Captain A.M. Harris of the City County Drug Task Force said agents are looking at cocaine sales from the residence. “Agents have noticed hand-to-hand transactions. We’ve had complaints of traffic going in and out, a lot of people outside.”

Wednesday the task force reported an initial arrest from the operation.

Shortly before 12:30 this afternoon agents, patrol officers from the Roanoke Rapids Police Department and deputies from the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office returned to execute a search warrant.

While they didn’t find cocaine, agents seized marijuana, lorazepam pills and items of drug paraphernalia.

Agent C. Babb cited Tavis Mills, 25, of Roanoke Rapids, with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for simple possession of schedule IV controlled substance.

Anthony Faulcon, 28, of Roanoke Rapids, was cited for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Babb arrested Kennith Lassiter, 45, of the residence, for possession of drug paraphernalia.  

Lassiter was also served with an outstanding warrant for possession of drug paraphernalia and received a $1,000 bond.

The three have September 20 court dates.

The seven indicted are reputed members of the Sex Money Murder blood set, the attorney’s office said in the statement.

The 15-count indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on June 27.

The indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute heroin; distribution and possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin; distribution of a quantity of heroin; and felon in possession of a firearm.

The defendants are:

Markell Desettan Wiggins, aka Kell, aka Killa, 31

Bo’Neka Sarell McDaniel, 27

Reginald Savage, aka Whimp, 46

Collin Lee Whitaker Jr., aka BJ, 23

Kevin Dwayne Carswell, aka K Rock, 30

Dantee Brown, aka Tay, 35

Shanta Venita Hines, 27

Of the seven charged, only Hines was allowed pretrial release. Orders of detention filed in the electronic court record are currently sealed.

Investigation of this case was a multi-jurisdictional effort conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tar River Regional Drug Task Force, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office, Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, Pinetops Police Department, Scotland Neck Police Department, Tarboro Police Department, Rocky Mount Police Department and the Nash County Sheriff’s Office.

The federal prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Dena King.

Count 1 is a conspiracy indictment which alleges the defendants beginning around 2012 until the indictment knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated and agreed with each other and other persons, known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin.

The indictment alleges the quantity involved with respect to Wiggins and McDaniel is 100 grams or more.

The indictment attributes a quantity of heroin to Savage, Whitaker, Carswell, Brown and Hines.

Count 2 alleges around August 4, of 2014, Wiggins and Whitaker were aiding and abetting each other, and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of heroin.

Count 3 alleges around January 22 of 2015 Whitaker did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.

Count 4 alleges around July 27, 2015, Wiggins, Carswell and Hines were aiding and abetting each other and knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of heroin.

Count 5 alleges around  August 28, 2015, Brown knowingly and intentionally distributed a quantity of heroin.

Count 6 alleges around September 3, 2015, McDaniel knowingly and intentionally distributed a quantity of heroin.

Count 7 alleges around September 21, 2015,Wiggins knowingly and intentionally distributed a quantity of heroin.

Count 8 alleges around December 1, 2015, Whitaker knowingly and intentionally distributed a quantity of heroin.

Count 9 alleges around April 8, 2016, Brown knowingly and intentionally distributed a quantity of heroin.

Count 10 alleges around September 6, 2016, Wiggins knowingly and intentionally distributed a quantity of heroin.

Count 11 alleges around September 12, 2016, McDaniel and Savage aided and abetted each other by intentionally possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.

Count 12 alleges around September 15, 2016, McDaniel and Savage, aided and abetted each other, knowingly and intentionally possessing with intent to distribute and distributing a quantity of heroin.

Count 13 alleges around September 22, 2016, McDaniel and Savage aided and abetted each other, knowingly and intentionally possessing with intent to distribute and distributing a quantity of heroin.

Count 14 alleges around October 3, 2016, Wiggins knowingly and intentionally distributed a quantity of heroin.

Count 15 alleges Wiggins, who was previously convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm.

Arraignments are scheduled next month and October at the federal courthouse in New Bern.

The post will be designed as a way for interested 14- to 20-years to explore career opportunities within law enforcement and is part of Tripp’s continued Benefiting the Children of Halifax County campaign.

The program is open to those in the age group who have no serious criminal background and are of good moral character. “We’ll meet once a week and have different topics of discussions.”

There will be ride alongs, possible discussions by the district attorney’s office and probation and parole and other activities.

The program could be a factor to help those interested in working with the sheriff’s office or help them explore other branches of criminal justice, Tripp said.

