“Family Dollar continues to grow and we’re thrilled to bring our wide assortment and great values to Roanoke Rapids,” said Heather Briganti, a company spokesperson. “We are proud to be part of the community and are looking forward to our grand opening.”
The store opens to the public on June 8, followed by a grand opening celebration for the community on June 10.
The grand opening will include giveaways and prizes, including a tablet and a drone, in addition, to the first 50 customers that Saturday receiving a Family Dollar gift card.
The store is 8,400-square feet and will be located at 5893 Highway 48.

Monday reports

At approximately 10:15 a.m., Officer H. Grimes arrested and charged Troy Antwan Herring, 24, of Roanoke Rapids, with possession of a firearm by felon.
He received a $5,000 bond and June 7 court date.
The charges stem from an investigation Grimes by after information was received Herring was in possession of a firearm inside a residence in the 200 block of Franklin Street.
Lieutenant P. Parks and Master Officer A. Salmon assisted with the investigation and arrest.

At approximately 2 p.m., Officer R. Cross responded to Walmart about a larceny.
Loss prevention told Cross Mark Jacob Lane, 17, of Ahoskie, and Deontray Lamont Drake, 20, of Union, took items.
Lane was found in possession of narcotics and charged with larceny, possession of stolen goods and possession of marijuana.
He received a $600 bond and a June 9 court date.
Drake was charged with larceny and possession of stolen goods. He received a $500 bond and June 9 court date.
Parks assisted.

Sunday reports

At approximately 1 a.m., Lieutenant C. Burnette, Sergeant M. Peck, Master Officer R. Ball and Officer G. Colson responded to a suspicious person call on Old Farm Road.
Trevon McKenzie Lynch, 21, of Hollister was arrested on numerous outstanding warrants and orders for arrest.
He was charged with hit/run property damage, no operator’s license, possession of marijuana and damage to property out of Nash County, and was also served three orders for arrest.
He received a $26,000 bond and July 19 court date.

Around noon, Master Officer G. Morris arrested and charged Matthew Cameron Charles Bradshaw, 18, of Roanoke Rapids, with two counts larceny of a motor vehicle, two counts possession of stolen goods, trespassing and injury to property.
He received an $8,000 bond and June 7 court date.
The charges stem from a report filed early that morning a dune buggy and motorcycle were taken from a residence in the 100 block of Monroe Street.
Morris identified Bradshaw as the suspect and the items were recovered.
Sgt. M. Moseley assisted with the investigation and arrest.

Saturday report

At approximately 8:45 p.m., Peck responded to a larceny at Walmart in which the suspect fled the store on a vehicle.
Peck located the vehicle on Old Farm Road and attempted to stop it.
The driver refused to stop for blue lights and sirens and continued within the speed limit to Southgate Drive.
The passenger ran from the vehicle and the driver, Glenn Kee, 42, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested and charged with driving while license revoked; fail to stop for blue lights and sirens and possession of stolen goods.
He received a $750 bond and July 14 court date.
The passenger was identified as David Stenette Jones, 46, of Littleton.
Warrants have been obtained for his arrest and he is encouraged to come to the police department and take care of this matter.
Anyone with information about Jones is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Friday report

At approximately 12:30 p.m., Officer J. Hardy conducted a traffic stop on East Tenth Street for a drug investigation.
During the investigation Terreant Gemayel Broady, 33, of Gaston, was found in possession of narcotics and a stolen firearm.
Broady was charged with possession with intent to sell/deliver marijuana, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, maintaining a vehicle to keep a controlled substance, possession of stolen goods, and possession of a firearm by felon.
He received a $2,500 bond and July 14 court date.
Officer S. Blythe assisted.

The camp will be July 11-13 at the Halifax County Agricultural Center on Ferrell Lane next to the courthouse and sheriff’s office. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and lunch, transportation, and T-shirts will be provided. Deadline for applying is June 19. The camp is for children ages 8-12.

(A registration form is provided as an attachment at the end of this story)

The camp is part of Sheriff Wes Tripp’s Benefiting the Children of Halifax County effort. “We want to put a positive face on law enforcement. It’s one of the many proactive initiatives we’re doing in the county.”
Tripp says there will be a wide range “of fun-filled law enforcement-based activities” and at the end of the camp those attending will receive a T-shirt and certificate of graduation.
A bike rodeo with bikes provided is planned and the sheriff is looking at doing a mini driving course with the office’s golf cart.
The camp gives the children an option for summer activities, the sheriff said. “Summer’s coming and kids and parents are looking for something to do. We hope it will be successful.”
Major Jay Burch said the camp will also provide anti-bullying information, teaching campers to be leaders instead of followers. A mock crime scene investigation is also planned. “It’s helping to build a rapport so the community doesn’t look at us as a threat but helps them understand we’re out there as a community resource.”
Tripp said no county tax dollars are being used and the event will be held through the help of sponsorships and monetary donations.

