith finishing the next two innings on the mound.

Roanoke Rapids Lady Yellow Jackets took the field in game two against the Cape Fear Christian Academy Hurricanes.

Roanoke Rapids lost a close game 7-6 to the Hurricanes and dropping to the consolation game against Halifax Academy.

At the Plate for Roanoke Rapids, Lizzie Colston 0-2. Taylor Wade 1-2, RBI single, Makayla Pair 1-3, single, fielders choice, Lily Curtis 1-2, single, 2BB, Abby Carpenter 2-4, RBI double, single, Kaitlyn Rogerson 1-3, single, BB, Megan Colston 1-1, RBI single, BB, Kalyn Long HBP, Jasmine Williams 0-2, Mackenzie Richardson 0-1, Cassidy Dickens 0-1, 2BB, Hannah Taylor 1-2, single, fielders choice.

Cassidy Dickens pitched two innings allowing 5 hits, 3 runs while Lily Curtis pitched three innings allowing 3 hits, 2 runs, 3Ks, 2BB, 1 hit batter.

In game three of the day was the tournament consolation between #TeamSandra Halifax Academy against #TeamMarcia Roanoke Rapids High.

Halifax Academy earned their first win of the season beating the Yellow Jackets 9-2.

At the plate for Halifax, Candice Smith had three doubles with three RBI's, Emerson Poole had three singles with one RBI, Ashlynn Liles had a double, a single and one RBI, Morgan Hudomint had two singles with one RBI, Ashlynn Cooke had two singles with one RBI, Ella Howell had two singles with one RBI and Sydney Smith had a single with one RBI.

Candice Smith pitched all seven innings for the Vikings with five strikeouts.

At the plate for Roanoke Rapids, Lily Curtis 0-4, K, Taylor Wade 1-3,single, K, Makayla Pair 1-3, Double, Abby Carpenter 2-3, single, RBI double, Hannah Taylor 1-3, RBI single, Megan Colston 0-1, Kalyn Long 1-2, single, Paige Turner 0-1, Jasmine Williams 1-2, single, Cassidy 0-2, Mackenzie Richardson 1-2, single, Kaitlyn Rogerson, 1-2, single, Lizzie Colston 0-1.

Lily Curtis pitched six innings with 5Ks, 5BB, 12 hits, 7 runs.

Southampton Academy won the Championship game against Cape Fear Christian Academy 9-6.

Photos by Randy Wrenn of Halifax Academy and Roanoke Rapids teams

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A native of Halifax County, he was the son of the late Vestly Bryam and Kathleen Green Powell.

He was also preceded in death by his twin brother George Arnold Powell.         

Ronald was retired from International Paper after 38 years of service. He served his Country in the United States Army.

Ronald is survived by his wife of 52 years, Connie Wallace Powell, his daughter, Margaret P. Bunch and her husband, Marty of Roanoke Rapids, his two sons, Delbert Powell and his wife, Seretha of Roanoke Rapids and Michael Powell and his wife, Jamie, of Roanoke Rapids; his grandchildren Madison Bunch, Matthew Bunch and Colby Powell; his great niece, Katelynn Lassiter of Roanoke Rapids and his aunt Velma Marie “Sister” Nowell of Weldon.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday March 6, 2018 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation Services 731 Roanoke Ave Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Jimmy King officiating.

Interment will follow in Crestview Memorial Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids with Military Honors.

The Family will receive friends Monday from 7-8:30 at The Funeral Home.

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

A native of Halifax County, he was born December 29, 1924 to Luther Doc Aycock and Pearl Hawkins Aycock.

Mr. Aycock, a retired deputy, served with the Halifax County Sheriff's Office for 33 years.

He also owned a logging company.  

He was an avid fox, coon and deer hunter.   

Mr. Aycock was a member of Tabor United Methodist Church.

He is survived by a son, LP "Pete" Aycock of Littleton; daughters, Janet Willis, Hazel Clements (Tracy), both of Littleton; brother, Shelby Aycock, of Littleton; sister, Lou Jane Early of Portsmouth, VA; grandchildren, Mackenzie Newsome, Travis Newsome, Amanda Willis, Adam Willis and wife Amanda D.; Tara Simmons; great-grandchildren, Nathan Medlin, Addison Willis, Ayden Willis, Alston Willis, Brylee Newsome.

Mr. Aycock was predeceased by his parents; wife, Margaret Walker Aycock; and several brothers and sisters.

The family will receive friends from 6 - 8 pm Wednesday at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service.  

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service, with interment to follow in the Hawkins Chapel Church Cemetery.

The Halifax County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard will serve as pallbearers.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the  Alzheimer's Association Eastern North Carolina Chapter, 3739 National Drive, Suite 110, Raleigh, NC 27612  

Online condolences may be sent to hockadayfs.com

 Warren Aaron Smith Jr., 27, of Roanoke Rapids, was released upon his written promise to appear in district court on March 20 for the charges.

The charges, according to the SBI arrest warrant, come after a June 12, 2017, matter in which Smith reportedly threatened physical injury to the victim and then reportedly assaulted him.