The sheriff sees the post a way to “put a positive face on law enforcement, let them know they can trust us. It will enable kids to ask questions and get real answers.”

The ride alongs will be for Explorers 16 to 20.

Tripp has been working with Joe Long of the 4-H Rural Life Center, who has experience in scouting and with the recently formed Trail Life USA. “He’s been giving us guidance and advice. We’re hoping to start by the end of this summer.”

One of the requirements of post members will be they need to stay in school. “Education is important. For those who don’t want to go into law enforcement it will give them a better understanding of what law enforcement does and we hope they have a better respect of what law enforcement officers go through.”

For more information call Tripp at 252-578-6761 or come by the sheriff’s office at 355 Ferrell Lane in Halifax to pick up an application.

Domestic disturbance

On Friday around 12: 45 p.m. Officer J. Shelburne responded to a residence in the 100 block of Madison Street for a disturbance call.  

He found Zakyyia Alena Johnson and Kieran Capone Macon, both 20, of Roanoke Rapids in an upstairs bedroom with injuries from fighting each other.

Johnson was charged with assault and Macon was charged with assault on a female.  

They each were held without opportunity for bond and received August 25 court dates.

Master Officer A. Salmon and Officer H. Grimes assisted.

Trespasser arrested

On Friday around 12:45 p.m., Officer J. Spragins responded to Cracker Barrel for a trespasser call.  

He found Jeremy Gage Thompson, 20, of Roanoke Rapids in front of the business.

Thompson was asked to leave the business by management but he refused.  

Spragins arrested and charged Thompson with trespassing and resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer.

He received a $1,000 bond and August 25 court date.

Habitual larceny

On Sunday around noon, Spragins arrested and charged Marvin Lewis Scott, 25, of Halifax, with two counts habitual larceny, two counts possession of stolen goods, two counts trespassing  and larceny by removing an antitheft device.

The charges stem from Scott allegedly going into Walmart on August 12 and 13, and removing items without paying for them.  

Scott has been banned from Walmart for previous larcenies still pending in court.

Scott received a $10,000 bond and September 9 court date.

Grimes assisted.

The event will be hosted by Corey Manning and feature comedy legends Michael Colyar, Jammin Jay Lamont, Chris Thomas, and Talent Harris. “I encourage everyone to join me and my mentors, friends, and legends in comedy as we fill the theater with side-splitting laughter," said Manning. “With the addition of an amazing performance by the legendary Chubb Rock, this will definitely be a night to remember."

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Michael Colyar is a Chicago native who made his mark in Los Angeles as "The King of Venice Beach."

For nine years, he performed five shows a day, leaving a positive imprint on the crowd with his thought-provoking humor. For 15 years, he has built his television and film career while working with luminaries like John Singleton, Eddie Murphy, Bernie Mac, and Oprah Winfrey.

Jammin Jay Lamont is a professional comedian, entertainer, and musician who has been in the business for over 18 years. He's been seen on BET's Comic View, Def Comedy Jam, Showtime At The Apollo, Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen, America's Got Talent and more.

Talent Harris has made special appearances on BET’s Comic View, HBO Snaps, and Def Comedy Jam, and has a spot on New York’s 98.7 KISS FM morning show. Talent has also appeared in the movies Sunset Park, Full Court Press, and A Brother’s Kiss.

Deemed the official “King of New York Comedy,” Talent is an unorthodox comedian who regales audiences with his knack for storytelling.

Chris Thomas is one of the nation’s brightest comedians.

In the words of Washington Post Magazine, he is “an accomplished impressionist … on his way to fame and fortune.” Thomas is the master of more than 2,000 celebrity impressions including Denzel Washington, F. Lee Bailey, Mike Tyson, and Orson Welles.

Thomas combines this versatility with a quick wit to create comedic conversations between several personalities at once.

For more information or to buy tickets, please visit: lolcomedyexplosion.eventbrite.com

Tammy Moseley, owner of the Gingerbread House, said the expansion is the result of discussions and meetings with First Baptist Church at Becker Drive.

Moseley said both the church board and its members have approved the lease of one hallway which consists of five classrooms.

She is eyeing a move-in date around November or December and plans to continue running the current Gingerbread House on Clearfield Drive. “It has a piece of my heart, from working with the Ramsey’s to ownership.”

The lease KIPP Halifax has at the church runs out in October and Moseley said opening will be pending approval of state and city officials.

The current location of Gingerbread House is at its max “and applications keep rolling in,” Moseley said Monday.

The state will have to approve the occupancy of the church location. “It’s way larger than we have here.”

There will be an afterschool program if all approvals are made.