Godwin is graduating from the Southeast Halifax Trojans and will join the St. Andrews University Knights next fall.

Pictured above left to right are assistant coach Antione Alston, School Executive Ann Debreaux-Davis, Joshua Godwin, Godwin's Mother Terrie Norfleet, assistant coach Dontrell Powell and standing up is Southeast Halifax head coach Gregory Watford.

He was born in New London, Conn. Wallie was a graduate of Coastal Carolina Univ. He was an avid reader and loved animals.
Wallie was preceded in death by his father, Walter J. Wray,Jr.
Surviving are his wife, Debby Fread-Wray, of Raleigh,NC; mother, Peggy Cooke Wray, of Roanoke Rapids; sister, Wanda Wray Farley and her husband, David, of Raleigh,NC; niece, Anna Wray Farley and nephew, Eric Robert Farley.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm Thursday, June 1, 2017, at Cedarwood Cemetery with Rev. Layne Wallace officiating.
Wrenn, Clarke, & Hagan Funeral and Cremation Service is taking care of arrangements where the family will receive friends Thursday, June 1, 2017, from 12:30 until 1:45pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Saving Grace (919-772-2326); SPCA, 200 Petfinder La, Raleigh,NC 27603; Second Chance Pet Adoptions, 6003 Chapel Hill Rd, Raleigh,NC 27607.
Online condolences may be made to www.wrennclarkehagan.com

In Monday night Roanoke Valley Girls Softball u8 pitching machine action Enfield Cotton Gin defeated Piedmont Services 9-0 In the first game.

For Enfield Cotton Gin Emilee Campbell had 3 hits. Hayden Barlow,Chloe Long,Sofie Wade and Makayla Chambers had 2 hits. A'Lexus Roundtree,Makenzie Hamilton and Maggie Fowler had a hit.

For Piedmont Services Kaylee Edwards and Payton Odom had 2 hits. And Karson Ricks had also had a hit. Lainey Salmon 2 great defensive plays in the last inning to keep more runs from scoring.

ENFIELD COTTON Gin improves to 6-4-0 for the season Piedmont Services falls to 4-4-2.

In the second game Anytime Party Rental defeated All In One Auto 8-3.

For Anytime Party Rental Emily Williams,Meagan Davis,Madison Mathews and Sara Williams had 2 hits.Kyla Odom,Jayden Odom,Keyera Hedgepeth,Kailin Humphries and Hannah Peacock had hits.

For All In One Auto Kamryn Johnson,Peyton Kelly,Sky Moore and Redha Patel had 2 hits.Teagan Hamill,Reese Clary and Tamlin Garner had a hit.

Anytime Party Rental locks up first place in league with a record of 8-1-1 with 2 games to go. All In One Auto falls to 0-9-1.

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The event was held at Kirkwood Adams.
“We wanted a night set aside to honor the excellent work that goes on in our classrooms throughout the school year,” said Superintendent Dain Butler.
Tad Merritt of Belmont Elementary was named Assistant Principal of the Year in afield of nominees which included Lauren Hinnant of Manning and Angela Mallory of Chaloner.
Finalist were interviewed by a selection committee where they were given the opportunity to present an innovative or creative program or project implemented this year in their schools.

Support Person of the Year

That honor went to Roanoke Rapids High School nurse Emily Harris.
Other nominees were Mamie Burns of Belmont; Phyllis Pair of Manning; Maye Pearson of Chaloner; Wendy Byrum of Clara Hearne and Blair Wells of Central Services.

Principal of the Year

Jeff White of Chaloner was named 2017-2018 Principal of the Year.
White will go on to represent RRGSD at the regional level.
White thanked the district for honoring him and also thanked fellow nominee Mike Ferguson for his many years of service to the district.
Ferguson announced his retirement earlier this month.
“There are no runners-up. I’m honored to be in the company of such great educators who work tirelessly for the children of this community,” said White.

Teacher Ambassador

Last year’s Teacher Ambassador, Jeanne Johnson, introduced the 2017-2018 Teacher of the Year nominees saying, “These five finalist are outstanding teachers and are only a small selection of the dedicated and hard-working teachers we have here in our district. The children of our community are truly blessed to have such an amazing group of teaching professionals waiting to serve them daily in our classrooms across the district.”
Mary Durham, third grade teacher at Belmont Elementary, received this year’s honor.
She will go on to represent the district at the regional level.
Durham who comes from a family of educators said, “I’m so honored to represent this school district. I struggled as a young reader and that has been my mission as a teacher to give my students the same support I had as a child.”
Durham received hundreds of dollars in prizes and gift cards from local businesses and a golden apple trophy to display in her classroom. “My students keep asking if we won,if we won. I can’t wait to tell them.”
The nominees included Cindy Draper, of Manning Elementary School; Beth Hartson of Chaloner Middle School; Laura Manning of Roanoke Rapids High School and Angie Gowen of Clara Hearne Pre-K.

