Simms is a defendant in the murders of four elderly people in the Glenview community in August and is also a defendant in a gang-related murder in Enfield in 2015.

The decision to return Simms to prison was based on an administrative review of cases in which he was convicted in July of last year, state court records show.

A 2015 charge of possession of firearm by felon was consolidated with a 2014 charge of possession of marijuana, according to state Department of Public safety records.

He originally received a suspended sentence with a supervision term of 18 months. That sentence was handed down July of last year by Special Superior Court Judge Beecher Gray.

Terms of that probation, according to the violation report contained in court files, included Simms not absconding either through willfully avoiding supervision or making his whereabouts unknown to his supervising probation officer.

The document notes, however, “On or about (May 23 of this year) after numerous attempts to contact the defendant, including at the last known address … the said defendant has refused to make himself available for supervision as instructed by the probation officer, thereby absconding probation.”

Simms failed to report to his supervising officer on March 31 and April 27.

He paid $100 toward his supervision fees and at the time of the administrative review was $290 in arrears.

The review also notes he failed to comply with attending substance abuse classes and terminated from the program “due to many missed classes.”

The revocation of his probation was carried out last Wednesday, a day before Kenneth Westcott took a plea in the 2015 of murder of Jarshamel Cambridge in Enfield, a crime in which Simms was also charged.

The revocation of his probation also came a day after Cambridge murder defendants Jequan Kimble and Dequan Marrow took pleas in the Cambridge case.

Westcott, Kimble, Marrow and Jamonte Green all pled to solicitation to commit gang activity in the case. Dexter Taylor, the man whose bullet killed Cambridge, is serving a six-year sentence for manslaughter in the case and Tony Hill received probation for shooting into an occupied vehicle to incite fear.

The remaining defendants, Simms and Taphill Yancy, are expected to be appear in court next month in the Cambridge case.

The district attorney’s office has said they will most likely not receive the same plea offers as the four others did because of their failure to cooperate with the state.

Halifax County Superior Court Judge Alma Hinton ordered the revocation and Simms was transferred from the Halifax County Detention Center to Craven Correctional Institution.

Total incarceration term is two years and two months, according to Department of Public Safety records.

Simms is scheduled to appear in Halifax County District Court Wednesday for further administrative matters in the Glenview murders.

 {gallery}1111veterans{/gallery}

Chief James Avens said in a statement the customer discovered the keypad had a cover over it. It was later discovered the cover had a camera attached to it so keystrokes and customer PINs could be observed.

The customer discovered something out of sorts with the machine around 2 p.m. Sunday. Avens said it is not yet clear how long the keypad cover and card skimmer had been in the machine.

Avens said the police department has received one call of someone’s financial information being used by another but it was not immediately clear whether it could be linked to the placement of the skimmer.

The police department is sharing the information with other law enforcement agencies and is working in conjunction with State Employee’s Credit Union on the matter.

{gallery}1113skim{/gallery}

Officer Noland Coles responded to the location of the machine after the customer noticed something was wrong.

Police contacted SECU which dispatched a technician to the location.The technician removed the skimmer from the machine.

The skimmer records the financial information associated with the account.

The Weldon CashPoints, which is in the vicinity of the former Interstate Inn is a “very popular” ATM, Avens said.

Avens said people using ATMs should exercise caution and be observant. “Most ATMs don’t have a cover on the keypad.”

If unsure or if something looks out of place, he said it is better to conduct transactions inside a financial institution.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department at 252-536-3136 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

The meeting also marked the end of presidency for Ken Wilson who turned over the gavel to new President David B. Gammon.

“It has been an honor and a pleasure serving as your president for the past two years,” Wilson said. “ … This chapter, I believe, will continue to grow and participate in activities in our community and state. Through the efforts of our membership we were recognized as the small chapter with the best overall program in the SAR for 2016 as well as receiving several other awards.Earlier this year we received an astounding 62 brochure entries and 49 posters. Recently we also received a record 40 Knight Essay submissions from Roanoke Rapids High School and Nash Central. Our flag retirements with Roanoke Rapids High School are continuing on a one per semester occurrence. Classroom presentations have increased.  Plans have already been made for the poster and brochure contests.”

