Officers responded to Belk on a shoplifting call.

Officer Jason Williams charged Rose Marie Johnson, of Roanoke Rapids, with a parole and probation violation and she was placed in Halifax County Jail. Officer Matt Hunsucker charged Tikia Green with resist, delay and obstruct. She was also cited for the attempted larceny of a pair of pants.

Officer Ryan Cross was dispatched to Taco Bell on a call of a woman, later identified as Barbara Ann Hudson, of Roanoke Rapids, causing a disturbance.

Hudson was charged with trespassing, intoxicated and disruptive, and resist, delay and obstruct.

Her bond was set at a $1,000.

Monday, May 30, 2016

Lieutenant Perry Parks stopped a Cadillac for expired tags. His investigation resulted in charges against Jazmine Hooten, of Roanoke Rapids, for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and service of an order for arrest for failure to appear on burglary, kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon charges.

Her bond was set at a $1,000. 

Since the regulations regarding tethering animals, dogs running at large and vicious animals are city ordinances, the court system is not involved, Hasty said. “This is all city ordinances. It educates the public on what the ordinances are.”

(For more information about the class contact the police department at 252-533-2810)

It is a one-shot deal. Another violation and the fines apply, the chief said. “You pay the $25 fee for the class and volunteer with Rainbow Rescue.”

At a recent class last week, Brewer had three violators who were cited for their dogs running at large, which carries a $150 fine. A fine for having a dangerous or vicious animal carries a $500 fine.

“My dog dug out,” said a man at the class, who asked for his name to not be used.

A woman at the class, who also requested anonymity, said her dog got out through a back fence by chewing a hole.

For Brewer, the inspiration for the class was through her own bad experiences.

The first occurred three years ago when an animal running at large attacked Elle, who is Brewer's therapy dog.

The second time, Brewer said, was when a black lab, which was also running at large unsupervised, twice charged at her and Elle.

The classes, she said, are for education, prevention and to the teach the community how to be responsible pet owners.

These episodes led Brewer to meet with administration within the Roanoke Rapids Police Department, which has always had a working relationship with her and Elle. “We always like to find a solution to a problem and when you have the right people around you, like-minded people can work together for a common solution,” she said.

Education information in the classes comes from the national dog bite prevention campaign of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The program partners include the United States Postal Service, Victoria Stillwell, who is a nationally known dog trainer, and State Farm, of which Elle is an ambassador. The coalition also includes the American Humane Association and the Insurance Information Institute.

The first session was held on February 18 and sessions consist of two classes.

As it stands, final details of making volunteering at Rainbow Rescue a requirement of the classes are still being worked out, but will be finalized by the next classes.

“There is a need for community support,” Brewer said. “They are severely overburdened and I feel like it will help people learn responsibility.”

Jackie Stanley, treasurer and intake coordinator for Rainbow, sees the volunteer requirement as a plus for the animals at the center located on Highway 903 outside Halifax and for those who have taken the class.

“We're always short-handed,” Stanley said. “We hope some of the people see what we see every day.”

There are chores to be done — walking dogs, bathing dogs and cleaning crates. “Maybe some of them can work with animals who are not socialized and can see the long-term effects of leaving them alone.”

Brewer brings Elle to the classes and tells the members, “I don't feel comfortable with public speaking. She provides me emotional support. She represents what all dog owners can have.”

During the class Brewer goes over what it means to be a responsible pet owner, providing care and providing safety.

She also goes over the necessary identification requirements, which include name, address and phone number as well as rabies tags.

She goes over health issues such as ideal weight and proper feeding and hygiene.

The class, Brewer said, is not just for violators. “It's for people who want to come and learn.”

For the man in the class, it was eye-opening. “It's a good class. I'd tell anyone to go to it.”

Chief Deputy Scott Hall of the Halifax County Sheriff's Office said in statement Shane Joshua Roby, 34, was charged by Detective B.C. Griffin with breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering and possession of stolen property.