After losing in the second round of bracket play the Warriors would finish the tournament with a record of 2-2. "Overall I am proud of the effort given by the boys this weekend, we played hard and gave a lot of effort in each contest," stated head coach Troy McNair. "Before this tournament we had participated 2 other large AAU brand tournaments with an overall record of 1-8, improving to win 2 games this weekends shows our progress and gives us something to build on. Our average margin of defeat in this tournament was 6 points in previous tournaments such as this one we averaged a double digit margin of defeat," McNair added.

This past weekend the Warriors won 78-30, lost 80-75, won 61-56 and lost 60-53.

Scoring for Game one was unavailable but games 2-4 were as follows.

Tylek Smallwood 5, 2 and 3

Cadrilyus Squire 8, 4 and 2

Traveous Garner 9, 6 and 12

Micah Porch 2, 4 and 0

Nykim Stephens 0, 5 and 0

Danyus Daniels 9, 12 and 7

Isaiah Robinson 11, 9 and 5

Josh Norman 0, 5 and 0

Teven Vincent 6, 3 and 0

Poboigh King 23, 13 and 24

The Hurricanes went 3-0 to win 1st place.

The recommendation came during discussions on the upcoming fiscal year budget.
The proposal comes as the city continues to try to sell the venue and works to seek development of parcels around the facility. Scherer declined comment on the specifics on the projects being discussed.
Short of those options occurring, the city could close the doors of the venue, he said during the annual budget presentation, or council could consider allocating additional funds at the end of December for its continued operation
Scherer told council, “We’re going to market the facility as best we can. We still have a realtor and a couple of potential development (projects) may help us. We are trying to get things going out there. We’re not sitting around waiting for someone to walk in.”
Scherer said by fall he believes the city should know the best way to go with the theater. ‘I just think we’ll be in a better position to decide what’s the best option to go for theater operations.”
Councilman Wayne Smith said the decision comes down to expenses. “Because of the expense we can’t keep subsidizing the people who are putting on shows.”
City Finance Director Leigh Etheridge said $114,305 was budgeted in the upcoming fiscal year for maintenance of the building. Maintenance and utilities are the two biggest expenses for the building. That budget line also includes what she called a small amount for the cost of personnel.
“For the income we take in, it doesn’t come close,” Scherer said. “The theater is not self-supporting.”
The total income for all shows put on for the past year, Etheridge said, is about $30,000.
Scherer said the costs of keeping the theater open not only include the inside of the venue, but the streetlights throughout the entire area.
The public works department has implemented a new energy control pilot program at the venue. The system includes 17 wireless thermostats which can monitored in the building as well by cell phone.
The program has just started, he said.

City Manager Joseph Scherer presented the outline of the financial plan to council this afternoon.
There is no installment financing proposed for the upcoming fiscal year. The balanced $15,648,682 budget does not use fund balance to make up for shortfalls.
Scherer said the proposed budget is $900,000 less than last year’s.
The proposed financial plan recommends “very few capital items,” he told council. The list for capital items includes a new vehicle for planning and development; a leaf machine for public works; two commercial mowers and an increase in funding for street repairs.
In his proposed budget message, the city manager said, “The annual budgets produced during the past few years had required a very careful approach to revenues. This resulted in severely reduced capital spending and cost of living adjustments.
“This year’s budget attempts to address some of the more critical needs in salary and cost of living adjustments to bring our most valued resource, our employees, closer to median salary levels in their fields.”

(The proposed budget will be available online Thursday and a detailed copy will be available in the clerk’s office at city hall for public inspection. The public hearing on the proposed plan is scheduled for June 6 at 5:15 p.m. at Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall on Jackson Street. Budget adoption is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. on June 20 at the Andrews building)

The city’s projected tax levy is $6.602 million down about 3 percent.
Proposed sales tax revenues are expected to increase by 2.15 percent in the upcoming fiscal year, the city manager said. The proposed utility franchise tax is expected to increase by 10 percent.
Proposed Powell Bill funds are expected to remain the same as last year — $463,891.
The city is not recommending an increase in solid waste fees.
Meanwhile, Scherer said there will be no increase in the city’s group health insurance and life insurance and eye care were combined at no additional cost.
“We continue to present a recommended annual budget that is balanced, protects the investments made in the past, fosters a work environment that ensures the safety of those who serve the city and provides for services as economically and efficiently as possible.”

Halifax County Sheriff’s Office

Chief Deputy Scott Hall reported on Tuesday around 6:30 a.m., Deputy Steven Stansberry and Sergeant Travis Clark responded to Caledonia Correctional Institution about a correctional officer reportedly smuggling two cellular phones to an inmate.
After further investigation Clark arrested Bryan Mason, 25, of Roanoke Rapids, and charged him with attempting to provide a mobile device to an inmate.
The officer allegedly attempted to smuggle one of the phones in through his coat and the other inside his lunch container.
Prison officials caught the attempt before the phones were provided to the inmate.
Mason was placed in the Halifax County Detention Center under a $2,000 secured bond and received a court date of June 7.