Said Wilson: “This chapter is one of, if not the most, active small chapter in North Carolina. I believe this will continue for the foreseeable future.  The community is now more aware of this chapter than in years past and I believe we will be called on in the future by other organizations to participate in events and ceremonies.  

“As I pass the reins to David, I will not be leaving him or the chapter without support and advice if called upon. There are several projects, in both the chapter and state, already in the works that I hope to be of assistance in seeing to fruition.”

North Carolina SAR President George Strunk, who is also president of the General George Washington chapter in Greenville, oversaw the oath of office for Gammond, Vice President Geoffrey Pittard and Chaplain Duncan Jones. Secretary-Treasurer Steven F. Avent was absent.

Awards

Ladies of the Halifax United Methodist Church were honored in recognition of the support given the Halifax Resolves Chapter. Linda Presley accepted the award.

Pittard was honored in recognition of the support given chapter.

Rives Manning and Ernest Bobbitt were presented the Bronze Good Citizenship Medal — a multi-purpose award designed to recognize individuals whose community achievements at the local and state level are noteworthy.

Gammon, Jones and Avent were presented the Bronze Roger Sherman Medal for a compatriot in recognition of, and in appreciation of, outstanding services rendered to a Chapter.

{gallery}1113SAR{/gallery}

First responder awards

In presenting the awards, Wilson said, “Tonight’s recipients have consistently placed their subordinates above themselves.  It’s now time for us to recognize them.

When the decision was made to give these awards, I was astounded at the additional activities these men have undertaken. Each activity gives something back to the community.”

The Fire Safety Commendation Medal was presented to Roanoke Rapids fire Chief Stacy Coggins. “He represents the excellence, spirit and dedication of the ideal supervisor and team leader,” Wilson said.

The Law Enforcement Commendation Medal was presented to Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty and Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp. Major Neil Aycock accepted the award for Tripp.

Of Hasty, Wilson said, “He is a true professional whose courage of conviction and strong moral character fosters high morale, esprit de corps and a winning attitude within the department.”

Of Tripp, Wilson said, “His professionalism, strong moral character, and willingness to overcome the sometimes overwhelming challenges of his office are a credit to the members of his office and the county of Halifax.”

Captain Bobby Martin said officers responded to the RR Business Center at Oakland Shopping Center near Big Lots Sunday around 5:30 a.m. on an armed robbery call.

A person described as a black male standing 5-feet, 8-inches with a medium build pointed a handgun at an employee and demanded money. Martin declined to say whether the man wore a mask.

The employee complied and left the establishment with an undisclosed amount of money.

{gallery}1113rrpd{/gallery}

Credit card

Investigator Obert Wiltsie reports a woman using a stolen credit card bought $1,600 worth of money orders and MoneyGram orders at Food Lion on August 25.

The card was stolen from Rocky Mount.

Stolen check

Wiltsie also reported the police department is seeking a woman who bought a small amount of items and received change after presenting a stolen check at a local business on October 23.

Anyone with information on any of these cases is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810, Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 or for Wiltsie’s two cases 252-533-2823.

Monday marked the fourth anniversary of their ownership of the movie theater off Tenth Street.

Part of that anniversary celebration includes new seats being installed in theater 2.

The new seats being installed in the cinema’s second theater today replace ones Blaine estimates are at least 50 years old. “They saw a lot of movies,” he said as workers bolted them to the floor.

It is a huge step in the refurbishing of the theater. “We wanted to do this four years ago,” he said, but had to put the plans on hold because of the digital upgrade and repairing a collapsed sewer line. “This was something we wanted to do a long time ago.”

In adding the new seats, the flooring of theater 2 was redone, new carpeting will be installed and the house lights will be LED, Blaine said. The walls will be redone and accent and floor lights will be added.

The new configuration of the 115 new seats puts them in the center of the theater to give moviegoers a better viewing experience, Blaine said. “We wanted to do this because of the support we have got from the community. They believed in us and we wanted to do that for them because we believe in them.”