The expansion will help fill a need, Moseley said. “It will serve more children in the county who need preschool and childcare.

Moseley has been the owner of the Gingerbread House for two years and the expansion is another realization of goals she set out when she became the owner. “It’s like it’s not even real,” she said, “I’m very thankful and blessed. If I talk about it too much I’ll cry, looking where we came from, a little room in the back of my house.”

While the expansion plans continue to move ahead, there also are more initiatives on the way.

The facility recently received a $5,000 grant from the North Carolina State University Learning Initiative. The grant is designed to help fuel healthy life choices, better eating and encouraging children to get outside more.

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Parents remain part of the backbone, Moseley said, from chipping in to buy supplies to physical labor. “If I say I need something they are on top of it,” Moseley said.  “They just do everything. They go above and beyond. They volunteer to do little things to them which are huge things to us.”

JR and Elizabeth Ballero bought sand to help with a playground improvement project.

The Balleros, who were unable to get to Gingerbread House Monday, said in message to Moseley, “Gabe Ayersman and Brandon McIntyre helped JR put the sand down. Just let them know we are very grateful that Kamdyn has such a awesome school with such a dedicated staff. She has learned so much from being at your little school. We love you and wouldn't want her anywhere else.”

Justin and Carrie Harris renovated the swingsets, Moseley said.

Justin was glad to help. “I’ve always lived by be the person you need to be when you were younger.”

“We love Tammy and all the teachers,” Carrie said. “It’s an answer to prayer.”

Chief Deputy Scott Hall of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office said the three teens, armed with an assault rifle, approached an employee who was locking up around 11:30 p.m.

They demanded money but when the clerk told them they had none, the teens fled.

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They were later identified as Garrett and Gabriel Alston, both of Warrenton and 19-year-old Rashaad Peterson of Norlina.

In a statement Hall said a witness notified the 911 communications center of the style of vehicle and direction of travel.

Littleton police Officer E. Johnson conducted a traffic stop on the suspected vehicle in the town limits.

Through investigation, Detective R.B. Biggerstaff filed charges against the trio.

Peterson faces counts of felony attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, felony conspiracy, robbery with a dangerous weapon and misdemeanor assault by pointing a gun. He received a $15,000 secured bond.

The Alstons were charged with felony attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, felony conspiracy and robbery with a dangerous weapon.

Both received $10,000 secured bonds.

The three have September 6 court dates.

Hall said the sheriff’s office was appreciative of the cooperation of law enforcement in the matter.

Shooting

On Saturday the sheriff’s office responded to a Roanoke Rapids residence on a shooting call.

Deputies learned  Marquette Watson, 25, of Roanoke Rapids allegedly drove by an ex-girlfriend’s home and shot at it, striking the residence.

The residence was occupied and the ex-girlfriend was standing outside at the time of the shooting. No one was injured.

Upon an investigation by Detective R.M. Brown, Watson was charged with discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, possession of firearm by convicted felon, injury to real property and violation of a court order.

Watson was arrested at the sheriff’s office today and received a $1,000,015 bond on all the charges.

It is a plan encompassing the three parks which have traditionally serviced the Southgate, South Rosemary and Lincoln Heights communities and is designed to make improvements along the Highway 158 corridor.

City Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon said following the meeting early discussions of the masterplan have included the possibility of some type of aquatic element for Chaloner Park such as a splash pad.

The decision to begin implementing the masterplan came after Simeon presented a report to council on meetings with United State Congressman G.K. Butterfield’s office and Recreation Resources to seek grant opportunities for the Chaloner pool project.

Butterfield’s office suggested the possibility of a low interest loan from USDA or the Rural Center but did not have recommendations regarding grant opportunities, he said.

Recreation Resources suggested Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grants and Kate B. Reynolds.

The Chaloner pool project, Simeon said, would not score high enough for a trust fund grant and Reynolds does not fund pools. “They could not recommend any other grant or funding opportunities. With city administration seeking both state and federal opportunities I feel we have researched our opportunities and unfortunately cannot find additional grants or funding for this project at this point.”

Cost estimates place the price s between $594,000 to $649,000 for a new pool.

Councilman Wayne Smith made the motion the city should proceed with the masterplan.

Councilman Carl Ferebee, who has fought for the pool repairs, renovations or construction said he would like to get back to the community to discuss Simeon’s report before taking a vote on the matter.

Smith, however, was not willing to withdraw his motion.

“We’ve discussed this for months,” Councilwoman Suetta Scarbrough said. “We wanted to get facts of what it would cost.”

