City County Drug Task Force

Agent D.W. McKeel observed suspicious activity today around 7 a.m. in the parking area of Windchase Apartments.  

A man identified as Jonathan Michael Medlin, 33, of East Tenth Street, was in the process of using heroin.

Other agents arrived to assist and during the search heroin, marijuana, three methadone pills, a spoon, syringe and two marijuana smoking pipes were seized.

McKeel arrested and charged Medlin for possession of heroin, simple possession of schedule II controlled substance, possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana paraphernalia and maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance.

Medlin received a $4,000 bond with a May 16 court date.

On Monday Quincy Jay Vann Jr., 18, of Wyche Street in Roanoke Rapids was served by Roanoke Rapids Police Officer C. Hagbourne.  

Vann had outstanding warrants by task force agents for possession with intent to sell/deliver marijuana, sell marijuana, deliver marijuana, and maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance.

Vann received a $10,000 bond with a May 16 court date.  

This investigation took place at a store near Roanoke Avenue and Julian R. Allsbrook Highway and was conducted by Agent D.J. Epperson.

On Wednesday Phillip and Cornelius Johnson, both of Hollister, surrendered to Sergeant R. Keeton at the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.  

The father and son were wanted by agents for one count each of conspiracy.

Phillip received a $15,000 bond and Cornelius a $5,000 bond. Both have April 15 court dates.

This investigation took place in the Aurelian Springs community and was conducted by McKeel.

On April 6 Wilson Green, 22, of Weldon, surrendered to deputies at the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.  

Green was served with warrants from a task force undercover campaign.

Green was charged with possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine, sell cocaine, deliver cocaine and conspiracy.  

This investigation took place on Maria Avenue and was investigated by Agent C.A. Parker.

Green received a $2,500 bond with an April 16 court date.

Enfield Police Department

On March 25 around 12:30 a.m., Officer Chris Little conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for failure to maintain lane after it nearly struck his patrol car.  

After Little activated his blue lights and siren, he observed the passenger of the vehicle throw a large pill bottle from the window.  

Once the vehicle stopped, Little and Officer E. Johnson detained the driver and passenger.

Little recovered the pill bottle and found it contained 6.2 grams heroin, cocaine, and marijuana.  A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 40 generic Percocets, drug paraphernalia, marijuana, and a concealed weapon.

Little arrested the passenger, Deandre Lamont Miles of Garysburg, and seized $1,511 in cash from him.  

A warrant check of the driver, Shakina Lashante Broady of Rocky Mount, led to her arrest as well.

Little charged Miles with possession of heroin, possession with intent to manufacture sell and deliver heroin, trafficking heroin, felony possession of cocaine, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver marijuana, maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance, felonious destruction of criminal evidence, carrying a concealed weapon, simple possession of schedule II substance, simple possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

He received a $20,000 bond.

Little also charged Broady with failure to maintain lane on citation and arrested her on an outstanding order for arrest out of Nash County for driving while license revoked.

Broady received a $500 bond with a May 14 court date in Nash County.

On March 23 at approximately 10:40 p.m., Little stopped a vehicle near North McDaniel and Cary streets for a motor vehicle violation.

Corporal Phillip Moyer responded to the traffic stop to assist.

Little and Moyer could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. They could also see several items of drug paraphernalia inside.

During a search of the vehicle officers located 25 grams of marijuana and a digital weight scale. Moyer arrested Kelvin Maurice Solomon and charged him with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver marijuana, maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

Little charged Solomon with displaying a revoked registration plate and no insurance.

Solomon has a pending court date of April 18.

The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide patients and families every day.

Halifax Regional teamed up with the DAISY Foundation at the end of 2017 to bring this international award to Halifax Regional.

Henry was nominated as this quarter’s award recipient by the family of a patient after he went above and beyond to extend exceptional care during the family’s time of need.

“He was very compassionate and understanding,” the nomination described. “He was thorough with every ounce of information that he needed to deliver to help us make the correct decision towards our loved one’s medical needs.”

The foundation’s website says in January, a very sick family member was a patient in ICU.

She ended up having to be intubated due to her condition and never awoke from sedation.

The nomination reads, “We decided to remove her from the vent at this time. On this day, Henry was her nurse in ICU, as he had been for a couple of days prior.

“I can't express the empathy he had towards our family during this difficult time … He was also an excellent teacher to a student he had at the time. He made sure the family was comfortable with the student present and very thorough with the student. In the medical profession myself, I was able to distinguish the amount of education and passion he had as a nurse sitting back and observing him teaching the student throughout the day.”

Nurses may be nominated by patients or families and award recipients are chosen by a committee at the medical center on a quarterly basis.

Each honoree receives a certificate, a special celebration, a keepsake pin and a sculpture called A Healer’s Touch.

“We are proud to be among the healthcare organizations participating in The DAISY Award program,” said Karen Daniels, VP of Nursing. “Nurses are heroes every day and it’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued. The DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do that.”

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes.

Patrick died from complications of an uncommon autoimmune disease.

The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

(All City meetings are open to the public)

Beautification Committee

Monday, April 16, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. in the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall.

Roanoke Rapids City Council (Regular Meeting)

Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 5:15 p.m. in the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall.

Roanoke Rapids Planning Board

Notice is hereby given that the Roanoke Rapids Planning Board will hold a public meeting Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Halll located at 700 Jackson Street to hear the following item(s) and provide a recommendation to City Council.

