Master Officer Gerald Morris wrote in his report Guo was swimming at the Roanoke Rapids Lake Park with a friend around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.
It appeared they swam 5 or 6 feet past the designated buoy and for reasons undetermined Guo began to panic and went under water.
Witnesses called 911 and rescue efforts began immediately. The boy, who was located in a dense bed of hydrilla, was recovered just after 3 p.m.
An autopsy is pending.
Deputy Chief Andy Jackson declined comment on the report this morning.

A memorandum in aid of sentencing spells out the government’s requested range.
The memo filed Wednesday in the federal court record does not include an outline for the first person to take a plea in the case, Wardie Vincent Jr. Previous documents filed indicate he could face 9 to 11 ½ years in the case.
Clanton could face 11 ¼ years to 14 years. Jacobs could face 10 years, according to the document filed by United States States Attorney John Stuart Brice.
Antonio Tillmon, the only person to not take a plea, was recently found guilty and will be sentenced in September.
In the preface to the 32-page document Brice writes, “Honorable law enforcement officers take risks and make sacrifices to secure public safety and to honor the trust the public bestows on them. The defendants before the court instead exploited their law enforcement affiliations for personal gain, accepting thousands of dollars in bribes to serve as an armed guard service for what they believed was a criminal drug trafficking organization.
“Such a gross abuse of the public trust demands serious punishment. Accordingly, the government recommends that each defendant receive a custodial sentence commensurate with his or her role in the drug, weapons, and bribery crimes committed.”

Sentencing is expected next week in Greenville.

Offense conduct

In April 2013, in response to allegations of systemic corruption in the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation opened an undercover investigation in which undercover agents posed as members of a drug trafficking organization.
In their roles, the undercover agents informed the defendants that the DTO sought law enforcement officers who would act as armed guards for illegal narcotics and narcotics proceeds as the drugs and money were moved along the East Coast.
“The defendants willingly joined the enterprise and in many cases, recruited others to join as well,” the document says. “In the course of the investigation, fifteen individuals were recorded transporting purported illegal narcotics and narcotics proceeds for the DTO in exchange for bribe payments. Many defendants carried firearms and their law enforcement credentials during the illicit activity.”

Clanton: Recommended sentence 11 ¼ to 14 years

The FBI initiated its investigation because of reports Clanton, a sworn law enforcement officer, was involved in selling illegal drugs and associated with known drug dealers.
“Throughout the investigation, which began in August 2013 and lasted almost two years, Clanton, a former police officer with the Weldon Police Department, proved that those allegations were true,” Brice wrote.
Clanton started on August 22, 2013, when he extorted $10,000 in an armed robbery of an undercover agent whom he thought was a drug courier. “Stretching to his arrest in April 2015, Clanton participated enthusiastically in repeated operations as an armed guard for purported illegal drugs and drug proceeds across state borders.
“Perhaps more importantly, Clanton was the corrupt root from which the conspiracy grew to include fourteen other individuals willing to aid what they believed was a drug trafficking organization.”
Clanton’s first involvement with the DTO was to willingly commit armed robbery.
On August 22, 2013, having been told by an FBI undercover agent that a money courier for the DTO would be staying at a hotel, Clanton planned to rob the purported courier.
He went to the hotel room with his gun and handcuffs and announced that he was a police officer. Clanton then announced to the courier — who, unbeknownst to Clanton, was another undercover agent — that “we can do this two ways: I can take the money and go, or I can call my friends,” implying the courier could give Clanton the money and remain silent, or he could be arrested.
The undercover agent provided Clanton the $10,000 in cash he had demanded, and he took it and left the room. “Notably, the words that Clanton used as he conducted this robbery echoed the words he had previously told an FBI source that he had used when he was an on-duty police officer and extorted those he stopped, keeping their contraband for himself.”

Assisting the DTO

From that time, Clanton not only continued to assist the DTO with the transportation of purported drugs or drug proceeds on more than 10 separate occasions, he assumed a leadership role and actively recruited five additional defendants, whose roles he assigned and whose participation he supervised.
In January 2014, as he began to recruit additional co-conspirators, Clanton attended an interdiction class taught by Vincent, one of Clanton’s recruits. “This class used Clanton’s and Vincent’s law enforcement training and experience for the perverse purpose of teaching the members of the conspiracy to avoid legitimate law enforcement detection while transporting illegal narcotics,” the memorandum says.
In addition to the five people he successfully recruited, Clanton unsuccessfully tried to bring another Northampton County deputy sheriff into the conspiracy in May 2014, going so far as to arrange a meeting between the undercover agents and the potential recruit. “After the deputy sheriff heard the description of the organization, and even that he would be paid $2,000 per operation, he refused to participate.”
In April 2014, Clanton and his co-conspirators started to transport purported drugs as well as purported drug proceeds.
Clanton accepted from the DTO a trip to Miami where he met on a yacht with undercover agents posing as members of the DTO and accepted from them a Rolex watch worth $9,000.
“Early in the investigation, Clanton told an undercover FBI agent that he would be useful to the DTO because he had a police shirt and gun, and, as he ultimately admitted upon his arrest, he followed through on this promise and carried a firearm during the operations.”
At the time of his arrest, Clanton was carrying a .40-caliber semiautomatic pistol with ample ammunition.
In total, Clanton attempted to transport 65 kilograms of cocaine, 40 kilograms of heroin, and $2,250,000 in illegal narcotics proceeds. For these actions, he received $41,350 in extortion proceeds and payments.