{gallery}1114cinema{/gallery}

The improvements over the past four years have helped the theater pick up customers who weren’t coming to Roanoke Rapids for movies, Blaine said.

With the seating project, he said, “We hope we will pick up more and can give them the best movie-going experience in a 100-mile radius.”

The new seats are the latest standard for movie theaters, Blaine said.

The placement of the seats will make entry and exit easier, Janelle said. They are wider and have higher backs so patrons can rest their heads.

Janelle said the seats will be ready for the Thursday showing of Justice League, which will play in both cinemas.

Blaine has tested the new seats with his father as well as his employees. The reaction has been favorable as the seats have better cushioning than the old ones and have pivoting armrests.

The pivoting armrests, Blaine said, “Will allow for better comfort and potential cuddling for couples.”

The new seating will not compromise space for wheelchair-bound viewers, Janelle said.

As the couple embarks on their next four years of ownership, Blaine said he is seeking financing to pay for reconfiguring theater 1 to create what would be a third screen. “Having a third screen will give us the advantage to show more variety.”

He is also hoping to expand the lobby and bring the ticket booth inside, with plans to add another.

While Blaine continues to run his own insurance agency, the theater business gives him a lighthearted venture. “It’s fun for me to be able to entertain people and provide a place for families to come and make memories which increases their bond. We want to help families be closer.”

Enfield

Police Chief Tyree Davis reported on Monday Officer Thomas J. Vesce Jr. arrested Rakeem Bryant on an outstanding warrant.

The warrant was for injury to real property, injury to personal property and domestic assault on a female.

Bryant was held on a 48-hour domestic violence hold.

Weldon

Lieutenant Chris Davis reported on Friday around 1:15 a.m., Officer C.M. Byrum responded to a residence in the 1200 block of Snead Street on a fight call.

Byrum determined Aaron Sanchez Stewart Jr., 23, of Weldon, allegedly assaulted his mother and brother inside the residence.

Byrum arrested and charged Stewart with communicating threats, assault on a female and assault with a deadly weapon.

Stewart was taken before a magistrate and received a $2,500 secured bond with a December 12 court date.

Sergeant L.K. Melton assisted.

On Friday around 1:30 p.m., Officer N.L. Coles conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Sycamore and Sixth streets.

Coles recognized the driver and knew her license was revoked.

Coles arrested Jessica Shonese Rivers, 30, of Weldon, and charged her with driving while license revoked.

She was taken before a magistrate and given a $1,500 secured bond with a November 15 court date.

On Saturday around 6:45 p.m., Sergeant T.L. Mason was in the 200 block of Mills Street attempting to serve a warrant for arrest.

He located Bryan Ozell Jones, 19, of Weldon, and arrested him on charges taken out by Trooper J. Keeter of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Jones was charged with driving with no operators license, failure to wear seat belt and reckless driving to endanger.

Jones was taken before a magistrate and given a $750 unsecured bond with a December 11 court date.

Avens said he is hopeful a video showing the installation at the CashPoints on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway near the old Interstate Inn may help the department gather leads in the case.

“We’re working closely with the bank,” he said this evening. “We have made contact with several agencies across the county and state. We have contacted the Secret Service and SBI.”

Avens said he was not in a position to make a judgment call on whether the ones who installed the devices, which are designed to steal PINS and account information are local.

{gallery}1114skimmer{/gallery}

Thus far two people have come forward saying they used the machine during the time the devices were installed. It is not clear whether their financial information was compromised.

It is also not clear how many people may have used the machine. Those possibilities remain under investigation, Avens said. “The best thing to do is to deactivate your card, get a new one with a new PIN.

“If you used this ATM machine between 8 p.m. on Friday, November 10,  and 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 12, please contact your financial institute to be sure that your account has not been compromised.”

Anyone with information on the suspects is encouraged to call the police department at 252-536-3136 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

There are two legitimate fundraising efforts planned for the family of 19-year-old Mallori Louise Reagan, who lost her life in a Northampton County car crash earlier this month, said Jay Barnes, who is helping in planning a December 2 poker run. A December 9 plate sale is also planned, he said.