Ferebee said there could possibly be other resources available. “It should not be too long a period of time. I’m asking for a community meeting.”

Ferebee said he would like to have a meeting with council. Short of that, he said, he would hold one by himself. “There are other things we could be talking about … There’s always the possibility and different priorities. I’m asking for one more meeting.”

Smith would not withdraw the motion. “We’ve been going over this for 15 months. If there was some other way to raise money, we’ve exhausted all the ways to raise money to do the pool. We’ve waited two years on the masterplan, we need to go ahead and get something done.”

Smith said he was aware early discussions of the plan included a water feature but input from citizens will be sought during two public hearings. “Chaloner Park from my understanding will be the first one. It will be what the community wants. There’s no money for a pool because K.B. Reynolds won’t fund it.”

Smith, Scarbrough and Ernest Bobbitt voted for moving forward with the masterplan while Ferebee and Carol Cowen voted against the measure.

One of the earliest public discussions of the masterplan came during a meeting on 2016-2017 fiscal year budget.

Simeon said then the city already received $17,000 in funds for a masterplan for the project which includes Chaloner Recreation Center and Wheeler and Martin Luther King parks.

The masterplan allows the city to seek grants from the Kate B. Reynolds Foundation and also the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund for this project.

The city can apply for a maximum of $150,000 from Reynolds and $500,000 from the parks and recreation trust.

Reynolds has been a part of the project since 2015, Simeon said at the time. The amount the city would apply for would be based on the public meetings.

Wheeler Park is in need of playground equipment and picnic tables. He noted then Chaloner's pool was failing and the playground is prone to flooding.

Possible improvements to MLK park may be benches, more lighting and a walking trail.

The school system reported in a news release this evening several dozen parents came to the school board meeting to express concerns the program might be changing in light of a move to have the Armory become an early college.

Two of the JROTC classrooms currently housed in the Armory will be moved this school year to the Talley Building on the high school campus so renovations can begin.  

“We’re concerned this move will disrupt the program. JROTC is more than a class or program. These Cadets are family,” said Michelle Rogers, a parent.  

Cadet William Carter echoed those concerns.  “I feel like the JROTC program could be threatened by this move.”    

Butler assured parents the program is just moving for classroom instruction.  They will continue to use the Armory for drills and storage.  “We’re not getting rid of JROTC.  We’re just changing where the classroom instruction will take place. We believe strongly in this program and want this valuable program to continue.”  

The district was faced with several options including building a new facility for the early college.  

After nearly a year of planning, renovating the Armory became the only viable option.  

“We were $300,000 over budget for a shell building after the bidding process.  We had to decide to either raise our taxes, which we don’t want to do, or look at our resources to create the best opportunity for all students and that’s what we’ve done,” said Trustee Cathy Keeter. “It’s important to this board to offer both programs — the early college and the JROTC option — to meet the needs of all of our students.  I want those kids to know that we value them and we will continue to advocate for all of our students.”  

Trustees also took another step forward in opening the early college in the fall of 2018.

The board agreed to develop a memorandum of understanding with Halifax Community College which will allow students to earn an associate’s degree or  two years worth of college credit for free.  

RREC students will receive college level instruction in the renovated Armory while still benefitting from the amenities and opportunities offered on the main high school campus.

The local community will also have access to evening classes in the Armory that will offer continuing education and certification coursework through HCC.  

Akers School

One of the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District’s buildings is getting a new name and a new purpose.  

Akers School has been renamed Akers Center for Educational Success.  

The K-12 school is for students who need special academic and behavioral attention.  

It’s also designed to help students who may need a smaller school environment to thrive personally and academically.  

Director Tad Merritt told the board, “I’m excited about what we have planned this year.  We’re going to offer innovative, non-traditional approaches to teaching this population of learners, which aids in preventing these students from becoming dropouts.”  

Manning Elementary

In other action, the board also approved the contract for new furniture for the new Manning Elementary, opening in January.  The district’s maintenance department also plans to utilize all serviceable furniture, air conditioning units, and other equipment in the current school at other schools in the district.

“We’re going to use everything we can.  We’re good stewards with the resources taxpayers provide,” said Robbie Clements, maintenance director. 

The notice of related case filed in June and contained in electronic federal court records does not go into detail, but in the document Brice refers to Tony Reams and writes to the United States District Court in Raleigh, “These matters arise, in part, out of the same conspiracy, common scheme, and series of transactions, and therefore are related cases within the meaning of (Eastern District North Carolina) Local Criminal Rule 50.1 (a). Substantial duplication of work may be caused if the cases are heard by different judges.”