1.  Consideration of a Resolution in support of an application by the City for grant funds from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) for substantial improvements to the Chaloner Recreation Park.
2. A Zoning Map Amendment (rezoning) request from Travis Whitby (applicant) and Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Living Trust/Trustee (property owner) to rezone a 0.713-acre undeveloped parcel with approximately 185± feet of frontage along Chockoyotte St at intersection of 4th Ave from B-4, Commercial, to R-6, Residential District. The property is identified as Halifax County parcel 0919963 in the City’s Planning & Zoning Jurisdiction. The property is located adjacent to the east of Chockoyotte Park. The requested R-6 district allows single-family residential uses.

Related information is available for public inspection in the Planning and Development office at the J. Reuben Daniel City Hall, 1040 Roanoke Avenue. Any person, firms, organization 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 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 employment for the following vacancy.

(Part Time) Public Works Worker (Public Works Dept)

An employee in this position performs skilled technical and trades work in the maintenance and repair of buildings, grounds, facilities, and equipment.  Job duties include but are not limited to grass cutting, leaf collection, street sign maintenance, and other duties necessary in the Public Works Department.

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

The first Morattico Artisan, also held today on King Street, coincided with the Resolves commemorations. The fair ends at 4 p.m.

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The NFL star returned home to host his 2nd Annual TODD GURLEY II M.A.D.E. Youth football camp free to the Tarboro area youth.

Officials honored Gurley first by unveiling a new Tarboro High School sign on enter the football stadium honoring Gurley.

The field full of youth camp participants took part in day long drills, hands-on instruction, Lunch and non-contact games of 7 on 7 flag football. Each camp participant did not only get to learn from Gurley, but they also receive a team photo with him, a T-shirt, a barbecue afterward and "a swag bag full of fun surprises."

Gurley stated, "I am glad to come back for a second year and give back to the kids in the community".

Gurley's 2018 camp sponsors include: Northwestern Mutual OCCIDENT WEALTH MANAGEMENT, The mbm Agency, USA Football Fundamentals , Gatorade, Abram's Amusements , Tarboro High School, Carolina Regional Orthopedics, Abrams BBQ & Chicken, ASAP Event & Tent Specialist.

Photo gallery by Randy Wrenn

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Click Below and print the form! Registration and fee are due by June 6th. Ages 7 - 15 welcome.

Must not be 16 by August 1.

Download application here! http://jmp.sh/oL73MiK

Betty was born in Pulaski County, Missouri, October 11, 1967, to the late Sally Carroll.

Known as “Ms. Betty” by her students, she touched the lives of so many children that she taught while working in the child’s day care industry.

She loved her church and was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was affectionately known as “MeMa” to her grandchildren.

Surviving are her husband, Richard Spradlin; five daughters, Katie Edwards (Daniel McElwee), Vickie Edwards, Stephanie Edwards Davis and husband Bill, Courtney Edwards and fiancé Luis Enriquez and Nikki Srpadlin; two sons, Wesley Spradlin and wife Ashley and James Spradlin and one sister, Tammy Olson.

Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Emma, Keegan, Brendon, Grayson, “Little” Luis, Isaac, Eli, J.T. and Aliyah.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at Askew Funeral Service- Jackson Chapel, Jackson, NC from 6-8 pm.

Rev. Ricky Browder will conduct funeral services Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at Potecasi Baptist Church at 11:00 am.

Interment will follow in Milwaukee Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to www.askewfs.com

Nick was born in Halifax County to Brian Keith and Melissa Yarboro Edwards.

He was a graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School, Class of 2015, and loved playing Frisbee Golf.

In addition to his mother, Nick was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Debbie Thorne and paternal grandfather, Ray Edwards.

Surviving are his father, Brian K. Edwards and Amy Nowell; sister, Emli Elizabeth Edwards; brother, Dustin Mark Mountford, all of Roanoke Rapids; paternal grandmother, Betty Lou Edwards of Roanoke Rapids; maternal grandfather, Willie Yarboro and wife Pat, of Littleton; uncle, Chip Edwards and Debbie Smith, of Zebulon, NC and uncle, Willie Yarboro, Jr.

Reverends Layne Wallace and Randy Martin will conduct funeral services Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at 2:00 pm at Rosemary Baptist Church where the family will also receive friends in the fellowship hall prior to services from 12:30pm to 1:45pm.

Interment will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to www.askewfs.com

According to a preliminary report by Trooper S.D. Parrish of the state Highway Patrol the crash occurred at approximately 12:50 a.m. in the southbound lane of I-95 near the Highway 903 exit in the Roanoke Rapids area.

Nicholas Edwards ran off the road to the right and his vehicle collided with a highway sign and then collided with a tree.

Right now the trooper has not been able to determine factors contributing to the crash.

rrspin.com submitted the following questions for all the candidates:

Residence

706 Holly Road, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870

Occupation

Owner-Operator Americap Co. Inc.

Children

Three children

Education

Graduate of NC State with a degree in Economics 1992

Civic, church or other community organizations of which you are involved

Member of Rosemary United Methodist Church

Why are running; why do you believe you are qualified to run; what difference can you make or in the case of an incumbent candidate, what difference have you made?

I am running because I believe that I can make a difference.

I have experience on the RRGSD board of education which gives me an understanding of how school systems work together with the county commission.

In addition, I manage a business that employs roughly 50 people.