Jacobs: Recommended sentence 10 years

Jacobs, a deputy sheriff with the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, was the second defendant to participate in the investigation. “After she was recruited by Lann Tjuan Clanton, Jacobs quickly established herself as an eager participant in the DTO’s activities, and ultimately recruited and organized her own team of co-conspirators,” Brice wrote.
Clanton introduced Jacobs to the undercover agents posing as drug traffickers in October 2014, at a meeting she attended in uniform and in her patrol car, while on duty. “In the ensuing months, Jacobs assisted Clanton in transporting purported drug proceeds and helped him recruit additional co-conspirators, including Adrienne Moody, who would ultimately form a separate team with Jacobs.”
In April 2014, Jacobs traveled to Miami on a trip funded by the purported DTO, met undercover agents posing as drug traffickers on a yacht, and accepted a Rolex watch worth more than $2,000.
In the summer of 2014, Jacobs asked the DTO pay to send her to the 2014 North Carolina Narcotics Officer Conference, a law enforcement training session to which her sheriff’s office would not pay to send her. “Jacobs stated that she would share the information she received with the DTO to help avoid detection. The DTO agreed to pay for the conference and Jacobs attended.”

Previous DTO ties

Jacobs also stated to undercover agents that she had previously worked with a different DTO doing similar work and proposed she begin regularly purchasing large kilogram amounts of cocaine that she would then resell on her own.
“Jacobs understood that the DTO was seeking law enforcement officers to assist it, and she and her teammate Adrienne Moody successfully recruited corrections officers Alaina Sue-Kam-Ling and Kavon Phillips, as well as Antonio Tillmon, a Windsor police officer.
“Because undercover agents had rebuffed Jacobs’ efforts to introduce individuals without law enforcement affiliations into the organization, Jacobs coached Crystal Pierce, who had no connection to law enforcement, to lie to the agents and claim she was a correctional officer.”
Brice said Jacobs participated in operations with the DTO with full understanding that she was expected to use her gun and badge if necessary. “Undercover agents observed that Jacobs was armed during the operations, and on the day she was arrested, Jacobs possessed a loaded semi-automatic handgun.”
In total, Jacobs participated in eight operations, attempting to transport 35 kilograms of cocaine, 30 kilograms of heroin, and $2,250,000 in illegal drug proceeds. In return, she accepted approximately $25,250 in bribes.

Jason Boone: Recommended sentence 9 to 11 ¼ years

A deputy sheriff with the NCSO, Boone was recruited early in the course of the investigation by Clanton.
Beginning in February 2014, Boone went on to participate in seven operations over the course of more than a year.
Boone attended the interdiction class given by Vincent “in which the conspirators with law enforcement experience, including Boone, turned that training on its head and used it to subvert the law rather than uphold it.”
Boone also assisted in the recruitment of co-conspirators Jimmy Pair and Cory Jackson, who were respectively a current and former deputy sheriff with the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.
Boone had with him a loaded semi-automatic pistol and ankle holster on day of arrest.
In total, Boone attempted to transport 55 kilograms of cocaine, 40 kilograms of heroin, and $1,500,000 in illegal drugs.
In return, he accepted approximately $15,500 in bribes.

Moody: Recommended sentence 8 to 10 years

Moody, a correctional officer with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, first joined in activities with the DTO in February 2014, when she transported what she believed to be illegal drug proceeds.
Ultimately, Moody participated in six operations guarding what she believed to be drugs and drug proceeds.
On more than one operation, Moody traveled in the vehicle in which purported drugs were hidden for transportation.
She also demonstrated a willingness to become more deeply involved in the drug trade; on March 26, 2015, Moody asked one of the undercover agents, whom she believed to be a drug trafficker, to sell her 10 kilograms of cocaine so she could resell it herself.
Moody understood the DTO was seeking law enforcement officers to assist it, and she helped Jacobs successfully recruit corrections officers Alaina Sue-Kam-Ling and Kavon Phillips. In order to expand the conspiracy and to collect a bonus recruitment bribe, Moody represented to undercover officers that Crystal Pierce, who had no connection to law enforcement, was a correctional officer.
In total, Moody attempted to transport 35 kilograms of cocaine, 30 kilograms of heroin, and $2,000,000 in illegal drug proceeds. In return, she accepted approximately $14,500 in bribes.

Jackson: Recommended sentence 9 to 11 ¼ years

Jackson, a former deputy sheriff with the NCSO, joined the conspiracy early in the investigation, in February 2014, and ultimately strategized and recruited for the purported drug trafficking organization.
Upon payment in his very first operation on February 20, 2014, Jackson warned his co-conspirators to watch their speed when driving, presumably to avoid detection by legitimate law enforcement.
On October 22, 2014, he assisted in loading packages of sham drugs into a tractor-trailer. He actively and successfully recruited two other co-conspirators, Jimmy Pair Jr. and Thomas Jefferson Allen II, both deputy sheriffs in the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.
At the time of his arrest, Jackson was carrying his NCSO credentials, even though he was no longer employed as a law enforcement officer.
In total, Jackson participated in six operations and attempted to transport 30 kilograms of cocaine and 40 kilograms of heroin.
In return,he accepted approximately $11,000 in payments.