Investigation began when the victim reported jewelry was taken in the breaking and entering.

Roby received a $5,000 bond and July 20 court date.

Once inside, frozen food items were taken from the refrigerator, three televisions were stolen and three weapons were stolen.

The breaking and entering was reported shortly after midnight after the homeowner, who was gone since Sunday, returned.

Jackson said police believe it took time to dislodge the window unit, which was also stolen. “We're hoping someone saw someone around the house.”

Crimestoppers offers up to a $1,000 reward for information. Jackson said it is believed the breaking and entering took place sometime between Sunday and late Wednesday night.

The police department will do security checks of houses when owners are on vacation. Those checks can be arranged by calling the police department during business hours at 252-533-2810 or Halifax Central at 252-583-1991 after hours.

Also, Jackson said, “Have a neighbor or relative you trust keep a check on your home. Stop your mail or have someone pick up your mail. Make sure firearms are not in plain view and are in an secured area.”

Anyone with information on the breaking and entering is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Preliminary indications, DPS said in the statement, are Charles Moss may have been using a form of synthetic marijuana known as K2.

A correctional sergeant found Moss unresponsive just before midnight Wednesday, DPS said. Correctional staff initiated CPR and called EMS and the Halifax County Sheriff's Office. Attempts to resuscitate the inmate failed and he was pronounced dead shortly before 1 this morning.

DPS said an internal investigation has been launched and the sheriff's office will investigate.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has also been notified.

Moss was serving a 28-year sentence for second-degree murder in Lincoln County and was convicted in 2002.

A spokesperson for DPS was not immediately available for further comment and an official for the sheriff's office was not immediately available for comment.

According to the petition for actions on pretrial release filed by Senior United States Probation Officer Bentley Massey, Phillips was arrested on May 21 in Gates County and charged with DWI. State court records show he also received a 30-day civil revocation of his drivers license. He is scheduled to appear in Gates County District Court on July 11.

Massey noted in the petition Phillips was placed under pretrial supervision by Howard last September.

His arraignment was in December.

Phillips is one of the 14 so-called Rockfish 15 who have taken a plea in the case. His sentencing date has been moved to September 13, according to federal court records.

Antonio Tillmon, who has yet to take a plea, is tentatively scheduled for arraignment on June 13 in Greenville, federal court records show.

Brown declined comment on an earlier statement by the state Department of Public Safety a preliminary indication of the inmate's death was he may have been using a synthetic form of marijuana known as K2. “I have no comment until the results of the autopsy are published,” he said.

A correctional sergeant found Moss unresponsive just before midnight Wednesday, DPS said. Correctional staff initiated CPR and called EMS and the Halifax County Sheriff's Office. Chief Deputy Scott Hall of the sheriff's office confirmed the organization responded but had no further details.

Attempts to resuscitate the inmate failed and he was pronounced dead shortly before 1 this morning.

Moss was serving a 28-year sentence for second-degree murder in Lincoln County and was convicted in 2002.

During the stop, Moyer spoke with the driver of the 2014 Altima, Charlie Whitaker Jr., 34, and could reportedly smell marijuana coming from the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle by Bosco, a sheriff's office canine, led to the discovery of a white pill bottle containing the crack.

Moyer arrested and charged Whitaker with possession of cocaine, possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, maintaining a vehicle to store a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and fictitious registration.

Whitaker awaits a June 29 court date after posting $3,000 bond.

Dickens, right, beside the car. The salesperson's face was intentionally blocked.

Rodney Vester of Honda of Roanoke Rapids said while the man, Ladamien Dion Dickens, has been charged, the car has not been located.

Dickens is known to frequent and live in the area of Becker Farms. The car was spotted around Dickens' apartment as recently as this morning, Vester said.

Dickens is scheduled to appear in court on charges associated with the case, in which Vester said he allegedly wrote a check for the car on a closed account and fabricated paperwork.