On Sunday around 3 a.m.,Lieutenant Steven Casey stopped a Nissan Altima for speeding on Interstate 95 near the 171 mile marker.
During the stop Casey discovered a concealed handgun in the car along with a glass jar containing 11 individually wrapped bags of marijuana.
Casey issued the driver, Antonio Webb, 30 of Pleasant Hill, a North Carolina State Citation for speeding and carrying a concealed handgun.
He arrested Frederick Holiday, 42, of Roanoke Rapids, and charged him with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Holiday received a $2,000 secured bond and a June 14 court date.

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Scotland Neck Police Department

Captain Tommy Parker reported on Tuesday Officer C. Little stopped a 2017 Ford F-150 for speeding on Main Street.
Upon approaching the driver, Marque Jacobs, 24,of Tarboro, Little detected a strong odor of marijuana and noticed the driver acting nervous.
With the assistance of Chief John Tippett and Parker, Little detained Jacobs.
A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a stolen firearm, 1 ounce of crack cocaine, multiple bags of marijuana, and a large sum of cash.
Jacobs was arrested and brought before a Halifax County Magistrate where he received a $15,000 secured bond.
He was charged with possessing a stolen firearm, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver crack cocaine, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, carrying a concealed weapon, driving while license revoked on an impaired driving revocation, and speeding. Jacobs was held in the Halifax County Jail.

Enfield Police Department

Chief Tyree Davis reported on Tuesday around 4:30 p.m., he was monitoring the town’s camera system when he spotted someone later identified as a 15-year-old boy at Enfield Parks and Recreation waving a handgun.
It appeared on the video the boy was showing the firearm to others.
Davis contacted officers in the area.
When Detective Willie Murphy Jr. arrived on the scene, the boy with the gun ran to the rear of the building.
Davis watched the boy on video place the gun behind a trashcan and walk back to the group.
Davis relayed the information to Murphy, who went to the location and located a .40- caliber handgun.
Murphy returned to the others and detained the boy.
The boy’s guardian was contacted and he was released.
Murphy will obtain juvenile petitions and contacted a school resource officer.

Mrs. Ellington was born January 9, 1922 in Northampton County to the late Reuben Morgan and Ola Hedgepeth Morgan. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Erline Floyd; her brothers, Henry Morgan and Grady “Sue” Morgan.
She was a longtime member of South Rosemary United Methodist Church, Beloved Aunt who had many nieces and nephews that she helped raise and retired from Clark’s Department as a Department Manager.
Mrs. Ellington is survived by her niece and nephews, Cindy Robinson and her husband Roy of Stedman, NC, Chuck Floyd and his wife Nancy of Roanoke Rapids and Jeff Morgan and his wife Debbie of Charlotte, NC, Linda Tipton and her husband Maurice of Aurelian Springs; her great-niece and great-nephews, Tom Floyd and his wife Shannon of Clayton, John Floyd and his wife Mallory of Morehead City, Morgan Robinson of Stedman, Scott and Robbie Morgan both of Charlotte, Tom Elliott and his wife Windy of Emporia, VA and Andrea Storey of Roanoke Rapids.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, June 2, 2017 at South Rosemary United Methodist Church with Rev. Sue Owens officiating. Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7:00 - 8:30 P.M. Thursday, June 1, 2017 at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service and other times at the home of Chuck Floyd.
Memorials may be made to South Rosemary United Methodist Church General Fund, 108 Highway 158 West, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

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

She graduated with a teaching degree from Georgia State College for Women and taught elementary school several years. During the war she worked in Atlanta for the state credit union.
In 1949, she was setup on a blind date by her cousin Gene with a fellow G.I. Bill veterinary student at Auburn — Bennette Carraway. They were married in 1950 in Knoxville, TN by her brother-in-law, Joe Mack, who coincidently, had been pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in Roanoke Rapids some years earlier.
They first lived in Warrenton,NC, with Bennette’s first job as a veterinarian. They moved to Weldon in 1952 to take over the existing veterinary practice on Washington Avenue in South Weldon.
In 1954, they built the Roanoke Animal Hospital located on Julian Allsbrook Highway in Roanoke Rapids where he practiced until he died in 1982.
Kathryn is survived by her son, Michael B. Carraway, of Canton,NC; daughters, Cathy Carraway Sebastian of Chester,VA(husband, Stan and sons, Bennette & Britt), Melissa Carraway Lemmond, of Henderson,NC(husband, Fred, children, Mary Catherine and Eric, Allyson Lemmond Smith and Katie Lemmond Mullinix (their husbands and children), and her two cats, Blackie and Callie.
Kathryn was a kind, sweet woman with a great sense of humor. She devoted her life to her family, saying often her time with Bennette was cut way too short.
Her greatest joys were her children, grandchildren and pets, laughing with and often at them all.
She was a member of the First Presbytrian Church of Roanoke Rapids since 1952 where she made many life-long friends and enjoyed participating in lots of Church activities, including the “Friday morning Bulletin Club” with her buddies (homemade beverages provided by Irma Speight).
She was a loyal friend to her long-time neighbors in Weldon and was always so appreciative to have such good friends, neighbors, and family (Blakes and Carraways). Kathryn enjoyed her long life of 95 years and felt truly blessed to the very end.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church in Roanoke Rapids or to any animal or rescue organization of choice. She did love her animals and had dozens (all strays) over her many years.
Arrangements are in the care of Wrenn, Clarke,& Hagan Funeral and Cremation Service.
A visitation, with lunch provided, will be held Friday, June 2, 2017, from 11:30 am to 1:00pm in the Loy Building of the First Presbyterian Church on Fifth Street in Roanoke Rapids.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, June 2, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Joe Sandoval officiating. Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made to www.wrennclarkehagan.com