Brice refers to the indictments of Markell Wiggins, Bo’Neka McDaniel, Reginald Savage, Collin Whitaker Jr., Kevin Carswell, Dontee Brown and Shanta Hines.

The United States Attorney’s Office said last week the seven are reputed members of the Sex Money Murder Blood set.

The 15-count indictment against the seven was returned by a federal grand jury on June 27.

The indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute heroin; distribution and possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin; distribution of a quantity of heroin; and felon in possession of a firearm.

Reams was charged with Herbert Lamont Cherry following a traffic stop on Interstate 95 the morning of March 13.

Both were later federally indicted.

The notice Brice filed does not name Cherry.

Meanwhile, Cherry appeared Tuesday before United States Magistrate Judge Robert B. Jones Jr. in New Bern and pled guilty to count 1 against him. The second count against him will be dismissed at sentencing, which is scheduled for the November term of court, according to a minute entry in the federal court record.

The count Cherry will plead to says the amount of heroin involved in the conspiracy was 100 grams or more.

The count to be dismissed charges the men on March 13, the day of their arrest, knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin.

Reams is scheduled for arraignment on September 12 in New Bern.

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Lieutenant Charles Vaught said the police department is investigating the theft of tire shine which occurred Friday around 6:30 p.m.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Vaught at 252-533-2819.

Callers may also call the police department at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Roundup

Chief Chuck Hasty reported the following:

On Monday at approximately 9 a.m.  Lieutenant J. Baggett arrested Belinda Lynn Burr, 47, of Roanoke Rapids, on outstanding warrants for breaking and entering and larceny after breaking and entering.  

She was arrested at a residence in the 1000 block of Jefferson Street without trouble.  

The charges stem from an investigation by the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office.

She received a $2,000 bond and September 13 court date in Hertford County.

On Monday at approximately 12:15 p.m. Shaunda T. Campbell, 36, of Roanoke Rapids, came to the police department to surrender on two counts of identity theft.  

She received a $5,000 bond and October 4 court date.

The charges stem from an investigation by Williams reported last month.  

The victim reported when they filed their taxes in February they were supposed to receive a refund via a preloaded debit card.

When the victim received the card the full amount was not loaded.

During the investigation it was discovered the card had already been used  at several places.

Williams confirmed Campbell was a tax preparer but declined to immediately name the company she worked with as the matter is still under investigation and more arrests are expected.

Williams said Campbell reportedly used the card at ATM machines. He declined to discuss how much money was withdrawn.

On Tuesday at approximately midnight, Officer A. Green conducted a traffic stop for a violation on East Tenth Street near Georgia Avenue.

Green determined Cody Daryl Ballero, 22, of Roanoke Rapids, did not have a valid license and was in possession of narcotics and paraphernalia.  

Green arrested and charged Ballero with possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and no operator’s license.

He received a $2,500 bond and September 6 court date.

Sergeant M. Moseley and Master Officer G. Morris assisted.

On Tuesday at approximately 2 p.m., Vaught and officers D. Hundley and M. Hunsucker responded to a breaking and entering in progress call in the 1300 block of Washington Street.

The back door of the residence was open.

When Hundley and Hunsucker entered the residence to do a safety check, Cornell Travis Pender, 31, of Scotland Neck,  attempted to leave but was detained by Vaught.

Pender was arrested and charged with breaking and entering.

He received a $1,000 bond and August 30 court date.

On Tuesday at approximately 5:30 p.m., Officer J. Fortier arrested Christopher Anthony Vincent, 55, of Gaston, on outstanding warrants for possession of cocaine out of Northampton County.  

Vincent was arrested in the 200 block of Smith Church Road without trouble.

He received a $2,000 bond and September 28 court date.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

The Halifax County CVB also reported accommodation revenues in Halifax County grew by 4.52 percent in 2016.

Lori Medlin, president of the Halifax County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said, “Our organization is proud to represent the over 1,000 individuals working hard, directly and indirectly, in the tourism industry, in Halifax County, to make these numbers a reality.  We are on track to have a record breaking 2017.  Our occupancy tax collections rose by over 7.7 percent from July 2016 through June 2017.”

State tax revenue generated by visitors to  Halifax County in 2016 totaled $5.73 million through state sales and excise taxes, and taxes on personal and corporate income. 

About $2.23 million in local taxes were generated from sales and property tax revenue from travel-generated and travel-supported businesses.

Governor Roy Cooper announced in May visitors to North Carolina set a record for spending in 2016.

The $22.9 billion in total spending represented an increase of 4.4 percent from 2015. 