I am always willing to take on complex issues and deal with them in a timely manner.

I have made a difference in protecting the taxpayers of the county by making sure that we spend their money wisely.

I think the biggest difference that I have made is to get staff to focus on keeping county government as small and as efficient as possible.

Would you support renovations for Weldon High School or do you support construction of a new school? Please explain your reasons on why or why not?

Weldon City Schools has commissioned a study for a recommendation for renovations and I think it is important to see what the architect recommends.

With the small number of students in Weldon High School, I do not believe we can build a new school.

I think renovating the school is the best solution.

Over the past year or so, commissioners and funding of education, particularly in the county school system, have come under fire. Do you believe schools are being adequately funded? Why are or why not? What do we have to do to create top-tier school systems in Halifax County?

The county is responsible for funding school facilities and maintenance of those facilities.

It is the state’s responsibility to fund operations and instruction.

There is overlap where the state has tried to help the county with the overwhelming funding needs with a good example being the lottery funds that are used for facilities.

The county also gives all three school systems an equal allotment on a per student basis using the DPI’s expected ADM number.

I believe all schools would love to have more money but I believe we are funding at a level that we can afford.

As has been stated on multiple occasions, the County Commissioners have zero say in how the schools are operated, that is the role of the school board.

I believe that Halifax County schools are on the correct path.

They have hired a top-tier Superintendent and he is making a difference with bold ideas that are helping and will ultimately make a big difference.

For all school systems to be successful we will need a culture change that supports the student in the home as much as they are supported in the classroom.

We have to get families involved, so I do believe that parental coordinators are incredibly important.

Through my own children I have learned the importance of very good guidance counselors and I think more attention in this area will help.

Critics and candidates that commonly blame the County Commission for the state of education in our schools would be well advised to spend some of their time with communities encouraging family structure and involvement with education in the home.

Their voice and influence would be very effective if they would focus on the correct problem.

What is the role of county commissioners in recruiting economic development? What needs to be done to strike a balance between industrial, commercial and retail development in Halifax County?

Economic development is an important role of the county commission.

Industrial development will drive retail development because people will have jobs and money in their pocket.

Halifax County needs industrial development badly and we have worked very hard to bring it to the county.

We have successfully partnered with the State and Federal government in obtaining grants to drive job growth.

In addition we have partnered with HCC to train and retrain individuals to match the needs and skills that companies need.

We have done a better job with our contracts with potential projects in assuring that if any county money is appropriated we are protected that the company will fulfill their obligations or be responsible for the money that we have dedicated to the project.

As everyone knows, it is very competitive attracting companies to the area.

We are focused on going after companies that fit our area, and not waste time on companies that do not fit our labor pool or current infrastructure.

Do you have any personal financial issues which might make the public perceive you would not be a good steward of the county’s money — foreclosures, liens, bankruptcy filings, things of that nature? If so how do you convince the public they can trust you with taxpayer money?

I am very thankful that I do not have financial problems. Anyone that knows me will tell you that I live a pretty conservative life.

It appears there is a new push to put school merger back on the table for discussion. What are your thoughts on school merger either pro or con? Please elaborate on your beliefs on the matter.

I am very much against school merger! It is not the answer for the education situation in Halifax County.

Please read the piece that I wrote four years ago to understand the cost of Merger in Halifax County.

It would lead to a huge tax increase.

Understand that the numbers will change because the variables have changed a bit, but the results will be the same.

There is a push in the state to break up large districts.

What are some other issues you believe need to be addressed in Halifax County and how would you go about addressing them?

There are many difficult situations in Halifax County.

One of the biggest problems is providing quality water to the outer limits of the county.

We have tried to investigate a new water plant, as well as other infrastructure to address the problem.

In addition, we have many facility needs in our schools.

We just finished having group meetings with all three school districts to better understand the needs and the cost.

Our tax rate is too high and can be addressed by controlling spending and giving tax back to the citizens as we retire debt service. I have pushed hard for that to happen.

We can also reduce that burden by building the tax base and creating retail sales so we receive our portion of the sales tax back from the state in greater amounts.

The sheriff’s office today obtained a warrant for the arrest of Javon Oneil Richardson for felony common law obstruction of justice in the murder of Roderick Bluesky Mills, a 33-year-old resident of the Hollister area, Tripp said in a statement this evening.

Tripp declined to discuss the relationship between Mills and Richardson, who had one point lived in the Hollister area.

In the statement Tripp said Richardson called 911 and was at the crime scene when investigators arrived. He presented himself as a witness but throughout the investigation was deemed uncooperative.

Tripp declined comment on what would possess Richardson to call 911 and then not impart information to investigators.

The lead investigator in the case, the sheriff said in the statement, instructed Richardson to not leave the jurisdiction of Halifax County.

The sheriff’s office learned today Richardson was returning to his home in Maine despite telling investigators he was visiting Hollister for the upcoming pow wow scheduled this weekend.

Authorities in Maine were called to assist in Richardson’s arrest, which was made upon his arrival in Bangor, Tripp said. They are expected to aid in the extradition proceedings which will follow his booking.

Meanwhile Tripp said this evening the sheriff’s office has possible suspects in the murder.

Tripp said last week the murder was reported Wednesday around 1:25 a.m. and that Mills was shot in the area of Mills Road.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the state Highway Patrol assisted.

The Jackets traveled to Northern Vance April 11th and battled Northern Vance and JF Webb.