Pair: Recommended sentence 7 ¼ to 9 years

Pair was a deputy with the NCSO when he was recruited by Jackson in May 2014.
Over the course of the six operations in which he participated, Pair took an active role, carrying a firearm and, on one occasion, driving the vehicle in which the sham drugs had been loaded.
In addition, Pair recruited into the conspiracy Tohsa Dailey, a 911 emergency dispatch operator with whom he had a romantic relationship.
At the time of his arrest on April 30, 2015, Pair had with him his badge as well as a semi-automatic rifle, semi-automatic pistol, and two magazines and sufficient ammunition for each firearm.
In total, Pair attempted to transport 30 kilograms of cocaine and 40 kilograms of heroin. In return, he accepted approximately $11,000 in bribes.

Curtis Boone: Recommended sentence 7 ¼ to 9 years

Curtis Boone, a deputy sheriff with the NCSO, first agreed to meet with the undercover officers posing as drug traffickers in February 2014, and he arranged to do so at Northampton County High School, where he was working as an off-duty officer in uniform and wearing his service weapon.
In that meeting, Boone expressed his willingness to participate in operations. During one operation, Boone drove the car in which the purported drugs had been hidden; on another date, he displayed his firearm to an agent.
Over the course of the investigation, Boone participated in six operations, and attempted to transport 30 kilograms of cocaine, 30 kilograms of heroin, and $1,500,000 in illegal drug proceeds. In return, he accepted approximately $10,000 in bribes.
At the time of his arrest, Boone had with him his Northampton County Sheriff’s Office identification, as well as a semi-automatic pistol with sufficient ammunition.

Allen: Recommended sentence 7 ¼ to 9 years

When he first participated in an operation in May 2014, Allen was a deputy sheriff at the NCSO. “And though Allen participated in only one operation, his participation was notable: he enthusiastically attempted to further the DTO by offering advice and strategy, and by attempting to recruit others. In particular, he stated to the undercover officers, whom he believed to be drug traffickers, that he had ties to criminal associates in Russia and that he wanted to connect the DTO to a criminal network in Russia.”
He provided advice on how to avoid being monitored through GPS functions on cell phones. Allen tried unsuccessfully to recruit a former Halifax County Deputy Sheriff, who declined to participate, and Allen told undercover agents that he wanted to recruit others into the organization.
In total, Allen attempted to transport 20 kilograms of cocaine and accepted approximately $2,000 in bribes.
At the time of his arrest, Allen was carrying his badge, a semi-automatic pistol and ammunition, and he admitted to having carried the pistol during his operation with the DTO.

Sue-Kam-Ling: Recommended sentence 4 ¼ to 5.9 years

Sue-Kam-Ling, a correctional officer with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, was recruited by Jacobs and Moody to participate in activities with the DTO in August 2014.
She was one of the members of “Team Two,” the separate team started by Jacobs and Moody in a split from Clanton’s “Team One.”
Sue-Kam-Ling ultimately participated in three operations, guarding purported heroin across state borders, before returning a fourth time on her arrest date.
In October 2014, she rode in the car in which the sham drugs were hidden.
During her third operation on March 26, 2015, Sue-Kam-Ling accepted a gun from her co-conspirator, Tillmon. On the day of her arrest, Sue- Kam-Ling had her North Carolina Department of Public Safety identification, a semi-automatic pistol, and ammunition.
In total, Sue-Kam-Ling attempted to transport 10 kilograms of cocaine and 30 kilograms of heroin. In return, she accepted approximately $6,500 in payments.

Kavon Philips: Recommended sentence 4 ¼ to 5.9 years

Phillips, a correctional officer with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, was recruited by Jacobs and Moody to join “Team Two” in August 2014.
During his second operation in October 2014, Phillips assisted with the unloading of packages of sham drugs from one car to be moved to a hidden compartment in another car.
On the day of his arrest, Phillips was carrying a semi-automatic handgun and ammunition.
In total, Phillips participated in three operations and attempted to transport 10 kilograms of cocaine and 30 kilograms of heroin. He accepted approximately $6,500 in payments.

Ponton: Recommended sentence 4 ¼ to 5.9 years

When he was recruited by Clanton in December 2014, Ponton was a correctional officer at the Lawrenceville Correctional Center in Lawrenceville, Virginia.
In total, Ponton participated in two operations, attempting to transport 10 kilograms of heroin. Immediately following his first operation, Ponton attempted unsuccessfully to recruit another law enforcement official, who declined to participate after Ponton described the way the organization worked.
In total Ponton accepted approximately $2,500 in payments.

Dailey: Recommended sentence 3.8 to 4 ¾ years

Dailey was a 911 dispatch operator in Northampton County who was recruited into the organization in February 2015 by Pair.
Although she was not a law enforcement official, Dailey demonstrated a willingness to aid the trafficking organization through her official position, agreeing to access and search law enforcement databases to help the DTO in return for cash payments.
In total, Dailey participated in two operations, attempting to transport 10 kilograms of cocaine and 10 kilograms of heroin, and accepting approximately $3,000 in payments.
At the time of her arrest, Dailey had a semi-automatic pistol and ammunition.

Pierce: Recommended sentence 12 to 18 months

Pierce, who had no law enforcement affiliation, was recruited by Jacobs and Moody to join “Team Two” in August 2014.
Because Jacobs and Moody understood that the DTO would reject recruits who were not law enforcement officers, they coached Pierce to represent to the undercover agents posing as drug traffickers that she was a correctional officer, which she did.
In total, Pierce participated in two operations, attempting to transport 20 kilograms of heroin and accepting approximately $4,000 in payments.
Pierce returned on the day of her arrest, expecting to perform another operation.

Sentencing is expected to commence next week in Greenville.
The proposed sentences ranges are contained in a memorandum of sentencing filed in the federal court record.