These statistics are from the Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2016.

The study was prepared for Visit North Carolina by the U.S. Travel Association.

“All eight economic development regions of the state had spending growth of 3 percent or more, and 96 percent of the state’s counties saw direct tourism employment growth from 2015 to 2016,” said Wit Tuttell, executive director of Visit North Carolina. “Tourism continues to be major driver of economic development across North Carolina, which is the sixth most-visited state in the country.”

Statewide highlights include:

State tax receipts as a result of visitor spending rose 5.1 percent to nearly $1.2 billion in 2016. 
Visitors spend more than $62 million per day in North Carolina.

That spending adds more than $5.1 million per day to state and local tax revenues (about $3.2 million in state taxes and $1.9 million in local taxes). 

The travel and tourism industry directly employs more than 219,000 North Carolinians. 
Each North Carolina household saves $497 in state and local taxes as a direct result of visitor spending in the state.

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Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp this morning said no local charges will be filed. Instead the case will go straight through the federal court system and a criminal complaint for several drug violations will be filed.

The stop occurred on Highway 125 about two miles outside of Scotland Neck shortly before 11 p.m. when agents of the City County Drug Task Force with assistance of the Tar River Regional Drug Task Force stopped a vehicle for speeding.

Agents could reportedly smell the strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.  

During the search of the vehicle with assistance of City County Drug Task Force Agent D.R. Radford and his dog, Tony, agents seized 102 bricks — 5,100 bindles —  of heroin and 13 grams of marijuana.  

Street value of the heroin seized is approximately $51,000.

Tripp declined to comment on the ultimate destination of Tara Finis Simmons, 46, and Charles Lee Wright Jr., 49. Simmons is from Hallsboro and Wright is from Whiteville.

Tripp said the stop was the result of the two task forces working closely together. “They share intelligence on a wide range of drug dealers … It just shows a continued dedication and hard work to combat all drug issues.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration made contact with the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of North Carolina.

The pair are being held under the federal detained.

The Tar River Regional Drug Task Force is made up of the Nash County Sheriff’s Office, Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson Police Department, Nashville Police Department, Spring Hope Police Department, Tarboro Police Department, North Carolina Probation and Parole, North Carolina SBI, North Carolina ALE, and the DEA.

The City County Drug Task Force is made up of agents from the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, Weldon Police Department and Roanoke Rapids Police Department.

This year’s theme is A Pirate’s Adventure.

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Christopher Cantwell was interviewed by Vice News during his stay Sunday night for a segment on the Charlottesville protests.

The police department was made aware of his stay Monday night. Roanoke Rapids police, the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and Weldon Police Department followed up on the tip and found Cantwell checked out and was no longer in the area.

“Our agencies collectively worked together and contacted state, federal agencies, Charlottesville Police Department and the Virginia State Police about Mr. Cantwell’s location,” Hasty said in a statement.

The Southern Poverty Law Center describes Cantwell as a one-time drug dealer, candidate for Congress and aspiring stand-up comedian, who now hosts Alt-Right luminaries such as Matthew Heimbach, Augustus Invictus and Andrew Auernheimer, aka, Weev, on his call-in talk show “Radical Agenda,” which is live-streamed via Facebook and UStream three days a week from his home studio in Keene, New Hampshire.

SPLC says on its website in his show and in mordant essays published on his website, christophercantwell.com, this 36-year-old self-proclaimed fascist – whose style borrows from such mainstream shock jocks as Howard Stern and Opie and Anthony — argues for an Anglo ethno state free of African-Americans, Jews and non-white immigrants, save, perhaps, for the occasional exception.

Hasty said it was not clear where Cantwell was headed after he left Roanoke Rapids.

No protest permits

Meanwhile, Hasty said in the statement, contrary to a social media post, the city has not received any requests for special use permits for any type of rally, protest or march and has not approved any.

“While we respect people’s Constitutional right to peacefully assemble, that doesn’t mean we support or condone violence,” Hasty said. “There’s no place for racism, bigotry, and hatred in Roanoke Rapids and we rebuke any attempt to bring it into our community. As a police department, we’ve worked to bring unity to both the department and this community in recent years.”

Said Hasty in the statement: “There are always going to be people spreading rumors to take advantage of these situations to forward their cause.  We ask that our community remain mindful when they hear them. As always we are here to protect and serve our citizens.  Should there be any credible threat of violence or protesting it will be investigated and the information will be put out for our community.”

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp stated, “I have not had any type of permit or request submitted for any type of rally or march. Nor will I sign or approve one.”