Roanoke Rapids police charged him with felony worthless check, two counts of felony obtain property by false pretense and a count of felony larceny. He is scheduled for a first court appearance on July 27, court records show.

The car should have 30-day paper tags, Vester said.

Anyone with information should call Vester at 252-532-4884 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

After Casey turned on his blue lights, Jones reportedly refused to pull over and led the sergeant on a chase to Phillips Road where speeds reached 90 miles per hour.

During the pursuit Jones threw items from the car which were later recovered by assisting officers.

After several miles Jones abruptly stopped the vehicle and was taken into custody.

Casey reportedly found marijuana and cocaine in the vehicle following the arrest.

Corporal J. Bozard, Deputy A. Holland, Scotland Neck Police Sergeant Tim Parker, state highway patrol troopers C.C. Gall and D.P. Efird assisted in locating the items thrown from the vehicle which were discovered to be 2 grams of crack and a gram of marijuana.

Casey arrested and charged Jones with felony flee to elude arrest, felony possession of cocaine, felony maintaining a vehicle to store controlled substances, possession of marijuana, speeding, and careless and reckless driving.

Jones has a June 8 court date.

B&E arrest

Hall reported Thomas Early Byrum II, 35, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested in a May 20 residential breaking and entering on Buck Drive.

Deputy Cody Fortier began the investigation at the time of the report and recovered some of the stolen items.

Byrum was arrested on May 23 around 11 a.m. after reporting to the sheriff's office, where he was charged with breaking and entering, larceny, and possession of stolen goods.

He has a June 8 court date.

Fortier recovered an outside patio furniture set, a wooden futon, and a patio grill. A flat screen TV has not been recovered.

Joyner arrested

Hall also reported on Monday Jermaine Joyner, 34, of Hobgood, was arrested in Wilson.

Joyner has been charged with discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling, attempted first-degree arson, violation of a domestic court order and injury to real property.

Hall said the attempted arson charge reflects an attempt to burn down a house which on May 16 was set on fire and destroyed.

Joyner received a $50,000 bond and has a June 29 court date.

The house fire and subsequent vehicle fire remain under investigation.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact detectives Robert Hale or B.C. Griffin at 252-583-8201.

Secretary Tennyson praised the efforts of all the staff members who responded to the incident.

“All of these employees demonstrated a great willingness to go above and beyond in an emergency situation,” Tennyson said.

On the morning of April 28, Skinner was traveling on Highway 125 when she observed a house fire in progress off the highway.

After she called 911, Jernigan and Griffies, who had also noticed the fire, stopped to assist the homeowner to make sure he got out of the way of the blaze, which had spread throughout the structure. Jernigan also helped coax a reluctant pet dog out of the burning residence.

Hurdle, who is also chief of the Jackson Fire Department in Northampton County, stopped and offered his assistance to two volunteer firefighters, and helped man a hose to combat the fire.

Division 4 board member Gus Tulloss said he was proud that the employees were given recognition for their efforts.

“Whether they are doing work for the Department of Transportation or other duties, they all showed professionalism,” Tulloss said. “They also showed compassion to go back and get the gentleman’s pet dog out. I am proud of what they did and how they responded.”

The state Highway Patrol also charged Saveon Smith, 22, with several citations. Immediate details of the crash and the charges lodged by Trooper W.C. Wheeler were not available and had not been posted to the state court system's website.

In a statement, Chief Deputy Scott Hall of the Halifax County Sheriff's Office said Sergeant Steven Casey responded to a crash around 2 a.m. in the Enfield area of Heathsville Road.

Casey spotted Smith walking away from the scene and investigation revealed he had injuries consistent with a vehicle crash.

Further investigation led Casey to discover Smith was in possession of six bags of marijuana, a bag of powdered cocaine and a concealed handgun.

Casey arrested and charged Smith with possession of cocaine, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, carrying a concealed gun and possession of stolen property, which Hall said was a stolen license plate.

Smith was placed in the Halifax County Detention Center on $2,500 secured bond and awaits a July 27 court date.