Statement

“The defendant’s criminal activity in this case was protracted, egregious, and corrosive to the integrity of multiple law enforcement agencies in North Carolina and Virginia,” Brice wrote in the memorandum. “In time, the conspiracy grew to include 15 members representing four different law enforcement and correctional organizations. Such extended, multi-year criminal activity by law enforcement officers damages the integrity of the organizations they claim to serve and undermines public confidence in law enforcement and the justice system.”
The proposed sentences within the guidelines ranges for all of the defendants in this case would reflect the serious and pervasive nature of the corruption that the defendants perpetrated; promote respect for the law; and deter future public corruption in the Eastern District of North Carolina, Brice wrote. “Furthermore, because the defendants’ guidelines ranges reflect their relative culpability in the course of the investigation, sentencing all of them within their ranges would ensure that there are no unwarranted sentencing disparities.”

The recommendations with Brice’s comments are as follows:

Lann Tjuan Clanton

“A sentence of custodial sentence between 135 and 168 months is entirely appropriate for Clanton, the first defendant in Operation Rockfish and the corrupt root from which the rest of the conspiracy grew. This range takes into account the nature of Clanton’s offenses, including his criminal activity preceding the investigation, his armed robbery of a purported drug courier, his recruitment of co-conspirators with the full knowledge that he was spreading corruption throughout law enforcement agencies, and his greedy acceptance of thousands of dollars in bribes.”

Ikeisha Jacobs

“In light of Jacobs’ mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, the government respectfully recommends a custodial sentence of 120 months for Jacobs. Such a sentence would appropriately reflect Jacobs’ extended criminal activity, her role as co-leader of the criminal scheme, and her decision, as a sworn law enforcement officer, to betray her oath repeatedly in exchange for cash bribes, a trip to Miami, and a Rolex watch. It would also recognize Jacobs’ admissions to undercover agents that she had been involved in other illegal drug activity with a different, and presumably real, DTO, as well as her requests to buy bulk cocaine so that she could resell it.”

Jason Boone

“A custodial sentence between 108 to 135 months would justly punish Boone’s consistent and extended participation in what he believed to be drug trafficking, his recruitment of other law enforcement officials, his decision to carry a firearm, and his acceptance, as a sworn law enforcement officer, of bribes.”

Adrienne Moody

“The government respectfully recommends a custodial sentence between 97 and 121 months for Moody. Such a sentence would account for Moody’s extended personal involvement in trafficking what she believed were drugs; her successful recruitment of other co-conspirators to form “Team Two”; and her request to purchase large kilogram amounts of cocaine to sell herself.”

Cory Jackson

“A custodial sentence within the range of 108 to 135 months would be appropriate for Jackson, as it would properly reflect his repeated participation in drug trafficking and his active role in furthering the organization, both through advice to co-conspirators and through his recruitment efforts, which successfully brought two sworn law enforcement officers into the trafficking organization.”

Jimmy Pair

A guideline imprisonment range of 87 to 108 months.
“The government respectfully recommends a custodial sentence for Pair within this guideline range. Such a sentence would take into account the fact that as a sworn law enforcement officer, Pair abused his position of trust repeatedly when he acted as an armed guard for drug shipments, and when he recruited another member into the organization.”

Curtis Boone

“A custodial sentence within the range of 87 to 108 months is appropriate for Boone. Such a sentence would recognize the disparity between the oath that Boone took as a sworn law enforcement officer and his actions, which included meeting purported drug traffickers while working in uniform at a high school campus, and bringing his firearm with him for trafficking activities.”

Thomas Jefferson Allen

An imprisonment range of 87 to 108 months.
“The government respectfully recommends a sentence within this guidelines range for Allen, who exhibited eagerness to improve and expand the drug trafficking organization’s operations, and help it avoid detection. Allen also tried unsuccessfully to recruit an additional law enforcement officer to join the organization.”

Alaina Sue-Kam-Ling

“For her repeated assistance to the drug trafficking organization, and her acceptance of a firearm from co-conspirator Antonio Tillmon, the government respectfully recommends a sentence with the 57-71 month guidelines range for Sue-Kam-Ling.”

Kavon Phillips

Imprisonment range of 57 to 71 months.
“A sentence within this guidelines range is appropriate for Phillips, who participated in three operations with the trafficking organization and returned for a fourth on the day he was arrested with a semi-automatic handgun.”

Alphonso Ponton

Imprisonment range of 51 to 71 months.
“The government respectfully recommends a sentence within this guidelines range for Ponton, who participated in two operations and tried unsuccessfully to recruit another law enforcement officer.”

Tohsa Dailey

Imprisonment range of 46 to 57 months.
“A custodial sentence within this range is appropriate for Dailey. Although she was not a law enforcement official, Dailey used her position as a 911 dispatch operator to provide the DTO with information from law enforcement databases. She also had a semi-automatic pistol with her on the date of her arrest.”

Crystal Pierce

Imprisonment range of 12 to 18 months.
“The government respectfully recommends a custodial sentence for Pierce within this guidelines range. Although she was not a correctional officer, Pierce presented herself to the undercover agents as one, and participated repeatedly in trafficking operations involving sham drugs.”

Conclusion

“The defendants in this case not only violated the public trust; they worked together to exploit that trust and to gain personally at the expense of public safety and the rule of law. Such grave offenses call for proportional punishment. Sentences of imprisonment within the defendants’ guideline ranges will constitute just punishment and will deter future public corruption in the Eastern District of North Carolina,” Brice wrote.