Weldon police Chief James Avens has not received any type of permit/request for this type of activity.

“The Roanoke Rapids Police Department hopes this will put to end social media posts that are being posted which are not fact-based,” Hasty said.

“It’s to bring the community together,” said Helen Reed, administrative support staff for the fire department. “It builds relationships and trust.”

The event will be held at Fire Station 1 on Roanoke Avenue starting at 4 p.m., Chief Stacy Coggins said. “It’s to get people into the fire station and to let the firefighters know the people they are serving. We want to let them know this is their fire department.”

The event will feature a water slide and a fire safety puppet show put on by members of B Shift, which includes Josh Sparks, Matthew Dube, Ramah Long, Darrell Saunders and Gordon Pearson.

Elle the Pit Bull will be at the event with her owner, Leah Brewer. The pair will demonstrate stop, drop and roll and a story will be read.

There will be information tables on first aid, Safe Kids and Citizens on Patrol will be doing child IDs.

Cardinal Innovations and RHA will provide information on mental health.

Silly Cheeks will provide face-painting and children under the supervision of firefighters can spray water on fire safety props to douse Freddy the Flame.

The Roanoke Rapids Fireman’s Club will be selling new T-shirts as a fundraiser for the community projects it does. The T-shirts are $20.

Bags of back-to-school supplies will be handed out.

Coggins expects the Safety Fair to wind down around 7 p.m., when the last Fridays in the Park of the summer begins with The Deep performing at Centennial Park. The free show runs from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

“Anytime we can form partnerships with other organizations is an excellent opportunity,” said Main Street Development Director Christina Caudle. “To do free activities for all walks of life is a really good fit.”

The 16-page document also shows ties to two men arrested in March following a traffic stop on Interstate 95.

Documents contained in electronic federal court files show Tara Finis Simmons and Charles Lee Wright Jr. face charges of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

The husband and wife had their initial appearance before Magistrate Judge James E. Gates in Raleigh Thursday. Gates set a probable cause and detention hearing for 10 a.m. Tuesday and the couple were remanded to U.S. Marshal custody, a minute entry in the proceedings says.

Simmons and Wright were stopped late Wednesday night outside Scotland Neck. Approximately 102 bricks of heroin were found in the vehicle they were driving.

Complaint

The criminal complaint was filed late Thursday by a Nash County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant sworn as a federal task force officer through the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The document begins with a recap of the March 13 arrests of Herbert Lamont Cherry and Tony Reams after the pair were returning to North Carolina after buying multiple bricks of heroin in New Jersey for what the task force officer describes as a drug trafficking organization operating out of Scotland Neck, Tarboro and Nash County.

Cherry this week entered a guilty plea in that case.

Reams, according to the document, made several statements regarding the heroin and names of other people within the operation working out of Scotland Neck, including its leader.

In that interview Reams identified Simmons, who goes by the street name T-baby, as reputedly being the organization’s usual courier but a feud with the leader at the time caused her and Wright to back out.

Reams received a call from the leader to act as the courier, a pickup and delivery which led to his and Cherry’s arrest.

August 7

The federal task force officer on August 7 applied for and received a court order authorizing installation and monitoring of a trace and trap device with GPS and Geolocation capabilities.

On Wednesday, the federal task force officer contacted Verizon Wireless to report the data was not being sent out for this target telephone. He learned that afternoon Simmons requested her cell number be ported to a different provider.

After locating the correct provider the agent requested the same geolocation information as in the original order.

First location alert

Around 7 p.m. Wednesday, the agent received an alert indicating Simmons and Wright were near Woodbridge, Virginia, and were traveling south on Interstate 95, “more than likely, returning from Patterson, New Jersey.”

The task force agent deployed several law enforcement officers from various agencies to include Nash, Edgecombe and Halifax counties as well as DEA agents to respond to the North Carolina and Virginia state lines.

Shortly before 11 p.m., the suspect vehicle was located and observed traveling south on Highway 125 toward Scotland Neck.

City County Drug Task Force Captain A.M. Harris paced the 2017 Nissan Murano, which Simmons was driving, at an estimated speed of 58 in a 45 mile per hour zone.

Harris conducted the stop near the intersection of Highway 125 and Access Road.

During the encounter, Harris immediately detected an odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and notified City County Drug Task Force Agent D.R. Radford, who arrived with his dog, Tony.

Canine sniff

With Simmons out of the vehicle, Radford had Tony perform a canine sniff of the outside of the vehicle. Tony gave a positive alert to the driver’s side back corner panel for the presence of narcotics.