Captain Bobby Martin of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department identified the man who is reputedly raising funds as 53-year-old Alonzo “Smut” Scott.

(A flyer of the poker run is included as a PDF at the end of this story)

Barnes said Scott is using a flyer for the plate sale with his name written in pencil as a contact.

Martin said police became aware of Scott when he reportedly entered City Electric Supply at 1010 Charlotte Street claiming to be a representative of the fundraiser dedicated to Reagan, saying he would turn the money over to organizers.

When the business owner told him they were already collecting money, he hurriedly left the business, Martin said in a statement.

In an attempt to add legitimacy to his claim, Scott had money and what appeared to be a personal check in his hand he indicated was donated by others.

“We’re just trying to find out if anyone has given him money,” Martin said. “This kind of solicitation is frowned upon, particularly under the circumstances in which it’s being held.”

Barnes said fundraiser organizers are angered by the misrepresentation. “My biggest thing is it’s disrespectful to the family. They’re overwhelmed with the expenses of the funeral and medical bills. One-hundred percent of the funds are going to the family.”

Of Scott, Barnes said, “The more people who know about him the less he will get.”

The legitimate fundraisers include the December 2 poker run, which will depart from Collier Harley-Davidson.

Registration is from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. The ride begins at noon.The registration fee is $15 per bike and $5 per passenger.

For more information contact Barnes at 252-578-1438 or Brandon Wilson at 252-538-1491.

Meanwhile, on December 9 a barbecue chicken plate sale will be held at the VFW on Thelma Road at noon. Plates are $7 and include barbecue chicken, boiled potatoes, baked beans, green beans and a roll.

Martin said anyone who believes they have been scammed is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810; Investigator J. Benthall at 252-533-2898 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

The hearing had been set for this morning but the district attorney’s office said there have been no motions filed to move forward with the proceedings.

The DA’s office declined comment on whether it would seek a grand jury indictment against Simms before a probable cause hearing is held.

Meanwhile, a status hearing on the cases of Simms and Taphil Yancy in the 2015 murder of Jarshamel Cambridge is scheduled for December 13 in Halifax County Superior Court.

Status reports on all murder cases in the county are also expected to be given.

Simms is currently in prison after his probation was revoked earlier this month.

Carter replaces Norma Merriman who retired in September.

Carter was selected from a qualified pool of applicants and emerged as the top candidate after a rigorous interview and selection process.

Carter spent the last 13 years with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services in its Division of Social Services.

She was a Program Consultant II. She served on the Regulatory and Licensing Team and was instrumental in monitoring the practices of private residential child care and child placement agencies throughout eastern North Carolina.

She also visited other county departments of social services to conduct evaluations for DHHS. Carter obtained her bachelor’s degree in political science from Fayetteville State University and obtained her master’s degree in social work from North Carolina State University.

Halifax County Manager Tony Brown said, “I am looking forward to establishing a positive working relationship with Ms. Carter and look forward to her joining our Halifax County team.”

DSS Board Chair Mary Mebane also applauded the selection made by the board. “Our board is excited to welcome Ms. Carter to Halifax County. Her extensive background in social work and familiarity with rural, northeastern North Carolina makes her an excellent fit for DSS and for Halifax County.”

Carter’s first day with Halifax County is December 1.

She is making plans to relocate to Halifax County in the near future.

Sheriff Wes Tripp said delivery of the more than 100 coats represents several weeks of collections through drop-off sites at B&J Cash and Carry and the sheriff’s office. It also represents contributions made by members of First Baptist Church on Becker Drive, which is a partner in the effort, and those collected by deputies.

Angel’s Closet will distribute the coats to children in need of them.

{gallery}1115coats{/gallery}

The sheriff’s office is looking for donations of new or slightly worn coats. The drive continues through the holiday season.

Tripp is hopeful this year’s drive can surpass last year’s contribution of more than 1,000. “The Roanoke Valley has a proven track record of helping each other out. When there’s a need, people come forward.”