This investment is part of the Trust’s long-term Healthy Places NC initiative, which announced a series of grants awarded to organizations across the state.
The $441,425 grant will allow the Health Department to extend its Coordinated Approach to Child Health program in afterschool and Smart Start programs this year.
CATCH is an evidenced-based health promotion program developed by the University of Texas School of Public Health based on the Centers for Disease Control’s Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Model.
The program is currently in 13 elementary and middle schools throughout the county.
Each school has a CATCH team which works to implement CATCH’s initiatives at the school level.
At the schools, the CATCH team holds booster and curriculum trainings for the teachers and parents so that they are able to understand CATCH’s four main components: students and teachers, cafeteria, parental and physical education. Every student enrolled is automatically part of the CATCH program, which has the goal of enabling students to understand the success around healthy eating and physical activity.
“The CATCH program is a community-wide initiative that is being implemented at the school level,” said Laura Ellis of the HCPHS. “One of the main takeaways from the program is that students understand and appreciate healthy food choices and the importance of physical activity by creating a healthy school environment. The CATCH program encourages students to share what they learn in school with their families at home, creating a healthy home environment.”
The program’s efforts center on data collection. Not only does CATCH issue parental and student surveys at the beginning and ending of each school year, but the program conducts what it calls lunch tray observations.
CATCH members take photos of randomized lunch trays as they come off the lunch line, and will then take photos after the students are finished with their lunch.
This method is to measure fruit and vegetable consumption, which helps inform the program on how to talk to and educate children on healthy eating habits.
“I am a strong supporter when it comes to addressing the needs of the whole child, which is exactly what the CATCH program allows us to do,” said Eric Cunningham, superintendent of Halifax County Schools. “Before we even address the students’ basic needs, we need to meet them where they are, and CATCH is a great vehicle to help us do that. I’m seeing this idea spread like wildfire throughout the entire community – and it’s not just about what we are seeing, but what we are hearing. We hear these families talk about healthy eating habits, or things they want to change and incorporate into their households. It’s exciting to see both the students and their families make more responsible choices about their food choices.”
Laura Gerard, president of the Trust said, “Helping families live healthier lives is about more than just access to health care. A major piece of the Trust’s Healthy Places NC work is looking at factors beyond the hospital walls that impact a person’s well being. Encouraging students to live a healthier life is the first step to ensuring the entire county is involved in such efforts.”
She said, “Not only will this grant help propel healthy eating and active living throughout the schools, but it will encourage community partnership with other health initiatives and organizations. It really is about making sure the entire community is involved in these efforts.”
Halifax County is part of the Trust’s Healthy Places NC initiative. The Trust plans to invest $100 million in 10 to 12 rural counties over a 10-year period.
To date, the Trust has invited seven counties — McDowell, Beaufort, Burke, Halifax, Rockingham, Edgecombe and Nash Counties — to participate and will announce additional counties in the coming years.
In each county, Healthy Places NC work and projects are driven by the community’s concerns, as well as by where the Trust thinks there’s an opportunity and the Trust works in partnership with residents for sustainable, long-term change.

While Lamonte Lloyd of Scotland Neck waived his detention hearing and was remanded to custody, David Earl Watson of Rich Square was granted release on certain conditions. Conditions of his release were not immediately available in electronic court records.
The arraignments were held Thursday in Charlotte before federal Magistrate Judge David Kessler.
Lloyd entered not guilty pleas on nine counts against him. Most of those nine charges reflect the murders of Jimmy Ray Daniels in Scotland Neck and Cheeontah Howard in Gastonia.
The original indictment in the case alleges the murders were based on racketeering activity by Lloyd, who goes by the street Murder Mo and Moo, and Tyquan Powell, of Charlotte, also known as Savage, who allegedly killed Daniels and Howard with premeditation and deliberation.
Powell has not yet had his arraignment.
Daniels was shot and killed while sitting in his vehicle at Grace and Eleventh streets in Scotland Neck. The state had planned to call Daniels as a witness in the case of Jimmel Horton, which ended in a mistrial. Horton had been charged in the 2013 murders of Monte Hines and Chris Harrison.
Meanwhile, Watson, who sources have said was high up in the UBN, pled not guilty to the racketeering and conspiracy counts he faces. He has been referred to as a shot caller within the UBN.
Another person charged in the case with Rich Square ties, Bianca Kiashie Harrison, also known as Lady Gunz, has already entered a not guilty plea.
The indictment shows Watson paid gang dues on at least five occasions from at least 2010 to 2015 and in 2014 with Harrison and another person indicted conducted a gang meeting inside the New York State Department of Correction.
Harrison also conducted a gang meeting on her own inside NYDOC, the indictment says.
In 2015 she conducted another meeting with another person indicted within the NYDOC and twice conducted a gang meeting in Mecklenburg County.
Watson reportedly conducted a gang meeting by phone and was sent a message discussing a Blood member who might be cooperating with law enforcement.
The indictment notes Harrison in 2016 conducted a gang meeting by phone and attempted to locate a witness who cooperated with law enforcement about other gang members.
In all, 83 members of the group were indicted following a five-state raid.
The charges were related to federal racketeering conspiracy charges and charges related to murder, attempted murder, violent assault, narcotics distribution, firearms possession and Hobbs Act robbery.
A number of defendants are also charged with bank fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft related to financial crimes.
The operation was a coordinated effort involving more than 600 federal, state and local law enforcement officers who executed the arrest warrants in Charlotte, Cleveland County, and eastern North Carolina.