She was born on August 11, 1927 to the late Arthur Wynns and Ruth Shaw Gregory. She was preceded in death by her Husband, of sixty one years, William Con Proctor, Jr. who was a World War Two veteran, her brother, Henry Shaw Gregory and her sister, Elizabeth Gregory Preston.

A graduate of Weldon High School, Ruth went on to graduate from UNC Greensboro and went to work as an X-ray technician and a medical technician at Park View Hospital in Rocky Mount, NC, Watts Hospital in Durham, NC and at a private medical practice in Raleigh. Ruth was an active member of  St. Marks Episcopal Church in Halifax, Halifax Garden Club, Halifax Historical Society, Halifax Preservation Society, the Daughter’s of the American Revolution, the Colonial Dames, and the First Family of North Carolina.

Survivors include, her daughter, Helen P. Partridge and her husband, Ed of Concord, NC; her two sons, William C. Proctor, III and his wife Cindy of Ashville, NC, Rev. Fredrick Gregory Proctor and his wife, Debbie of Jackson Mississippi; her seven grandchildren, Jason Partridge, Marshall Partridge, Greer Proctor- Dickson, James Proctor, Cyrus Proctor, William Partridge and Ruth Partridge; and her two great-grandchildren, Alexander J. Partridge and James Dickson; her two sisters, Jean Gregory of Chapel Hill and Jessie Lutz of Chapel Hill; and her two brothers, Arthur Gregory Jr. of  Ohio, and Frederick Gregory of  Havre de Grace MD.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Halifax, NC with Rev. Ben Duffy officiating.

Interment will follow in St. Mark’s Episcopal Cemetery in Halifax.

Sentencing of Antonio Tillmon, the only person to not take a plea in the case, will occur September 12 in Greenville.
Wednesday Howard set June 14 and 15 as sentencing dates.
At 1 p.m. on June 14 sentencings are scheduled for Lann Tjuan Clanton, Ikeisha Jacobs, Jason Boone and Wardie Vincent Jr. Vincent was the first to take a plea in the case.

The first sentencings on June 15 are scheduled at 9 a.m. at the federal courthouse in Greenville are for Adrienne Moody, Cory Jackson, Jimmy Pair Jr., Curtis Boone and Alaina Sue-Kam-Ling.

The remaining defendants are scheduled for sentencing on June 15 at 1 p.m. in Greenville. They are Kavon Phillips, Crystal Pierce, Alphonso Ponton, Thomas Jefferson Allen II and Tohsa Rochelle Dailey.
According to previous reports gathered from documents contained in the federal court record their involvement in the conspiracy and background is as follows:

Clanton

A former correctional officer in Virginia and Weldon police officer

Number of Counts: 19

Mandatory minimum sentence: 90 years

Number of operations not including arrest operation: 13

Date of first operation: 22 Aug. 2013

Total amount of purported drugs transported: 55 kg cocaine; 60 kg heroin

Total amount of purported drug proceeds transported: $3,000,000

Total bribe/illicit payments received: $41,350 cash; Rolex watch (value of $9,000)

Selected Additional Evidence

First defendant to participate in investigation; stated that he had conducted robberies of vehicles he stopped with money or drugs, and had stated during robberies, “We can do this two ways. You can hand it over right here or I can call a K9 and get a search warrant.”

FBI learned that he was paid by known criminals to take official police action in exchange for cash payments; assumed leadership role in the drug trafficking operation; recruited others for the DTO; told undercover agent that he was useful to her because he had police shirt and gun; committed extortion offense with visible firearm; attended interdiction class taught by Vincent on how to avoid law enforcement detection while transporting drugs for the DTO; carried firearm during Operation 15.

Post-Arrest Admissions

Transporting drugs and drug proceeds; carrying firearm during operations; knew others were carrying firearms during operations.