Phil Hux, who serves on the board of Angel’s Closet, said, “We appreciate the coats and everything the sheriff’s office has done for us in the past. These coats can’t come at a better time.”

Drop-off points for the coats are B&J’s Cash and Carry on Becker Drive and the sheriff’s office in Halifax. A pickup can be arranged by a deputy by calling Tripp at 252-578-6761.

Davis would only confirm the machine was an outside ATM. Asked for a specific location, the chief said the United States Secret Service has asked the department to withhold the specific site as well as releasing any further photos or videos on the matter since Weldon has already released them.

The placement of the skimmer and keypad cover in Weldon was the first reported in the state, Davis said the Secret Service told him. The Enfield attempt is now the second.

In a statement Davis said since a card skimmer was located in an ATM in Weldon the department has been checking local machines.

Around noon Wednesday, the department spoke with the Secret Service about one of the machines being tampered with.

The federal agency determined through the machine’s video system someone did attempt to place a card skimmer on the ATM that morning but it was not immediately clear if they were successful.

The maintenance crew for the ATM was contacted and responded.

Neither the maintenance worker or department was able to locate a skimmer.

As a precaution, however, the department and Secret Service asked the maintenance worker to change the components of the ATM where a skimmer could have been installed.

The previously installed components were seized by the department to be evaluated by the Secret Service.

In the statement, Davis said, “Even though fraud is more prevalent during the holiday season we ask everyone to keep a check on their bank accounts not only now but throughout the year. If anyone finds any discrepancies in their accounts they are asked to first contact their financial institution and then their local law enforcement agency.”

Davis said the department will continue to check local ATMs in an effort to locate card skimmers and prevent financial card crimes. “We ask that if you see anyone tampering with or at an ATM or at an ATM for an extended period of time to please contact your local law enforcement agency.”

Davis said people using ATMs can run a test before placing their cards in the slot by pulling on the component. “If it’s loose, if it comes out easy, it’s not supposed to be there.”

ATM users can use a hand or wallet to cover the one entering the PIN in the event a camera is installed in the keypad cover, he said.

Chief Deputy Scott Hall of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement the theft was reported on September 25 and deputies began an initial investigation.

Further investigation by Detective R.B. Biggerstaff led to warrants against Ronnie Washington, 35.

Washington was charged with felony breaking and entering, felony larceny after breaking and entering, felony possession of stolen goods and injury to personal property.

Washington was jailed on $10,000 bond and received a November 22 court date.

Trooper T.D. “Bo” Forsht of the state Highway Patrol assisted in the arrest.

Biggerstaff said the wire was processed at a salvage yard outside the county.

The Lake Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce assisted with a ribbon-cutting.

{gallery}1116lake{/gallery}

The business, located at the intersection of Highway 158 and Weaver’s Chapel Road outside Littleton, opened in early June.

It specializes in RV maintenance and repair and also does auto maintenance and repair.

Roanoke Valley Auto Works in Roanoke Rapids, which Perkins also owns, remains open.

{gallery}1117pd{/gallery}

Captain Bobby Martin said the theft occurred Monday around 4:45 a.m.

The pair allegedly stole $240 worth of PS4 controllers.

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

Weldon fire Chief Rusty Bolt said the call was received around 7:30.

One of the occupants saw fire in the closet and tried to put it out. The fire, however, got too big, Bolt said.

There were three occupants inside the wood-framed house, including a wheelchair-bound woman. “They were lucky to get her out,” Bolt said.

Firefighters arrived within two minutes and it took approximately 30 minutes to get the blaze under control. “Pretty much every room was involved. We saved the frame and the flooring,” Bolt said.

The cause of the fire is undetermined. Bolt said it wasn’t clear whether the cause might have been electrical or something in the furnace. The five-room house had a standup furnace in which the front was visible in the living room and the back was in the closet.

There was total content loss as well, Bolt said.

The victims, who were not injured, have family in the area and the American Red Cross is assisting with temporary lodging, clothing, food and money.

The deadline to file an upset bid is Monday at 5 p.m.