The matter has been under discussion since October, said Halifax County Economic Development Director Cathy Scott in an interview Thursday.
The effort could be helped by rail improvements from the construction of the CSX Intermodal facility in Rocky Mount, she said.
“The North Carolina Department of Transportation has given us a path to follow. They believe it’s feasible, they believe it’s important to Northeastern North Carolina. The timing is right,” she said.

Report

In a January report compiled by the development commission, Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the town of Weldon, the case is made, “Weldon is already a transportation crossroads. With Roanoke Rapids and the remainder of Halifax County, it lies within the major East Coast north-south transportation corridor comprising Interstate 95 and US 301 highways and the main A line of the CSX transportation railroad. The county is also crossed by the 350-mile east-west corridor connecting Coastal North Carolina counties with Piedmont counties and metropolitan areas.”
Amtrak service in Weldon would reduce access distance times “to the point that the train would be a more viable opportunity for both residents of, and visitors to the region,” the report says.
The report also notes the closest two Amtrak stations to Halifax County are Rocky Mount and Petersburg. “The rail distance between these two stations is 98 miles which is considerable greater than the average distance of 22 miles between station pairs in North Carolina that are served by the Carolinian. It is little wonder that passenger train service is not considered a convenient travel option for residents of Northeastern North Carolina.”
The report notes passenger travel from an Amtrak depot in Weldon could reach beyond the Roanoke Valley, generating passengers from Warren, Northampton and possibly Hertford counties.
A Weldon depot, the report notes, would significantly cut down on area driving distances instead of further distances linked to going to either the Petersburg or Rocky Mount terminals. “Since the CSX main A line is a major funnel for Atlantic Coast Amtrak trains, the four northbound trains provide travel opportunities to metropolitan areas in Virginia and Washington, D.C.; Maryland, Delaware; Pennsylvania; New Jersey and New York. Southbound train destinations are ultimately Florida and of the other two, the Carolinian terminates in Charlotte and the Palmetto terminates in Savannah.”

The gallery

Photos of the depot in its heyday

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Costs

In the beginning stages of the deliberation is the question of the depot itself and the answer most likely points to the old depot currently being used as the Weldon Public Library, the report says. “What complicates reconstruction to its former two-level condition is the expense of renovating the lower level and constructing the track-level platform and elevators.”
Scott said DOT is 99 percent behind the project.
There is, however, a ranking process and if the project ranks well then there is preliminary engineering and funding development. There are federal dollars which historically cover these costs. There is always a local match required. “DOT will develop the cost estimates for the project and work with CSX and Amtrak to clear any hurdles that need to be cleared.”

CVB input

Lori Medlin, president and CEO of the HCVB said the organization “is delighted to be a partner in bringing Amtrak to Weldon. We have been working with the county of Halifax and the town of Weldon on this for many years. This last effort has really been productive. With North Carolina DOT onboard and CSX’s increased traffic heading towards the new intermodal facility I think we are on the right track.”
Medlin said, “Fifty percent of Amtrak riders are tourists and we are excited to have many of them visit our area. Amtrak tourists in North Carolina spent over $2 million dollars last year and we want to see some of those dollars in Halifax County.”
Bringing the Historic Weldon Depot back online, she said, “Will be great for train buffs and we are also excited about the new business opportunities this will bring. There will be a need for transportation services to and from the station and riders always want a coffee or a snack for the trip.”

Weldon input

In a statement sent to local media, Weldon Mayor Julia Meacham said, “To have a passenger train service available in Historic Weldon again is wonderful news to everyone living in Halifax County and Northampton County. It is a great opportunity for the town of Weldon to revisit and promote the rich railroad history that put Weldon on the map in the early 1800’s.
“The Wilmington & Weldon Railroad, which at the time of its completion in 1841, was the longest railroad in the world.”
Union Station was constructed in 1912 and Meacham said Weldon holds a unique position in Southeastern railroading history being one of the first railroad hubs in the United States.
The mayor said Weldon has a unique place in railroad history that which supports the town joining Amtrak’s national network. “It would be a Northeast region Amtrak station. Carolinian and Palmetto passengers can travel to and from New York to Charlotte and Savannah; stopping off at Raleigh, Greensboro, Wilson, Selma and towns and cities in between.” An Amtrak station, she said, would help Historic Weldon promote its “rich history through tourism and stimulate economic development for Weldon and Halifax County.”
The town promotes the Canal Trail and Aqueduct, its Historic Downtown, the Corn Mill, Riverside Mill, the Confederate Cemetery, the railroad trestles and its designation as Rockfish Capital of the World. “Tourism is an important, vital source of income from people traveling I-95, U.S. 158 and U.S 301. The Northeast Region Amtrak Station in Historic Weldon will be another means of attracting tourists to come and visit Historic Weldon and other historic towns and cities in Halifax County.
“Attracting new businesses to locate in Historic Weldon is another important reason the Northeast Region Amtrak Station will boost economic development, strengthening Weldon’s communities by creating and retaining jobs.”
Halifax County Board of Commissioners Chairman Vernon Bryant said, “The Halifax County Board of Commissioners have adopted a resolution in support of Amtrak. We see it as a win-win not just for Weldon but Halifax County, Northeastern North Carolina and Southside Virginia. DOT officials as just as excited as we are. This will be a great opportunity for a great economic boost for Weldon, Halifax County and Northeastern North Carolina.”

The City of Roanoke Rapids must be able to maintain accurate demographic and contact information regarding businesses that operate within the city limits.