Specifically, the warrant filed by SBI Agent C. Cloutier on March 1 says there is probable cause to believe the defendant “unlawfully and willfully did threaten physical injury” to the victim. “The threat was communicated he was going to beat his ass and the threat was made in a manner and under circumstances which would cause a reasonable person to believe that the threat was likely to be carried out” and the victim who was threatened believed the threat would be carried out.

On the assault and battery charge, the warrant says there is probable cause to believe the defendant “willfully did assault and strike” the victim by grabbing him and knocking him to the ground.

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said this afternoon, “On or about June 12, 2017, Aaron Smith’s employment ended at the sheriff’s office. Also on or about that same date the SBI was called.”

Asked whether the time between the alleged offenses and the filing of the warrant was reflective of the time the SBI spent investigating the case, Tripp said, “I have no control over when the SBI investigates or when they bring charges.”

Investigation, according to court records, stems from a call in which the victim, Eric Anthony Centeno, was charged with misdemeanor assault on a female and misdemeanor resisting a public officer. He has a May 30 court date.

On Friday at approximately 9:30 a.m., Investigator G.L. Williams arrested Omar Daquan Ponton, 25, and Lakifah Marie Williams, 27, both of Roanoke Rapids, for obstruction of justice.

The charges stem from a matter on February 16 around 10 p.m. when a person fled from a traffic stop on Oak Street initiated by Officer M. Worrell. The vehicle was reported stolen.

Williams found the various stories told by Ponton and Williams did not match up.

Ponton received a $20,000 bond and Williams a $10,000 bond. Both have March 7 court dates.

The investigation is ongoing and more charges are expected.

Investigators J.K. Davis and O.L Wiltise, Master Officer J. Hardy and officers S. Blythe and C. Fortier assisted.

On Friday at approximately 2:30 p.m., Officer D. Bybee arrested and charged Michael Thomas Baird, 29, of Roanoke Rapids, with breaking/entering, larceny after breaking/entering, possession of stolen goods and injury to property.

He was also served an outstanding warrant for obtaining property by false pretense and larceny.

Baird received an $11,500 bond and March 17 court date.

The charges stem from a report filed Friday following the breaking and entering of a business on East Tenth Street.

The obtaining property and larceny charges were handled by Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Deputy H. Wheeler.

Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant J. Bozard and deputies M. Bishop and A. Cash located Baird on Wendover Lane.

On Friday at approximately 6 p.m., Hardy and Officer C. Hagbourne arrested and charged Matthew Franklin Butts, 27, of Roanoke Rapids, with assault and possession of marijuana. James Arnette Stevens, 55, of Roanoke Rapids, was charged with assault on a government official.

The charges stem from a matter outside the magistrate’s office at the police department.

The men had been in a fight earlier and came to the police department.

Hardy saw the two in an altercation which lead to a physical assault.

When Hardy and Hagbourne attempted to break up the fight, Stevens pushed the officers.

Both men received $1,000 bonds and April 13 court dates.

On Saturday at approximately 12:15 a.m., Officer C. Batchelor conducted a traffic stop for a violation on Smith Church Road near Anna Louise Lane.  

During the stop a passenger, Tavon Mitchell, 22, of Roanoke Rapids, was in possession of narcotics.

Batchelor cited Mitchell for possession of hydrocodone and released him until his court date of April 23.

On Sunday at approximately 12:15 a.m., Officer E. Ellington was checking on suspicious activity on the lot of a business on East Tenth Street.  

During the investigation Ellington found the driver and a passenger in possession of narcotics.

Tores Rasheem Nicholson, 20, of Littleton, was cited for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released until his April 20 court date.

A 14-year-old juvenile was also found in possession of marijuana and will be referred to Juvenile Services.

Master Officer G. Morris assisted.

Mr. Shaw was born December 11, 1944, in Halifax County, the son of Willie Jessie Shaw and Nellie Mae Carlisle Shaw.

He served in the US Army in Vietnam, was a retired security guard and was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church.

Survivors include his sister, Brenda Gail Edwards of Emporia, VA; brothers, William Wayne Shaw of Roanoke Rapids and Troy Leon Shaw of High Point; several nieces and nephews; also great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Hazel Ferguson, Yvonne Lambert and Jean Moore; and an infant brother, David Shaw.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent to hockadayfs.com

Arrangements are under the care of Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time and are being handled by Askew Funeral & Cremation Services of Roanoke Rapids, NC.

At the plate for the Vikings:  Candice Smith had a homerun and a single with two RBI's, Ashlynn Cooke had a double and a single, Emerson Poole had a double and a single with one RBI, Morgan Hudomint had two singles, Ashlynn Liles had a triple with two RBI's. Ashton Garner had a double, Sydney Smith had a single, Ella Howell had a single and Bailey Robertson had a single.

Sydney Smith pitched the first three innings for Halifax with dour strikeouts and Candice Smith pitched the last five innings with seven strikeouts.