Should no upset bid be submitted by the deadline, city council will determine at its Tuesday meeting whether to accept or decline the offer. Council meets at 5:15 p.m. at the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall on Jackson Street.

The prospective buyers, Thomas and Evon McClean, made a $150,000 down payment to the city last week.

The McCleans intend to operate the venue to put on shows, develop it as a meeting place, develop it as an attraction and conduct internet gaming.

A qualifying higher bid is one that raises the existing offer to an amount not less than $3,150,000.

If the theater is sold, the proceeds will be deposited in a city account which will be determined at a later date, Scherer said.

Both the Roanoke Rapids Police Department and City County Drug Task Force identify Church and Carter streets as problem areas for drug activity and shots fired calls.

“We’re seeing a fairly significant amount of drug activity on Church and Carter streets,” said Roanoke Rapids Captain Bobby Martin. “It’s gotten pretty bad from citizen complaints of shots fired to drug activity.”

Task force Captain Anzell Harris said, “We’re seeing traffic in and out, just a lot of drug activity.”

Harris said there are complaints “every day of the week. We follow up on the complaints.”

Harris likened Church Street to an open air market or department store. “You can go to the area and get what you want. Undercover agents have purchased cocaine, heroin and marijuana there.”

It was in response to these complaints Thursday Roanoke Rapids officers around 8:15 p.m. encountered several people in front of an abandoned house, Martin said in a statement.

While talking to the people, officers noticed a vehicle near another abandoned house. Officers identified the occupant of the vehicle as Audwin Lamont Parker, 28, of Roanoke Rapids.

Parker was arrested last week on cocaine and marijuana charges following a second raid on a reputed trap house on Zoo Road.

While speaking with Parker, officers located an open container of alcohol, digital scales and other items indicative of drug sales, Martin said.

While checking Parker, blue pills identified as Percocet in a clear plastic bag were located. Master Officer J.L. Hardy cited Parker for possession of schedule II.

Martin said officers continued foot patrols and Lieutenant B. Norton located a box of .40-caliber ammunition under a porch board of the abandoned house where the group gathered.

Scattered around the area was a gray bag discovered by Hardy, which contained a pill bottle with 2.5 grams of cocaine inside. Officer S. Blythe discovered an aluminum salt shaker with 2 grams of cocaine inside.

Martin confirmed the items were scattered to make proof of ownership difficult. No charges have been filed and investigation continues.

Officer C. Hagbourne assisted in the investigation.

The cocaine trafficking charges were lodged following a search at the jail.

The arrests of the Rocky Mount residents — Anthony High, 39, and Darlena High, 49 — were the result of a stop by Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Deputy W.H. Wheeler, Captain A.M. Harris said in a statement.

The stop occurred shortly after 10:45 p.m. in the southbound lane of I-95 near the 159 mile marker.

{gallery}1118interstate{/gallery}

During the search of the vehicle, with assistance from Roanoke Rapids Officer Hannah Grimes, her dog Jimi and Harris, a loaded Taurus handgun and 24.2 grams of marijuana were seized. The marijuana was wrapped in seven bags.

Wheeler arrested and charged Mr. High for possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and possession of firearm by felon.  

Mrs. High was arrested and charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for a controlled substance.

At the jail, deputies requested an in-depth search of Mrs. High.

With assistance of Lieutenant Teri Kimball, deputies seized 200 grams of cocaine and additional charges were obtained for trafficking in cocaine, possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, conspire to trafficking cocaine and possess a controlled substance at a prison/jail premise for Mrs. High.

Mr. High was additionally charged with trafficking in cocaine, possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine and conspire to trafficking cocaine.

The 2005 Dodge Durango, along with an undisclosed amount of currency, was seized.

Mrs. High received a $55,000 bond and her husband received a $100,000 bond.

Both have December 6 court dates.

Harris said the street value of the cocaine is approximately $12,000.

North Carolina Department of Public Safety indicates Mr. High was convicted in Edgecombe County Superior Court in 1997 for second-degree murder and after serving 19 years was released last April.