Women's scores:

Cameron Medlin was the losing pitcher for the Jackets.  He pitched a complete game giving up 8 hits while striking out 10 batters.

Collecting hits for RRHS were Colin Long, Cameron Salmon, Caleb Johnson, and Ethan Vincent.

Coach Mark Snead stated, "We played a good ball game, but just came out on the wrong end of the score.  I am really proud of how our team is growing and coming together as the season progresses.  We are really embracing the team first attitude and it is showing in our play.  We have set the bar high this week, now we have to keep working to get better every day."

The loss drops RRHS to 8-7 overall and 6-3 in the conference.  The next game for the Yellow Jackets will be on the road at Southern Vance on Thursday afternoon.

The lady yellow jackets didn't go down without a fight against the lady Vikings.

The Yellow Jackets had 10 hits. Camden Bierbauer had two BB, Lily Curtis had a single and a BB, Abbi Carpenter had a single, sacrifice hit with an RBI, and HBP, Hannah Taylor had a single, and a B.B., Makayla Pair had two singles and an RBI, Lizzy Colston had a single, and a BB, Meagan Colston had a single, Kalyn Long had an RBI single, Kaitlin Rogerson batted into a fielders choice, and Kelsey Bierbauer had a single and a 2 RBI double.

Lily Curtis pitched 6 innings with 2Ks, 4BBs, and two hit batters.

Roanoke Rapids goals were scored by Catherine Macnichol with four, Ella King with a hat trick three goals, Elena Miller with one Morgan Davis with one.

Assist for the Jackets were by Elena Miller with three, Ella King with two, Brittany Milan with one, Catherine Macnichol with one.

Hannah Moseley had one save in goal.

2018 Lady Jackets 

Granville Central        7-1     Win     Overall record  1-0

Louisburg                 9-0     Win     Overall record  2-0

Southern Vance        10-1   Win     Overall record  3-0

South Granville         2-0     Win     Overall record  4-0

Bunn                       4-1     Win     Overall record  5-0

Northern Vance        9-0     Win     Overall record  6-0

Northeastern            9-0     Win     Overall record  7-0

Granville Central      10-0    Win     Overall record  8-0

Northern Vance        Forfeit Win     Overall record 9-0

JF Webb                   9-0     Win     Overall record 10-0

Lieutenant B.J. Harris said the house appears to be a total loss.

No one was inside the residence when firefighters arrived after receiving the call shortly before 1 a.m.

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Fire was coming from two windows and extended to the attic. “The wind was blowing real good,” Harris said. “It could have contributed and we believe it helped feed the fire.”

There were also no fire breaks in the walls which aided the fire in traveling up the walls and into the attic of the two-story mill house.

Firefighters pulled two hoses and used the ladder to extinguish the fire. It took firefighters around an hour to get the blaze under control. Firefighters cleared the call around 4:30.

Upon arriving, firefighters had to protect the house beside the one in flames. That house sustained minor vinyl siding damage.

Harris the house appears to be a total loss, including contents. “There was most definitely fire, smoke and water damage. Firefighters weren’t able to get inside the residence due to the amount of fire inside.”

The cause and origin is undetermined and the Roanoke Rapids Police Department was called to investigate.

Candice Smith had two doubles, two singles and three RBI's;  Emerson Poole had a double with one RBI;  Ashton Garner had two singles; Morgan Hudomint had two singles;  Ashlynn Liles had a single and one BI;  Ashlynn Cooke had a single while Ella Howell had a single as well.

Candice Smith pitched seven innings with seven strike-outs for the Lady Vikings.

Halifax Academy 2018 season

Southampton Academy      Loss    (0-1)

Roanoke Rapids                Win     (1-1)

Parrott Academy                Win     (2-1)

Wayne Christian                Win      (3-1)

Oakwood School               Win     (4-1)

Parrott Academy                Win     (5-1)

Lawrence Academy           Win     (6-1)

Faith Christian                   Win     (7-1)

Community Christian         Win     (8-1)

Community Christian         Win     (9-1)

Oakwood School               Win     (10-1)

Wilson Christian                Win     (11-1)

4/18   Away    Brunswick Academy

4/20   Away    Wayne Christian

4/23   Home    Ridgecroft

4/27   Away    Rocky Mount Academy

4/30   Away    Cape Fear Christian Academy

5/2    Home    Brunswick Academy

Lieutenant Charles Vaught said the department is seeking the public’s help in identifying a person.

The case involves the person obtaining property by false pretense on April 7 around 2:20 p.m. at Murphy on Premier Boulevard.

The suspect purchased gas and cigarettes with counterfeit money.

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

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Chief Chuck Hasty reported the following:

On Saturday at approximately 8:45 p.m., Lieutenant P. Parks conducted a traffic stop in the 900 block of Jackson Street.

Leanne Elizabeth Hayes, 33, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested on an outstanding warrant and order for arrest.

Hayes was charged with identity theft and served the order for arrest.

She received a $30,000 bond and May 2 court date.

The charge stems from an investigation by Officer H. Grimes when, in November, a residence was broken into and items taken.  

A bank card stolen from the residence was used several times.

Grimes obtained warrants on Hayes for breaking/entering, damage to property, and larceny.

They were served by Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant R. Ball on December 4.

Grimes obtained the warrant for identity theft after reviewing video footage of the business where the card was used.

Officers R. Cross and M. Worrell assisted with the traffic stop.