Legend and Lies will feature several scenes filmed at Historic Halifax. Season two of the series debuts Sunday and much of the footage filmed at Historic Halifax is featured in the first four episodes.

In the spring, filming for an NBC special on Alexander Hamilton was completed in the Historic Halifax print shop. The production captures the historically accurate printing press in operation.

The immensely popular Hamilton Broadway musical received 16 Tony award nominations.

NBC will air the Hamilton special around the time of the June 12 Tony Award program.

Both Legends and Lies and the Hamilton special were directed by Kevin Hershberger of LionHeart Filmworks.

Season two of Legends and Lies focuses on legends surrounding the founding fathers.

Halifax stood in for colonial Boston and Philadelphia amid a week of interactions with patriots John and Abigail Adams, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.

Several scenes were filmed in and around the site's six historic buildings.

The shooting included a special effects-created rain storm complete with flashing lighting.

Historic Halifax is open Tuesday through Sunday and visitors can see the colonial merchant's home, clerk's office, landowner's home, law office, tap room and jail.

A Taste of the Town tour and a Heart of Halifax tour each is given daily.

“The citizens of Halifax County have lost a true public servant,” Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said. “Captain Williams served the citizens of Halifax County for over 30 years, retiring in 2002. He continued in a part-time position with the Northampton County Sheriff's Office. Today, I along with the officers and members of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office join in extending heartfelt sympathy to the family at this time of sorrow. My family and I extend our sincere condolences to his family. Please know that many thoughts and prayers are with you.”

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Flags have flown at half-staff since his death as a way to mark his legacy in the county, Northampton Sheriff Jack Smith said.

Williams, whose career spanned 44 years, worked with Northampton from 2003 until his death, Smith said.

He is survived by his wife, Dean Rhome Williams, son Auburn Darrell Williams, Jr. (Bubba), daughter Kathy Calhoun and husband, Walt Calhoun, Amber Williams (daughter in law) and four grandchildren. Deputy Sheriff Auburn “Darrell” Williams was preceded in death by Melissa Dean and Michelle Hope. Williams began his career in law enforcement with the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office in July of 1972 until his retirement and then began working in Northampton.

“Deputy Williams was a loyal employee to the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office. He worked tirelessly in the Civil Division,” Smith said. “Deputy Williams was a true supporter of the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office. It was shocking when we discovered the passing of Deputy Williams and he will truly be missed.”

Smith called “Williams an inspiration to all of us. It will be very difficult to find someone with the knowledge and expertise like Deputy Williams had in the Civil Division. It is a sad day for all of the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office family.”

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Deloatch and Williams are from Rich Square and Edwards is from Colerain.

Northampton County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy D.M. Harmon said in a statement this morning on behalf of the Rich Square Police Department Williams was also charged with resisting arrest.

These charges stem from an assault reported May 21 shortly before 7:30 p.m. when the victim in the case, a passenger in a car, was forced out of the vehicle at gunpoint.

The vehicle had turned onto Ashe Street off South Main Street when several men approached the car and forced the victim out, assaulting him and then striking him in the head with a gun.

The victim's handgun and cigarettes were taken during the attack. The victim was treated and released from Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie.

Deloatch and Edwards received $51,000 secured bonds and Williams received a $51,500 bond.

The three have first court appearances Thursday.

Investigation by the police department continues and more arrests are possible.

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Enfield police Chief Tyree said the raid was carried out shortly before 7 a.m. and led to the arrest of Derrick Montrell Rudd.

The raid came with assistance from Sergeant M. Brown and his dog, Mallie, of the Halifax County Sheriff's Office, Davis said in a statement. Davis declined further elaboration when contacted this afternoon.

The search warrant was approved following a two-month investigation and complaints from residents in the area. Detective Willie Murphy Jr. and Captain Dreher Bozard conducted the investigation.