Halifax Academy 2018 season

Southampton Academy      Loss    (0-1)

Roanoke Rapids                Win     (1-1)

Parrott Academy               Win     (2-1)

3/6     Away     Lawrence Academy

3/0     Home    Wayne Christian

3/13   Away     Cape Fear Christian Academy

3/20   Home    Ridgecroft

3/22   Away    Parrott Academy

3/23   Home   Lawrence Academy

3/26   Home   Faith Christian

3/27   Away    Community Christian

4/10   Home   Community Christian

4/16   Home   Wilson Christian

4/18   Away    Brunswick Academy

4/20   Away    Wilson Christian

4/27   Away    Rocky Mount Academy

4/30   Away    Wilson Christian Academy

5/2    Home    Brunswick Academy

Roanoke Rapids won the match 7-1 over Granville Central.

Roanoke Rapids Goals by: Ella King with a hat trick (3 goals), Catherine Macnichol 2, Elena Miller 1 and Morgan Davis 1.

Jackets Assists by: Catherine Macnichol 2, Elena Miller 2, Brittany Milan 1, Ella King 1

Roanoke Rapids goalie Hannah Moseley had 7 saves in goal.

Post match comments by Jackets head coach Craig Jean, "It was a great first game and conference opener for us. We jumped on them pretty quick with Catherine Macnichol and Elena Miller eating up the edges and Ella King did a great job finishing. As a team we played solid, especially in the 1st half. We swung the ball through the back and had some creative give and go's up top that created scoring chances. A lot of girls made their yellow jackets debuts tonight and I am glad to have them. Hannah Moseley came up big when she was needed and it was a great first ever start in goal for her. Even though it was cold, it was a lot of fun. This is a great group of tough girls who play hard. We will get ready to face Louisburg Wednesday night in our home opener."

Dominion 56 - Drugco 44

Lowes 58 - Halifax Linen 37

Reesers 69 - Pepsi 49

City 39 - GP 38

Unofficial Standings

Lowe’s Distribution             5     0

Pepsi                                   4     1

Halifax Linen                       3     2

Reser’s                                         3     2

City of Roanoke Rapids      2     3

Georgia Pacific                   1     3

Drugco/HRMC                                1     4

Dominion Energy                1     4

While not mentioned in the affidavit, which was returned Monday, the men also face similar charges in Wake County.

In all the cases mentioned in the affidavit, the devices were removed by law enforcement with assistance from an ATM technician, the document says. Video footage of Johan Castillo and Hender Aguilar were retained by State Employees’ Credit Union in all the cases referred to in the warrant.

A scanning device and pinhole camera was installed in each of the machines, starting in Weldon on November 10 of last year, the search warrant filed by Weldon police Lieutenant Chris Davis shows.

The tampering in Weldon occurred at the ATM on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway.

On November 15 one was installed at the SECU ATM in Enfield; on December 1 one was installed at an SECU machine in Fayetteville and on December 3 one was installed at an SECU machine in Laurinburg.

In the warrant, which was executed last week for the search of a 2016 Toyota the men were driving, Davis notes, “Both defendants were found to have no ties to the Weldon area or the state of North Carolina. It was determined both defendants were from Venezuela and entered the country with six-month temporary visas.”

The basis of the search warrant, Davis wrote, was it is known defendants in similar cases will use vehicles to travel from one operation to another while counterfeiting financial transaction cards. “Typically these vehicles will contain items and electronics of evidentiary value that are used to encode, duplicate, read and modify financial transaction cards for criminal purposes.”

They will also typically have electronic devices used for obtaining information from victims.

Found and seized from the vehicle were the following items:

A black Husky toolbox with supplies inside

Electronic charging cord

Lenovo laptop with charging cord

White electronic charging cord

Receipt from Shell Oil Products from Miami

Two ball caps

A FedEx box with Pender’s name

Black Samsung cell phone

Walmart gift card

A black piece of metal

Two United States $1 bills

An electronic charging cord

A small, black piece of metal

One-hundred-fifty United $20 bills totaling $3,000

A piece of paper with names listed

A white iPhone

A black Samsung cell phone

A tube of Krazy Glue still in wrapper

A pair of pliers with gray handle

A black piece of metal

A piece of paper with Bank of America information

A Sandisk mini SD card adapter

Davis recounts in the affidavit the events which occurred on February 15 leading to the arrests of the two men.

“The defendants were arrested pursuant to a traffic stop where each defendant was identified by pictures from SECU that were taken while the defendants were installing the financial card scanning device along with a pinhole camera on (an) SECU ATM in Weldon earlier on this date.”

Wrote Davis: “The traffic stop was initiated pursuant to a complaint by a concerned citizen who was able to provide a description of the vehicle, which led to an investigation by (an) SECU investigator which discovered the defendants putting the scanning device and pinhole camera on the ATM …”

Castillo and Aguilar not only face charges in Weldon, but Enfield and Wake County.

The men are not currently listed on the court docket in Scotland or Cumberland counties for the Laurinburg and Fayetteville crimes.

They have a district court date in Halifax County Wednesday. Castillo has a March 19 court date in Wake County while Aguilar has a March 14 court date there. In Wake County the men face three counts each of felony card theft with scanning device.

Federal indictments are possible, Davis said this afternoon.