On Sunday at approximately 2:30 a.m., Worrell conducted a traffic stop on Hamilton near Emry streets for a traffic violation.  

Brittany Nicole Vaughan, 21, of Roanoke Rapids, a passenger, was found in possession of narcotics and paraphernalia.  

Worrell cited Vaughan for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

She was released until her June 11 court date.

The driver was cited for expired registration.

Parks and Cross assisted.

On Sunday at approximately 6 p.m., Officer E. Ellington responded to a report of larceny by employee from Walmart.

Loss prevention told Ellington Cody Lee Howerton, 24, of Roanoke Rapids, allegedly took money from the business between April 5 and 14.

Howerton was arrested and charged with larceny by employee, received a $5,000 bond and May 2 court date.

Officer J. DeSare assisted

On Sunday at approximately 7 p.m., Cross responded to a fraud call at Walmart.

Cross spotted the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.  

The passenger, Sakwon Artavas Bowser, 22, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested and charged with obtaining property by a false pretense, conspiracy, larceny, possession of stolen property and possession of schedule VI.

Bowser allegedly took the items from the store earlier and then returned them for a refund.

Bowser had marijuana in his pocket when he was arrested.

He received a $1,000 bond and May 2 court date.

Sergeant T. Tyler and officers J. Spragins and J. Shelburne assisted.

rrspin.com submitted the following questions for the two candidates:

Residence  

Ahoskie, North Carolina

Current occupation

District Attorney- 6th Prosecutorial District - Bertie, Halifax, Hertford and Northampton Counties

Years of experience

25 years of experience as a Prosecutor - 18 Years as the Elected District Attorney and 7 years as an Assistant District Attorney

Children

Married to Jimmy Asbell for 15 years.  

I have two children. My stepson Cole is 19 and my son Ethan is 13 years old

Education

Emory University, 1989

Bachelor of Arts in Religion  

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Tulane University School of Law, Juris Doctorate in 1992

Civic, church or other community organizations of which you are involved

Center Grove Baptist Church, Ahoskie, North Carolina

Delegate for West Chowan Baptist Association for Center Grove Baptist Church

Member of the Unity in the Community Group in Hertford County

Member and Past President of the 6B Judicial Bar

Member of the 6th Judicial Bar

Lifetime Member of the NAACP

Board Member for Hannah’s Place

Board member of Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils in Bertie, Halifax, Hertford and Northampton Counties

Board Member of the Child Fatality Teams in Bertie, Halifax, Hertford and Northampton Counties

Member of the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys Best Practices Committee

Instructor for the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys

Instructor for Federal Domestic Violence Conferences

Instructor for Federal OCEDEF Drug Conferences

Why are you running; why do you believe you are qualified to run; what difference can you make; what difference have you made in your current position?

I am running because I have lived in this district for 25 years and have dedicated my personal and professional life to being a member of this community and doing what I can to make this a safer and all around better place to live.

I have a vested interest in my community because I have raised my children in this community.

I have been a prosecutor here for 25 years and specifically the elected DA for 18 years in Bertie, Hertford, and Northampton Counties and over 3 years in Halifax County.

As your elected District Attorney, I have been outspoken and proactive in attempting to reduce violent crime, gang activity, and combating the opioid epidemic that is a crisis across our nation.

I am running to continue as your District Attorney because I know first hand the importance of feeling safe in our communities.  

I have over 25 years of experience showing that I can and have gotten the job done.

I have a proven record of holding violent criminals accountable for their actions and for giving victims a voice in the courtroom.  

I have been committed to and will continue to offer programs that allow first time non-violent offenders to enter diversion programs such as Deferred Prosecution.  

These offenders, who do not have a criminal record, who enter these programs have a chance to keep their record clean of criminal convictions if they successfully complete the programs.  During my tenure as District Attorney, I have offered hundreds of people the opportunity to avail themselves of these diversion programs to keep them out of jail and on the road to being a productive citizens of our community.    

I am running to continue as your District Attorney because I have proven experience running and managing a multi-county prosecutor’s office successfully.

I know how to operate a prosecutor’s office with attorneys and support staff in multiple offices.  As District Attorney, my role is both to hold criminal offenders accountable under the law and give victims an opportunity to be heard.  

Over my 25 years, I have come to understand that coming in contact with the judicial system can be potentially stressful and intimidating.

I have implemented an open door policy that allows victims, witnesses, and unrepresented individuals to reach out to my staff and myself to discuss their matters in an attempt to be more comfortable in the proceedings as well as efficient with the use of court time.

The District Attorney position is one of extraordinary responsibility - responsibility to the citizens, to crime victims, to persons charged with crimes, and to justice itself.

I do not take this position lightly.  

It affords the rare opportunity to help victims, to steer people onto the right path, and to shape the community in which you live.

I have made a difference to countless victims by walking them through the criminal justice system.

As your elected District Attorney, I recognize that contact with the justice system by individuals charged with criminal offenses has started at a younger and younger age.  

I have made a difference to young people by keeping them out of jail by encouraging them to make better choices and offering diversion programs and deferred prosecutions to our youth who have made poor choices.  

I have made a difference to the community by working hand-in-hand with our law enforcement agencies to see that cases are handled fairly and efficiently.

I have made a difference by being part of this community and by being active in the schools, colleges, churches, and civic groups.  

I have made a difference by continually seeking stiff punishments for violent offenders, habitual felons, and sex offenders.