Jacobs

A former sergeant with the Northampton County Sheriff's Office, Weldon police officer, North Carolina correctional officer

Number of Counts: 20

Mandatory minimum sentence: 40 years

Number of operations not including arrest operation: 8

Date of first operation: 7 Nov. 2013

Total amount of purported drugs transported: 25 kg cocaine; 30 kg heroin

Total amount of purported drug proceeds transported: $3,000,000

Total bribe/illicit payments received: $23,420 cash; Rolex watch (value of $2,750)

Selected Additional Evidence

Attended initial DTO recruitment meeting in uniform and in patrol car; assumed leadership role in the DTO; recruited others for the DTO; stated that for the past three years she had been transporting drugs and drug proceeds for a real DTO; attempted to broker a deal between two DTOs; at her request, the DTO paid for her to attend the 2014 North Carolina Narcotics Officers Conference so she could alert the DTO to sensitive law enforcement information she learned at conference; pulled out firearm in vehicle in Operation 4 and racked bullet into chamber; carried firearm in small of her back in Operation 12; attended interdiction class taught by Vincent on how to avoid law enforcement detection while transporting drugs for the DTO.

Post-Arrest Admissions

Transporting drugs and drug proceeds; carrying firearm during operations; knew others were carrying firearms during operations.

Jason Boone

A former captain with the Northampton County Sheriff's Office

Number of Counts: 21

Mandatory minimum sentence: 65 years

Number of operations not including arrest operation: 8

Date of first operation: 20 Feb. 2014

Total amount of purported drugs transported: 45 kg cocaine; 60 kg heroin

Total amount of purported drug proceeds transported: $2,250,000

Total bribe/illicit payments received: $15,500

Selected Additional Evidence

Attended interdiction class taught by Vincent on how to avoid law enforcement detection while transporting drugs for the DTO.

Post-Arrest Admissions

Transporting drugs and drug proceeds; carrying firearm during operations; recruiting others for the DTO.

Vincent

A former detective sergeant with the Northampton County Sheriff's Office and Virginia correctional officer

Number of Counts before plea: 11

Mandatory minimum sentence before plea: 40 years

Number of operations including arrest operation: 8

Date of first operation: 19 Dec. 2013

Total amount of purported drugs transported: 45 kg cocaine; 50 kg heroin

Total amount of purported drug proceeds transported: $2,750,000

Total bribe/illicit payments received: $18,500

Selected Additional Evidence

According to information from FBI, associates with known drug dealers; proposed and taught interdiction class to co-defendants on how to avoid law enforcement detection while transporting drugs for the DTO; drove load 2 vehicle in Operation 9; discussed how to recruit others, including a family member, for the DTO and expansion of the DTO to Virginia and New Jersey; was in possession of his NCSO badge on the day of arrest though he resigned from NCSO in April 2013.

Post-Arrest Admissions

Transporting drugs and drug proceeds; carrying firearm during operation on day of arrest, which he stated was given to him by Jackson.

Moody

A former North Carolina correctional officer

Number of Counts: 9

Mandatory minimum sentence: 40 years

Number of operations not including arrest operation: 6

Date of first operation: 19 Dec. 2013

Total amount of purported drugs transported: 25 kg cocaine; 30 kg heroin

Total amount of purported drug proceeds transported: $2,750,000

Total bribe/illicit payments received: $14,600

Selected Additional Evidence

Asked member of the DTO to front her 10 kg of drugs so she could distribute them on her own; attended pre-operation meeting with members of the DTO during which location of drugs in load vehicle and firearms were discussed and indicated she would be carrying a firearm the following day.

Post-Arrest Admissions

Transporting drugs and drug proceeds; stated she was not carrying firearm but knew others were carrying firearms.

Jackson

A former deputy with the Northampton County Sheriff's Office

Number of Counts: 12

Mandatory minimum sentence: 65 years

Number of operations not including arrest operation: 7

Date of first operation: 20 Feb. 2014

Total amount of purported drugs transported: 45 kg cocaine; 50 kg heroin

Total amount of purported drug proceeds transported: $2,250,000

Total bribe/illicit payments received: $14,000

Selected Additional Evidence

Instructed members of the DTO to watch their speed to avoid law enforcement detection during an operation; helped load tractor trailer with drugs in Operation 8; recruited Pair and Allen; was in possession of his NCSO ID card on the day of arrest though he left the NCSO in 2013.

Post-Arrest Admissions

None

Pair

A former lieutenant with the Northampton County Sheriff's Office

Number of Counts: 17

Mandatory minimum sentence: 65 years

Number of operations not including arrest operation: 6

Date of first operation: 20 May 2014

Total amount of purported drugs transported: 20 kg cocaine; 60 kg heroin

Total amount of purported drug proceeds transported: None

Total bribe/illicit payments received: $11,500

Selected Additional Evidence

Carried firearm in Operations 8 and 15; drove load vehicle in Operation 16; recruited another defendant to join the DTO.