This information is crucial for Roanoke Rapids Fire and Police Departments so that they can respond to emergencies and conduct fire and safety inspections as required by the State of North Carolina.
2017-18 Business Registration Certificates will be valid from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. The cost to obtain a registration certificate is $20 for all businesses.
Authorized by the N. C. General Assembly and the Roanoke Rapids City Council, this requirement helps City officials achieve several very important objectives:
To promote public health, safety, and welfare, and to continue to monitor business activity within the city limits.
To provide reliable information as to who is conducting or planning to conduct what kind of business at what location within Roanoke Rapids city limits. Equipped with this information, City officials are able to take steps to ensure that businesses locate and operate in areas that are properly zoned for the particular type of business conducted.
To provide accurate information regarding local businesses to Police, Fire, 911, county tax authorities and citizens.
In addition to complying with city regulations, businesses benefit from being registered with the City in several other ways. Many banks and lenders require proof that a business is valid to open an account or secure a loan.
Potential clients or customers often need assurance that the business is legitimate and properly registered.
Having a registered business can make you eligible to receive supplier discounts that you would not receive otherwise. Obtaining a Business Registration Certificate allows a business to satisfy all of these needs.
For more information, please review the Roanoke Rapids Code of Ordinances Title XI: Chapter 118: Business Regulations on the city website at www.roanokerapidsnc.com.
Business owners that did not register their business in 2016-17 are urged to download an application from the city website (under Downloads/Tax) or stop by the tax office of City Hall at 1040 Roanoke Avenue. Business registration certificates must be obtained by August 1, 2017. In 2018, renewal applications will be mailed to businesses in June and will be due by July 1.
**If you obtained a Business Registration Certificate for 2016-17 you will receive a renewal invoice in the mail within the next several days.
*Note: If your business is required to carry a Beer/Wine license you are Exempt from Business Registration since the necessary information is already being provided for your business. By the same token, businesses still required, by City Ordinance, to carry a Privilege License (Taxicab/Limousine, Itinerant Merchant and Peddlers) are also Exempt from Business Registration.)

This certificate will be valid from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018 and must be renewed annually.

The cost to obtain this permit is $20.
A reflective safety vest will be required for any individual peddling goods from place to place.
The individual must supply his/her own safety vest.
North Carolina general statutes allow local governments to adopt ordinances that regulate, restrict or prohibit the activities of businesses that operate within the city limits. This authority helps City officials in their efforts to:
Protect the public from fraud or other crimes by monitoring and regulating transient  business activity within the city limits.
Maintain the health, safety and welfare of the public and protect citizens from undue invasions of privacy, annoyance or harassment.
Ensure that businesses locate and operate in areas that are properly zoned for the particular type of business being conducted.
This permit does not apply to any bona fide charitable, educational, religious, cultural or governmental institution or organization when the proceeds of the sales are used directly for the charitable purpose of said institution or organization.
For more information, please review Roanoke Rapids Code of Ordinances Title XI: Chapter 119: Itinerant Merchants, Peddlers and Vendors on the city website at
www.roanokerapidsnc.com.
Business owners who did not obtain a permit for 2016-17 are urged to download an application from the city website (under Downloads/Tax) or stop by the tax office of City Hall at 1040
Roanoke Avenue. Permits must be obtained by August 1, 2017. In 2018, renewal applications will be mailed to businesses in June and will be due by July 1.
**If you obtained an Itinerant or Peddler Permit for 2016-17 you will receive a renewal
invoice in the mail within the next several days.

CALENDAR OF MEETINGS

(All City meetings are open to the public):

Beautification Committee

June 19, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall.

City Council (Regular Meeting)

June 20, 2017 at 5:15 p.m. Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

The City of Roanoke Rapids is not accepting applications for any positions:

NO VACANCIES AT THIS TIME

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

FRIDAYS IN THE PARK CONCERT SERIES – Friday, June 16th with The Reunion Band (Country & Beach). All concerts will be held from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in Centennial Park.

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

►Beautification 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

Charles was born, February 11, 1953, in Warren, OH to the late Charles and Bonnie Lee Gaertner. He loved beach music, horses and especially loved mules.

Surviving are his son, John Gaertner and wife, Mary; sister, Cathy Johnson and grandchildren, Kayla and Austin Gaertner. Also surviving are his special friends, Benny and Barbara Pearson and family, Jackie Culliton, Sheila Hollis, Kayla Crickmore and her daughter, Skyler and Larry Edwards.

Family and friends are welcomed to come and visit both Saturday, June 10, 2017 and Sunday, June 11, 2017, from 2-4 pm, at Charles’ apartment located at 100 NC Hwy 125 Apt. 329 in Roanoke Rapids.

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

COACH PITCH

Players of the game were Nolan Roundtree for Welcome Finance and Darius Rice for Kapstone.

TBALL

Players of the game were Wyatt Bradley for New Life Church and Nick Odom for Subway.

Players of the game were Gordon Stanley for Kapstone and Joshua Lyles for Rough Riders.

Players of the game were Lucas Hale for Chichester Law Office and Haley Bell for Rough Riders.

In Saturday u8 tournament play for RVGSL girl's pitching machine action. Enfield Cotton Gin defeated Piedmont Services 7-5.

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

For Piedmont Services Karson Ricks had a homer and single. Lainey Salmon, Peyton Odom and Morgan Pearson had 2 hits. Morgan Beam also had a hit.

Enfield Cotton Gin advances to winners bracket to play Anytime Party Rental who defeated All In One Auto.