Specifically in Halifax County, since becoming District Attorney after the consolidation in 2015, I was able to reduce the backlog of murders that were pending when I took office.

When I was sworn in as District Attorney in Halifax County, there were 9 separate murders pending with 29 Defendants charged in those murders, many of them years old.

In three years, I have been able to take these cases to trial or obtain convictions on each of those murders.

Since January of 2015, 14 separate murders have occurred in Halifax County and my office has obtained convictions and disposed of 6 of those homicide cases as well as those that have occurred since 2015.

Tell us how many years of trial experience you have. Why is that experience important? What was the most difficult case you have successfully prosecuted?

I have 25 years of trial experience in the courtroom as a prosecutor and 18 years of experience as an elected District Attorney managing a multi-county office.

I have prosecuted dozens of murder cases, dozens of attempted murder charges, hundreds of violent firearm charges, thousands of drug charges, and every other type of case there is.

I have tried over 250 cases before juries in the past 25 years.  

In my seven years as an Assistant District Attorney, I tried 3 Capital Murder cases and two non- capital murder cases to juries along with all other types of violent and non-violent felonies and misdemeanors in Superior Court.

As your Elected District Attorney, I continued to try capital murder cases and non-capital murders and every other type of case.  

I have a 100 percent conviction rate on murders that I have tried in the past 25 years.

The reality is that trying cases is a very important role of the district attorney’s office. Being able to try a case to a jury successfully as a prosecutor cannot be overemphasized.

In reviewing every case and during every trial, you must draw on past experiences in the courtroom.

While every case is different, having reviewed and prosecuted thousands of cases gives you perspective and the ability to see how a case will play out at trial, while the case is still in its infancy.  

With the number of cases pending across such a large district, it is imperative to be able to not only try cases, but be able to train other attorneys to step in and get the job done.  

As your District Attorney, I am also responsible for advising hundreds of law enforcement officers.

When there is a question, you must be able to provide the answer.

Being married to a veteran law enforcement officer and having 25 years of trial experience has allowed me to do just that.

I have had many difficult cases that I have successfully prosecuted.  

If I had to name one case, it would be a Statutory Rape/Statutory Sex offense case which involved a father and his three daughters.

It was an emotionally draining trial for all of the victims but I am happy to say that all three victims have moved on to become survivors and successful citizens despite their circumstances.  

How has the merger of Halifax, Northampton, Hertford and Bertie affected or will affect your job? Do you believe there will be a further merger and how will that affect your job?

The merger of former districts 6A and 6B has doubled the size of the caseload for what is the new consolidated District 6 while reducing the number of staff members allocated to the district to get the job done.  

Fortunately, my office has taken the merger in great stride and efficiently and effectively reduced a backlog of cases that existed in Halifax when I took office.

As I stated earlier, we have worked very hard and have succeeded in trying the many murders in Halifax that were pending when I took office.  

Since I took office in Halifax from 2015 to the present, we have worked diligently to reduce a large backlog of DWI appeals, misdemeanor appeals and felonies that were pending when I took office in 2015 while continuing to efficiently and effectively prosecute cases that happen on a daily basis.

I have assembled a very dedicated staff of professionals and my Assistant District Attorneys have over 75 years of prosecutorial experience.    

It’s hard to say what the legislature will do as it relates to any future mergers; however, I am prepared to deal with the expansion of the district should that happen.  

It has been a wonderful experience getting to work with and make lifelong friends in Halifax County, and I am confident that we would be successful in forging new relationships if our district were to be expanded.  

As I did in Halifax County in 2015, if we acquired additional counties, I will meet with the court officials and law enforcement officials and all other stakeholders in the criminal justice system and successfully continue to represent victims of crimes in the new counties.

Having been the elected DA for a four county district, I have the necessary experience and the proven record to handle and manage a multi county district moving forward.

Does a DA have any input into the state mental health crisis? If so how does it affect your job and what would be your solution to the problem?

There is a nationwide mental health crisis that our criminal justice system is not equipped to handle.

As District Attorney, I see the effects of the broken system on a weekly basis, if not daily.

The mental health crisis is even more magnified living in rural counties in the eastern part of North Carolina.

Our office works closely with local DSS agencies, mental health providers, and statewide facilities established to treat individuals with mental health issues.

There are a limited number of facilities and resources across the state that the law directs individuals should be sent to for evaluation and or treatment.  

The ability to efficiently prosecute a case is greatly impacted by the current mental health system in place.

Unfortunately, some people with mental illnesses who enter the criminal court system pose a significant threat to public safety and it is often months or even years before mental health providers are able to complete evaluations, treatments and reports ordered by the court so that a proper determination can be made as to how the case should proceed when mental health is an issue.

I believe that more funds need to be allocated to the mental health system as a whole.

Funding local agencies for individuals to be evaluated, housed and treated pending the outcome of a criminal matter would assist prosecutors across the state in moving these cases along more efficiently.  

I have also worked collaboratively with other court officials in Halifax and throughout my district to address these mental health issues.  

I, along with the District and Superior Court Judges, Law Enforcement Heads, jail administrators, clerks, and other stakeholders have met with mental health providers to discuss these mental health issues.  

Chief District Court Judge Brenda Branch along with the other Judges have discussed possibly implementing mental health courts.  

I am in favor of mental health courts should they be implemented.

If those courts are implemented in our district, I would be willing to divert those criminal defendants who have been identified with mental health issues in criminal cases to that court where treatment could be offered.  