Post-Arrest Admissions

Transporting drugs; carrying firearm during operations; recruiting another defendant for the DTO.

Curtis Boone

A former Northampton County Sheriff's Office deputy

Number of Counts: 14

Mandatory minimum sentence: 65 years

Number of operations not including arrest operation: 6

Date of first operation: 24 Apr. 2014

Total amount of purported drugs transported: 20 kg cocaine; 50 kg heroin

Total amount of purported drug proceeds transported: $1,500,000

Total bribe/illicit payments received: $10,000

Selected Additional Evidence

Attended meeting with undercover agents, whom he believed to be members of the DTO, while working security at Northampton County High School in police uniform and with service weapon; present for discussion with undercover agents about recruiting more law enforcement officers for the DTO, including expanding outside North Carolina.

Post-Arrest Admissions

Transporting drugs and drug proceeds; carrying firearm during operations.


Sue-Kam-Ling

A former North Carolina correctional officer

Number of Counts before plea: 7

Mandatory minimum sentence before plea: 40 years

Number of operations not including arrest operation: 3

Date of first operation: 20 Aug. 2014

Total amount of purported drugs transported: 30 kg heroin

Total amount of purported drug proceeds transported: None

Total bribe/illicit payments received: $6,500

Selected Additional Evidence

Passenger in load vehicle in Operation 12; carried a firearm in Operation 16 given to her by Tillmon; attended pre-operation meeting with members of the DTO during which location of drugs in load vehicle and firearms were discussed.

Post-Arrest Admissions

Doing something wrong but stated (not credibly in the court’s eyes) that she was just taking a road trip; carrying a firearm but stated (not credibly in the court’s eyes) that it was for personal reasons.

Phillips

A former North Carolina correctional officer

Number of Counts before plea: 7

Mandatory minimum sentence before plea: 40 years

Number of operations not including arrest operation: 3

Date of first operation: 20 Aug. 2014

Total amount of purported drugs transported: 30 kg heroin

Total amount of purported drug proceeds transported: None

Total bribe/illicit payments received: $6,500

Selected Additional Evidence

Helped unload drugs in Operation 12; passenger in load vehicle in Operation 16.

Post-Arrest Admissions

Transporting drugs and proceeds; carrying firearm the day he was arrested; stated (not credibly in the court’s eyes) that no one else had carried firearms until day of arrest.

Ponton

A former correctional sergeant in Virginia

Number of Counts: 6

Mandatory minimum sentence: 40 years

Number of operations not including arrest operation: 2

Date of first operation: 16 Dec. 2014

Total amount of purported drugs transported: 20 kg heroin

Total amount of purported drug proceeds transported: None

Total bribe/illicit payments received: $2,500

Selected Additional Evidence

Carried firearm in Operation 13.

Post-Arrest Admissions

Transporting drugs; knew others were carrying firearms during operations; stated that day of arrest was the first time he carried a firearm.

Allen

A former sergeant and deputy in the Northampton County Sheriff's Office and former deputy in Halifax and Gates counties

Number of Counts: 4

Mandatory minimum sentence: 10 years

Number of operations not including arrest operation: 1

Date of first operation: 18 June 2014

Total amount of purported drugs transported: 20 kg cocaine

Total Amount of Purported Drug Proceeds Transported: None

Total bribe/illicit payments received: $2,000

Selected Additional Evidence

Informed the DTO of his ties to Russia, the former KGB, and the Russian mafia; offered to connect members of the DTO with criminal associates in Russia so the DTO could expand operations; formerly lived in Russia and wife is from Russia; repeatedly stated he wanted to recruit federal law enforcement officers to join the DTO; informed the DTO how to avoid law enforcement detection, including how to avoid GPS tracking through cell phones and advising that communications should be by text messaging only; made numerous incriminating statements in a subsequent interview to Halifax County Sheriff’s Office while claiming that he had been investigating the DTO, including that he had unsuccessfully tried to recruit law enforcement officers to join the DTO’s operations, that he was scared he would receive a target letter, that he had participated in federal crimes, and that he was requesting immunity from prosecution.

Post-Arrest Admissions

Transporting drugs; carrying firearms during operation in same manner as the day of arrest.

Documents were not included for Pierce or Dailey.