Simmons, according to the complaint, admitted she had smoked marijuana in the vehicle earlier.

The vehicle was searched by members of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of Radford.

Shortly before 11:30 p.m., Radford located three packages wrapped in black electrical tape. The packages were located in the rear spare tire storage area.

Simmons and Wright, who was sitting in the back seat, were arrested and taken to the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.

The couple’s 11-year-old daughter, who was sitting in the front seat, was also transported to Halifax for safety until a family could be notified.

The suspected heroin was field tested with positive results by members of the City County Drug Task Force.

There was a total of 102 bricks of heroin located which contained fifty baggies in each brick.

Interviews

Wright waived his Miranda Rights and explained he and his wife left Sunday for New Jersey to visit family and shop.

He maintained he had no idea what kind of contraband was in the vehicle.

Simmons denied any knowledge of any type of contraband as well, but did state she and her husband had driven to Patterson approximately six previous times.

In concluding the affidavit the federal task force agent wrote, “The information contained in this affidavit reveals that beginning on an unknown date in 2017 and continuing until or about August 17,  2017, Wright and Simmons conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one hundred grams or more of heroin and possessed with intent to distribute one hundred grams or more of heroin. I believe that there is probable cause for the issuance of this criminal complaint and arrest of the aforementioned individuals.”

Three were awarded scholarships and since then five more have been awarded the scholarships, said Reverend Charles McCollum, president of the Roanoke Valley Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

From that meeting an idea was born to explore how to enhance economic opportunities within the Roanoke Valley, McCollum said in a recent interview.

That idea will manifest itself in the form of an August 26 economic summit called Creating Healthy & Wealthy Communities: Helping Community Leaders Create Wealth Through Innovative Economic Opportunities.

(A flyer with more information and a list of speakers is attached at the end of this story)

The event will be at Inborden Elementary School in Enfield, starting with a breakfast from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.and then a forum from 9 a.m. to noon. Afterward there will be a chance to meet the speakers from noon to 2 p.m.

It will be an opportunity to bring together industry and business leaders, economic experts, entrepreneurs, practitioners, and others to discuss how to create long lasting community wealth by bringing new and innovative economic opportunities to rural communities.

McCollum said the idea of the summit is not to take away from what economic development officials in the region are trying to accomplish, but to help them. “Rather than criticizing, why can’t the community come together and help?”

McCollum said the SCLC is building relationships. “Economic development can’t do it by themselves. One of the main things is poverty. Why can’t we bring solutions to one of the biggest problems? This is our community. How do we impact poverty in our community? Do I sit on the sidelines and talk about it? Or do you get in the fray and do something something about it?”

Ervin Griffin Sr., a member of the SCLC, said the lineman program is a great example of the connections being built within the organization. “We’re one great swing away, one good hit away and we’re there.”

Sessions will cover the following topics:

Creating Revenue Streams from Green Energy

Using Federal Funds for Local Internet Buildouts

Matching Employers with Job Seekers

Accessing Small Business Funding for New and Existing Entrepreneurs

Innovations in Community Healthcare

Employment Opportunities in the Modern Energy Industry

The summit is designed to assist municipalities in accessing resources impacting poverty-stricken regions like Halifax County by improving the economic development outlook.  

Business community leaders, law enforcement, educators, faith-based organizations, students, citizens and stakeholders who are responsible for the improvement and the maximization of  the economic and financial health and well-being of that of the community and future generations are encouraged to attend.

The event is free but registration is required to attend.  

Lunch will be provided by the Halifax County Economic Development Commission.

For more information or RSVP email: charlesmccollumc@aol.com or go to www.rvsclc.com

Officer assaulted

On Thursday around 2:30 p.m.,  Captain B.L. Martin responded to a report of an intoxicated person at Halifax Regional.

Martin found security with David Howard Lee Horton, 59, of Conway.

When Martin approached to escort Horton from the property, he was struck in the face. Horton was taken into custody after a struggle.

Horton was arrested and charged with assault on a government official, damage to property, resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer, trespassing and was served an outstanding order for arrest. Horton received a $3,500 bond and September 6 court date.

Lieutenants C. Burnette, and J. Baggett and Halifax Regional security assisted.

Domestic assault

On Thursday around 3:30 p.m., Officer M. Hunsucker responded to a domestic in the 100 block of Creekside Court.  

He observed visible injuries to the victim’s face.  

Hunsucker arrested and charged Chavez Weaver, 24, of Roanoke Rapids, with assault on a female.

He was jailed without opportunity for bond and has an October 10 court date.

Officer J. DeSare assisted.