As your District Attorney, I have advocated for and seen that our law enforcement departments have taken proactive steps as well to address this nationwide mental health crisis.  

Most departments have offered specialized training to their officers about how to interact with people experiencing a mental health crisis.  

This specialized skill and training is invaluable in allowing law enforcement officers to understand mental illnesses and possibly prevent these people from entering the criminal justice system in the first place.  

One of the biggest problems the officers face is the lack of resources to help these individuals should the officer choose not to arrest them.  

Most often, there is no other alternative available for these offenders other than arrest.

With defendants in the Glenview and Deer Run murders being assigned capital defenders, is it your intent to proceed capitally in these cases?

Because  of the North Carolina Rules of Professional Responsibility, I cannot comment on facts surrounding pending cases but I can explain the law regarding the death penalty and its applicability to murder cases in general.     

Declaring a case Capital for trial is not an arbitrary decision made by the District Attorney.  Under the laws of North Carolina, there are certain aggravating factors set forth by the North Carolina General Statutes that must exist in a case for a District Attorney to declare a case as a Capital Murder case.

As I do with every homicide case, I review the evidence in each case and make decisions based on the facts of the case and the law about whether there are aggravating factors that exist where the death penalty is a legal option in a case.  

In the above mentioned cases, I will be able to comment on the capital status of these particular cases and any other murder cases once a hearing has been held in Superior Court.  

Do you believe in alternate solutions beyond arrest to address the opioid and other drug problems we see? What solutions would you offer?

Yes, we have seen an increasing number of drug related offenses not just relating to the opioid epidemic, but drug use in general and at an alarming rate among our youth.

The legislature has acknowledged the increase in drug use and has implemented provisions in specific cases that allow for some first time drug offenders with no prior criminal history to be given an opportunity to maintain a clean criminal record should they comply with the requirements set out by the court.

This diversion program is referred to as the  90-96 program in court.

For the past 18 years, my office has regularly allowed individuals to avail themselves of this provision for individuals that are first time offenders that fit all of the criteria set forth.

My office has also allowed those with drug addictions to also enter into Deferred Prosecution agreements when all the legal criteria are met.  

Both of these programs are diversion programs to help a person with a drug problem or addiction keep his/her record clean after successfully completing the terms of his/her probation.  During these programs, those with addiction problems receive substance abuse treatment and if they successfully complete these programs, their criminal cases are dismissed.

Sometimes, a person’s criminal record prevents them from entering one of the above programs.  When that happens and we know that the person has a drug addiction, my office continually encourages rehabilitation over prison for people who are willing to take that step for those who are not legally eligible for the above programs.

My staff and I have and continue to go into the schools to prevent the “school-prison pipeline” that is so often referred to in our country.

We have taken measures to meet with students, educators, and have made ourselves accessible to parents that are seeking to address our youth at one of the most impressionable times in their lives.

My office has partnered with the teen courts in place to give qualified juvenile offenders an opportunity be diverted from the criminal justice system all together.    

My office has participated in community forums, school events, faith based events and other civic engagements and will continue to be supportive of educating the community regarding the dangers of opioid diversion and the dangers of drug use as a whole.

We recognize that drug use is a problem and an addiction and look forward to continuing to work with local agencies to see this epidemic come to an end.  

Gangs remain an issue in the Roanoke Valley, the state and country. What is the role of  the DA in combatting this problem? How is the gang problem affecting our community?

Gang involvement is a blight in our community and an epidemic across the country.

It encourages young people to limit their education, turn away from their families and churches, and surround themselves with the criminal element.

Gangs' reliance on gun violence and drug distribution erodes at the very foundation of safety that we all rely upon.

Not only do they use guns on each other, their violence often spills onto completely innocent people - from children sleeping in their beds to people just trying to get gas.

It is the role of the District Attorney to stand up to gangs and their members and be willing to prosecute their cases and seek any gang related punishment enhancements when applicable.

It has been and will continue to be a priority in my office to prosecute to the fullest any violent crime but specifically those crimes which result from gang association.  

Gang related offenses affect our communities as a whole, and disrupt the peace of mind and fabric of the communities we all love so dearly.  

Prosecuting gang related cases tells offenders and gang members that their behavior is not welcome in our communities.

As long as our office has evidence to prosecute these cases we will continue to do so.

In the last year alone, gang members involved in violent crimes in our community were sentenced collectively to more that 150 years in prison.  

Gang members in our community and in the nation rely heavily upon distribution of drugs and firearms; therefore, many of those gang members are charged with violent crimes, firearm offenses and drug offenses.  

My office worked closely with the local sheriffs departments and police departments in Halifax County when they formed the City County Drug Task Force and I have a veteran Assistant District Attorney in Halifax assigned to the prosecution of these cases.  

I have also worked hand in hand with the Down East Drug Task Force in Bertie, Hertford and Northampton Counties which is comprised of officers from the Bertie, Hertford, and Northampton County Sheriffs’ Offices and the Ahoskie Police Department.  

I also have a seasoned Assistant District Attorney assigned to the cases in Bertie, Hertford, and Northampton Counties.  

Both of these collaborative groups have been instrumental in getting drug dealers, gun dealers, and violent criminals furthering the distribution of various drugs in our communities off the streets.

I have met with Bobby Higdon, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, about the rise of violent crime associated with gangs, people selling drugs and using firearms which are resulting in murders, home invasions, and senseless acts of violence.