Junior Varsity Football:

MVP: J.T. Simmons

Most Improved Player: Hunter Francis

LM: Michael Smith

Varsity Football:

MVP: Josh Byrd

Most Improved Players: McKinley Jordan and Cole Rose

Def. LM: Nick Trevino

Off. LM: Chandler Howell

Sparkplug: Austin Bradley

Dave Davis Award: Ryan Rowe

Off. Player: Peyton Galloway

Def. Player: Kevin Taylor

Varsity Tennis:

MVP: Carly Stephenson

Most Improved Player: Hannah Drewette

Cheer:

MVP: Caroline Futrell

Junior Varsity Volleyball:

MVP: Allie Liverman and Savannah Martin

Most Improved Player: Sarah Kate Ricks

Varsity Volleyball:

MVP: Melanie Mackie

Most Improved Player: Hailey Stroud

Leadership: Haley Jilcott

Junior Varsity Girls Basketball:

MVP: Carly Stephenson MIP: Emalee Jones and Savannah Martin

Varsity Girls Basketball:

MVP: Haley Jilcott

Most Improved Players: Marie Davis and Carson Johnson

Leadership: Haley Jilcott

Junior Varsity Boys Basketball:

MVP: J.T. Simmons

Most Improved Player: Michael Smith

Varsity Boys Basketball:

MVP: L.J. Barnes

Most Improved Player: Justin Jones

Leadership: Ryan Rowe

Junior Varsity Shooting Team:

MVP: Josh Simmons, Gracie Baker, Hunter Futrell, Ethan Mayle, and Everette Sumner

Most Improved Player: Gracie Baker

Varsity Shooting Team:

MVP: Avery Brown

Most Improved Player: L.J. Barnes

Leadership: Gracie Baker

Golf:

MVP: Jon Stephenson and Cole Rose

Junior Varsity Softball:

MVP: Jessie Martin

Most Improved Player: Savannah Martin

Varsity Softball:

MVP: Tracy Clark

Most Improved Player: Hannah Drewette

Leadership: Lauren Flythe

Junior Varsity Baseball:

MVP: Brandyn Polson

Most Improved Player: Hunter Futrell

Golden Glove: Michael Smith

Highest Bat. Avg.: Alex Galloway

Varsity Baseball:

MVP: ****

Most Improved Player: Noah Lassiter

Leadership: Cole Rose

Huck Bolton Award:

Josh Byrd

Highest High School Academic Avg.:

Ryan Rowe and Carly Stephenson

Senior Eagles:

Josh Byrd

Lauren Flythe

Jeffrey Flythe

Tracy Clark

Cole Rose

Cole Deloatch

Peyton Galloway

Austin Bradley

Rebecca Sykes

Cassie Revelle

Savannah Revelle

Haley Jilcott

Chandler Howell

Girl Winners: 

Left to right:  Haley Jilcott, Gracie Baker, Sarah Kate Ricks, Lauren Flythe

2nd row:  Allie Liverman, Carson Johnson, Haley Stroud,  Tracy Clark, Jessie Martin

3rd row:  Melanie Mackie, Caroline Futrell, Summer Warmack, Savannah Revelle, Hannah Drewette

4th row:  Emalee Jones, Savannah Martin

Boy Winners:

Left to right:  Alex Galloway, McKinley Jordan, Chandler Howell, Austin Bradley, Peyton Galloway, Cole Rose

2nd row:  L.J. Barnes, Nick Trevino, Noah Lassiter, Justin Jones, Ryan Rowe, Josh Byrd, Avery Brown

3rd row:  Hunter Francis, J.T. Simmons, Jon Stephenson, Michael Smith, Brandyn Polson, Josh Simmons, Hunter Futrell, Ethan Mayle, Everette Sumner

Assault call

Around 7 a.m., Chief Chuck Hasty said officers responded to a call of a man assaulting a woman at the intersection of Highway 158 and Old Farm Road.
They found Trevor Harvey, 27, of Roanoke Rapids, in the roadway and found the victim sustained minor injuries from the assault.
Officer J. Spragins arrested and charged Harvey with assault on a female, interfering with emergency communications, damage to property and impeding the flow of traffic.
Hasty said the interfering with emergency communications and damage to property counts stem from Harvey reportedly smashing the victim’s phone.
He was jailed without opportunity for bond and has a June 16 court date.
The victim was treated by Halifax County EMS on scene.
Lieutenant P. Parks and Officer H. Grimes assisted.

Weapon, drug charges

Hasty also reported Officer R. Cross conducted a traffic stop on Roanoke Avenue near the intersection of Tenth Street.
Tyquane Tyrone Johnson, 22, of Rich Square, was found in possession of a stolen firearm and narcotics.
He was arrested and charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm by felon, possession of a stolen firearm, carry a concealed weapon, maintaining a vehicle for keeping a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He received a $15,000 bond and June 7 court date.
Parks and Master Officer A. Salmon assisted.

City County Drug Task Force Captain A.M. Harris said Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Deputy M.A. Bishop received information on drug activity coming from a residence in the 1100 block of Washington Avenue.
Agent C.A. Parker followed up on Bishop’s report and applied for a search warrant after further investigation.
The task force executed the search warrant with assistance from Bishop and Weldon police Officer L. Melton.

The ensuing search, which led to the arrest of Frederick Epps, 35, yielded 27 hydrocodone pills, three handguns, two digital scales, a razor blade and rolling papers.
Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant J. Bozard and his dog, Fino, assisted.
Parker arrested and charged Epps with trafficking opium, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by felon, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He received a $10,000 bond and June 7 court date.