During a search of a vehicle on the premises and the residence, officers located marijuana, small baggies and sandwich bags used to package the marijuana and a digital scale.

Murphy charged Rudd with felony possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, felony maintaining a vehicle and dwelling for controlled substances, possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Rudd was jailed on $5,000 bond and assigned a July 13 court date.

Davis noted in the statement, “We will not reveal other drug campaigns or complaints that we are currently working but we want the citizens to know that we are listening.”

Drug activity in Enfield may be reported anonymously by contacting Murphy at 252-445-5122 extension 25.

The arrest of Marquise Jarvis Whitemore, 30, of Roanoke Rapids, came after the sheriff's office was following up on a report of a careless and reckless driver around 9 p.m., Chief Deputy Scott Hall said in a statement.

Corporal Josh Langley located a vehicle matching the description on a parking lot off Highway 903 just outside Halifax.

Langley could reportedly smell the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle as he approached the driver.

Through further investigation Langley located heroin, cocaine and marijuana in the vehicle and arrested and charged Whitemore. He faces charges of possession with the intent to sell and deliver heroin; possession with the intent to sell and deliver cocaine; possession of cocaine; maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance and possession of marijuana.

He has a July 27 court date on Saturday's charges.

A May 2 court date on the charges in Fishel's death at the intersection of Tenth Street and Becker Drive passed and the case remains pending in court, the Halifax County clerk's office confirmed this afternoon.

A grand jury in March of 2015 determined Whitemore caused the death of the 25-year-old Fishel “while engaging in the offense of impaired driving. The impaired driving was the proximate cause of death.”

The indictment also notes Whitemore had a previous impaired driving conviction within seven years of the December offense, that conviction occurring in Virginia Beach in September of 2010.

A request for a search warrant filed at the time of the crash backs up statements made by Roanoke Rapids police, which say Whitemore was shot in the leg while in the parking lot of an East Tenth Street business. He was treated and released.

Investigator Frankie Griffin's search warrant affidavit says Whitemore then got into a Toyota Avalon to drive himself to the hospital and he approached the intersection of Tenth Street and Becker Drive “in a careless and reckless manner.”

His vehicle went into the path of multiple vehicles, coming to rest on its drivers side.

The document says Whitemore was carried to the hospital and at the time before Fishel's death later that evening, the case was considered an attempted murder. There was a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, the affidavit said.

Investigator Jeff Davis of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department said this afternoon he is still awaiting a state Highway Patrol reconstruction team report on the crash which claimed Fishel's life.

The supplemental funds, the petition says, would allow the county school system “to operate schools of a higher standard by supplementing the school budget ...”

The petition says Roanoke Rapids and Weldon have previously sought and been granted “the benefit of the levy and collection of a special tax for the purpose of supplementing their school budgets.”

The document argues, “The fact that other systems within the county have special taxing districts which has not been granted to the Halifax County Board of Education creates inequity in the funding for public education in Halifax County which demands immediate redress.”

Because the school board presented the petition, County Attorney Glynn Rollins told the board, “You are bound to do that.”

If approved by the voters in November, Rollins said the board of education would be able to authorize a tax levy of up to 50 cents per $100 of valuation, however, he said, it is not anticipated the school system would authorize that much of levy.

Under terms of the petition, the referendum would be for voters within the Halifax County School District defined by the following the boundaries:

All land within the corporate limits of the county bounded on the north by the Roanoke River.

On the east by the Roanoke River and Martin County.

On the south by Edgecombe County and Nash County.

On the south and west by Franklin County.

On the west by Warren County.

It excludes all land or territory which makes up the Roanoke Graded School District as well as land or territory which constitutes the Weldon City School District.

A similar referendum in 2012 was shot down by a 71.38 percent to 28.62 percent margin.

With the referendum now set for placement on the November 8 ballot, the question still remains how the three school systems will achieve equitable funding amongst themselves as set by a directive from commissioners in April.

The directive came after commissioners decided then to stick with the ad valorem method of sales and use tax distribution and left the matter in the hands of the three school systems to forge a plan.