We agreed to partner together as federal, state, and local agencies to combat this problem.

How do we make our communities safer?

We make our communities safe by educating citizens.  

As District Attorney, I strive to make our communities safer by prosecuting and asking for substantial active sentences for those offenders who threaten the safety of our community.  

In the past three years alone, my office has successfully prosecuted homicide cases, attempted murder cases, home invasions, armed robberies and other firearms related cases and received hundreds of years of active prison time.

Collaboration and cooperation are important to keeping our communities safe.  

It is important that we work hand in hand with local law enforcement agencies, schools, mental health providers, and community organizations focused on bettering our communities.

What are some other issues you believe need to be addressed in the district as a whole how would you go about addressing them?

Educating the community about the court system and the different roles of the District Attorney, the Judges, the Defense Attorneys, Law Enforcement Officers, and others who participate in the criminal justice system.  

There are many misconceptions in the community about who has the ability to do certain things in the court system.

As your elected District Attorney, I have had an open door policy in my office for the past 18 years.  

Because the district now includes four counties, I have to spend time in each county; however, I am always available to meet with officers, victims, witnesses or citizens in all four counties.  

I encourage members of the community to come to my office or to the courthouse to see how our courts actually work.  

I am always willing to explain what my office can and cannot do in the court system.

The SBI recognized the efforts of Captain Bobby Martin, investigators Jeff Davis and Obert Wiltsie and uniformed officers while Martin in an email to Chief Chuck Hasty commended Master Officer Jamie Hardy and members of A Squad which led to apprehension of Lester Kearney on March 14.

In his March 26 letter to Hasty, SBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Denning Sr. wrote, “I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the assistance provided by the Roanoke Rapids Police Department regarding a homicide, kidnapping, robbery and arson investigation out of Warren County, NC.”

Wrote Denning, “I would like to specifically thank Captain Bobby Martin, detectives Jeff Davis and Obert Wiltsie and members of the patrol that helped locate and arrest one of the suspects. The collaborative efforts of all greatly benefited the investigation. It is always gratifying to see law enforcement agencies working together seamlessly and professionally.”

Martin, in his email to Hasty a day after Kearney’s arrest, recommended a commendation for Hardy.

“On Wednesday I spoke with Master Officer Hardy about Kevin Munn and Lester Kearney about some new information I had learned from Munn. I knew Officer Hardy had dealings with these subjects in the past. Once Officer Hardy and I finished speaking he began to do some following up and received information that Lester Kearney may be going to Walgreens in Roanoke Rapids.”

Hardy relayed that information to Martin and Martin relayed the information to the SBI and Warren County Sheriff’s Office. “Once everything was set up, Lester Kearney did show up at Walgreens and was taken into custody without incident and no one was hurt.”

Wrote Martin: “Officer Hardy took the initiative to gather important information and use his vast knowledge of sources to help bring this wanted subject into custody without anyone getting hurt. Officer Hardy went above and beyond to find information on Kearney’s location which resulted in the capture.

“Officer Hardy is to be commended for outstanding work that led to the capture of a wanted murderer.”

Martin commended A-Squad - Sergeant M. Moseley, officers S. Blythe, A. Green, C. Fortier and C. Hagbourne as well as Davis and Agent Chris Babb “for the quick response and the ability to set up a perimeter to ensnare Lester Kearney. The team effort enabled us to get an alleged murderer off the streets. The Roanoke Rapids Police Department should be proud to have these officers serving the citizens of Roanoke Rapids.”

Dr. Alford, 76, who was a clinical psychologist in Roanoke Rapids, was kidnapped and robbed in early March, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office has previously said.

The sheriff’s office said two masked intruders invaded the home on Mulberry Court.

One of the intruders drove Dr. Alford to an undisclosed State Employees' Credit Union branch in Roanoke Rapids and forced her to withdraw money from an ATM, while the second intruder stayed in the home with her husband, John, the sheriff’s office said.

Dr. Alford was driven back to the house on Lake Gaston, where the intruders beat her husband before setting fire to the house while the Alfords were tied up inside.

Kearney has an April 25 court date in Warren County while Munn has a May 9 court date.

Said Hasty following this evening’s city council meeting where the officers were honored: “Working together, communicating and coming up with a plan and executing the plan resulted in the safe capture of this individual.”

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Other commendations

Hasty honored Officer C. Batchelor for sealing up the window of a vehicle in which a rock was thrown through. Batchelor used plastic to seal the window as rain was in the forecast. “This man gained nothing from this act of kindness and went out of his way to benefit us,” one of the victim’s family members said in a social media post.

Bestowed a lifesaving award to Moseley and Green; firefighters Austin Jarrett, Ben Sloan, Ramah Long and Bryan Hollowell; and Halifax EMS paramedics Nate Zabel and Jordan Williams.

Captain Andy Bryant of the police department recommended the award after first responders on April 3 responded to a residence and found a woman who wasn’t breathing.

Green and Moseley administered CPR on the victim who was in cardiac arrest.

EMS arrived and after several minutes of resuscitative efforts by all responding the victim regained a pulse and respiration.

Named Officer Matt Hunsucker and Moseley officers of the quarter based on their arrest and DWI numbers as well as routinely going above and beyond the call of duty.

“We have some dedicated employees who go out there and do a job not knowing whether they are going to come home at the end of their shift,” Hasty said.