In second round of U8 RVGSL tournament winners action. Anytime Party Rental defeated Enfield Cotton Gin 9-3 to advance to champion ship game Sunday. Enfield Cotton Gin and Piedmont Services will play to see who will play them. For Anytime Party Rental .

No other game info or results were reported to RRspin Sports.

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Pictured above:

Front Row: Alex Richardson, Breanna Radford, Harley Powers, Bridget Forte, Ashton Knight.

Enfield Cotton Gin finishes third in U8 tournament with a last inning lost to Piedmont Services.

For Piedmont Services Morgan Pearson , Morgan Beam, Lilly Sweely and Lainey Salmon had 2 hits. Payton Odom, Karson Ricks, Piper Vann and Gracie Robertson had a hit.

For Enfield Cotton Gin A'Lexus Roundtree and Maggie Fowler had 2 hits. Emilee Campell, Juleigh Hall, Chloe Long and Makayla Chambers had a hit.

Sunday game photos by Randy Wrenn

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Piedmont Services played Anytime Party Rental for Championship. No results or info reported to RRspin Sports.

A parking lot encounter led to the arrest of a man and woman on drug charges early Sunday morning.
The arrests occurred in the parking of Mayflower and the former Mir’s sports bar as Master Officer A. Salmon and Officer H. Grimes were on foot patrol around midnight.
Officers could smell marijuana coming from a vehicle in which Jannel Akila Williams, 21, of Roanoke Rapids, was sitting in.
Williams rolled up the window and reportedly began spraying perfume as Grimes approached.
As this occurred Omar Daquan Ponton, 24, of Roanoke Rapids, approached the vehicle and attempted to get inside, Salmon stopping him.
Chief Chuck Hasty said the relationship between Ponton and Williams was not clear. It was also not clear where he had been before walking up to the vehicle.
Ponton was found in possession of narcotics when he was detained.
Williams was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and resist, delay and obstruct. She received a $500 bond and June 16 court date.
Ponton was arrested and charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, possession of cocaine, possession of hydrocodone, possession of marijuana and resist, delay and obstruct. He received a $7,500 bond and July 15 court date.
Lieutenant P. Parks and Officer R. Cross assisted.


Assault charges

On Saturday at approximately 2 p.m., Sergeant D. Jenkins was called to the parking lot of Halifax Regional Medical Center about a person using narcotics inside a vehicle.
During the investigation Joie Agnello Appleton, 42, of Roanoke Rapids, was found in possession of drug paraphernalia.
When Jenkins attempted to arrest Appleton she refused to cooperate and pulled away from him.
When he attempted to put her inside his patrol car she allegedly kicked him.
Appleton was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, resist, delay and obstruct and assault on a government official. She received a $1,000 bond and July 7 court date.
Halifax Regional security assisted Jenkins.

Halifax County Sheriff’s Office drug arrests

Captain A.M. Harris of the City County Drug Task Force reported the following drug arrests made by the HCSO:

On Saturday at approximately 11:16 p.m., Captain Roy Rooks encountered Deluntae Squire, 19, of Weldon, at a local hotel near Interstate 95.
Rooks seized approximately 10 grams of marijuana and cigarillos from Squire.
Rooks cited Squire with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Squire received a July 19 court date.

At approximately 8:31pm Saturday, Deputy D.J. Epperson was in the South Weldon area when he noticed the driver of a vehicle failed to stop for a stop sign.
Epperson attempted to stop the vehicle in the 800 block of Elm Street but the driver fled from the vehicle.
Epperson chased the man to the area of Ninth Street and Washington Avenue.
Deputy A. Smith, Harris, Corporal P. Moyer and Weldon Police Department officers N. Coles and A. Burgess arrived to assist within minutes of the foot chase.
Deputies identified and located the driver in the area.
Epperson seized more than 48 grams of marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia.
Epperson arrested and charged Daryl Keith Shearin, 32, of West Eleventh Street with failure to stop for stop sign, fictitious registration number plate, driving while license revoked, resisting a public officer, felony possession of marijuana, possession with the intent to sell and deliver marijuana, possession of marijuana paraphernalia and maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for a controlled substance.
Shearin received a $10,000 bond with a July 19 court date.

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Officer J. DeSare obtained warrants for the arrests of Major Alston Jr., 28, and Allen Boone Jr., 29, both of Roanoke Rapids.
Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement the warrants stem from a report taken by DeSare around 1:30 p.m. Saturday in which the victim said she was awakened by loud noises coming from the living room.
Alston was reportedly inside the bedroom and assaulted the victim.
Hasty said the the victim sustained cuts and scrapes but was not taken to the hospital for treatment.
Hasty said it was not clear what motivated the break-in and assault.
Alston is wanted for breaking and entering and assault on a female. Boone is wanted for aid and abet breaking and entering.
Hasty said the men are encouraged to come to the police department and take care of this matter.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers 252-583-4444.

The arrest of Willie Demory came after police Friday morning responded to a breaking and entering call on West First Street.
Officer Kenny Melton and Lieutenant Christopher Davis responded.
Melton located a man matching the homeowner’s description walking on Second Street.
As Davis was gathering information, he was approached by another homeowner who had a break-in earlier that week.
Demory was arrested without trouble and charged with three counts of attempted breaking and entering a building and three counts of injury to real property, which stemmed from damages sustained during the alleged B&E attempts. He was also served with an outstanding order for arrest for misdemeanor probation violation.
He received a $1,750 secured bond and July 5 court date.