“We've had a number of meetings,” said Roanoke Rapids Graded School District Board of Education Chair Jay Carlisle.

The county system is onboard, he said, but Weldon is hesitant.

“Yes, we are hesitant,” said Weldon City Schools Board of Education Chair Hugh Credle. “Roanoke Rapids gets the bulk of the funds. We're trying to propose something to give Halifax County to make it more equitable.”

Credle believes there should be a fixed amount which stays the same. “I'm hesitant, my board is on edge. It looks like we've excluded Weldon City Schools from the picture.”

With discussions during the meeting today centering on the referendum and then later on the equitable funding question, Halifax County Schools Board of Education Chair Debbie Hardy said there has to be a solution.

The county school system, she said, has gone 43 years with the funding going to Weldon and Roanoke Rapids. “I wish we could fix it. I wish we could be in Roanoke Rapids and Weldon's position.”

Board of Commissioners Chair Vernon Bryant said a decision has to be made and wants the school representatives to come back at the board's June 20 meeting. “I think it's imperative a decision is made. I think you're close to the point of working everything out.”

Both, however, in board agenda material, are listed as manufacturing companies. One, dubbed Project Chips, is slated for construction outside Roanoke Rapids, and is expected to create 16 new jobs, she said.

The other, dubbed Project Sunshine, is slated for construction in the Halifax Corporate Park off Highway 561, and is expected to create 155 jobs. Scott did say this project would be constructed on the site of the former Empire Foods location, which became ensnared in legal issues and was never completed.

Scott first went over details of Project Chips, which is expected to make a taxable investment of $48,252,400 within three years of its location in the county and offer wages more than the current weekly wage for the county. The average county wage is $14.62 per hour while Project Chips is expected to bring an average wage of $18.43 per hour, she told the board.

The project is subject to an economic development incentive grant agreement of $700,000 payable in installments over a five-year period, the resolution on the matter says.

According to the agreement, the county will provide the incentive grant to assist the company in the location of its manufacturing operations. Subject to the job creation and job retention and subject to the ad valorem taxable investment creation and retention requirements the county would pay $140,000 on January 15 over five years.

The company must also hit real estate, machinery and equipment and ad valorem tax marks, which are outlined in the table below.

If the company fails to create at least 90 percent of the cumulative number of jobs no grant payment will be made.

The same applies to ad valorem taxable investment goals.

Meanwhile, the board discussed details of the Project Sunshine matter in closed session before ultimately coming out and approving the deal.

Both matters also required public hearings.

In the Project Sunshine proposal, commissioners were asked expend funds for the construction of a 50,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in the amount of $1.5 million.

According to the notice of public hearing on the matter, the county intends to approve a five-year lease with a five-year renewal and option to purchase approximately 20.89 acres. The fair market lease value of the land of the property is estimated to be $108,000 and the annual lease payments the company will make is $1 per year. If certain conditions are met the company will have the option to purchase the property, according to the notice.

According to a resolution on the matter, the county is also in negotiations for the conveyance of 13.86 acres located next to the facility.

The company, Scott said, is expected to create 155 jobs over three years which will exceed the average weekly wage for the county.

During the public hearing on the matters, Scotland Neck resident James Mills spoke on both projects.

On Operation Chips he said $700,000 for 16 jobs didn't sound like a good investment. “The only way we will grow is to look at something with high yield and employment. It should be something of substance. This sounds like another flop.”

On the Operation Sunshine proposal, Mills asked what happened to Empire Foods and a curtain company once planned in Littleton. “I'm for economic development that makes sense. Why would we want to give away $2.2 million? It's just not smart.”

Roanoke Rapids resident Terry Buffaloe said there was not “enough full disclosure” for the board to make a decision. “We need more information to inspire confidence.”

Scott said she would like to provide more information. “I wish I could tell the public everything but when the state has incentives, we're not allowed to trump the governor.”