The proposed financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year does include a tax rate adjustment to make up for revenue lost in this year's countywide property valuation.

Commissioners during this evening's budget work session were in general agreement with the plan, which still has several steps to go through, including a public hearing.

Commissioner Patrick Qualls recommended going with an option that was presented last week that would reduce the fund balance to 13.5 percent.

Other commissioners, however, stated they liked the option Brown presented.

“It's important to realize it's better than it was last year,” Qualls said. “But there are no guarantees. We still have fund balance issues.”

Brown's proposal takes $2,901,558 from the fund balance.

The proposed $39,190,467 budget will fund the remounting of an ambulance; replace a quick response vehicle; fund two full-time dispatchers; replace the fire marshal's vehicle; transition to Office 365 for email and fund three sheriff's office patrol cars in the capital line item.

It funds $1,258,400 in school capital needs as follows:

Roof replacement at Halifax Community College.

Boiler, press boxes, lab upgrades, generators and cameras for the county school system.

Security cameras, controlled locks and shingle replacement for the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District.

A Weldon High School gym roof, athletic field renovations and lighting for Weldon City Schools.

The budget will fund additional current expense for schools, including a $127,027 utility increase at HCC.

It will $500 teacher supplements for 578 certified teachers.

Board Chair Vernon Bryant said he wanted the teacher supplements earmarked for certified teachers who have contact with students. “I don't want it to benefit administrators right now.”

Brown's proposed budget will fund $197,787 in outside requests and includes a 2 percent competitive market adjustment for employees and an employee pay for performance plan budgeted at $378,000.

The county manager directed the board to a memo from the tax office which said the proposed tax rate adjustment under the revenue neutral rate will mean owners of 22,000 of the county's 37,330 taxable properties will not have a higher tax bill if the rate is set at 73 cents per $100 of valuation as proposed. The current rate is 68 cents. “That's roughly 60 percent of the taxable properties,” the memo from county Tax Coordinator/Collector Doris Hawkins said.

Detective B.C. Griffin said this evening the robbery occurred on Rhea Smith Road at the Highway 48 intersection when the victim was robbed and strangled to the point he blacked out. Money and items of value were taken.

Griffin filed warrants for the arrest of Joshua Jonathan Jackson, 27, on April 8 for robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspire to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon and assault by strangulation.

Task force Agent D.R. Radford said in a statement that just before 4:30 p.m. he and Agent D.J. Hundley were in the area of Medlin Street and Roanoke Avenue when they observed Jackson.

Jackson was served with three orders for arrest for misdemeanor probation violation and one order for arrest for felony probation violation out of county.

Jackson is scheduled to appear in court June 1 and was given an $8,000 cash bond.

He was given $25,000 secured bond and a May 27 court date on Griffin's charges and $14,000 secured bond and an April 28 court date for a charge of communicating threats.

The armed robbery remains under investigation, Griffin said.

Officers responded to the New Dixie Mart on Old Farm Road and learned a man entered the store, brandished a gun and demanded money. The clerk complied and the suspect, described as a black male with a scarf wrapped around his face, left. He last seen running toward Weldon on Becker Brive.

The man was described as standing 5-feet, 5-inches tall and had a small build. In addition to the scarf, he wore a black jacket and khaki pants.

Weldon Police Department Sergeant Lee Mason and his dog were called to assist in an attempt to locate the man.

 Anyone with information about this crime should call Investigator Jeff Davis at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

The targeted victim, Deputy Chief Andy Jackson said this afternoon, was not taken by the scam and was on the phone with Dominion while the caller continued their spiel.

The caller told the business their power bill was due immediately and if it wasn't paid within 30 minutes their power would be turned off.

To keep the power on required the target of the scam to purchase three pre-paid Visa cards and call 1-885-698-3327 extension 32, which is not a legitimate Dominion number, and give the scammers the card numbers.

By giving the scammers the card numbers the scammers would be enabled to make purchases with the cards, Jackson said.

North Carolina Wildlife Enforcement Officer Patrick Brown said four dive teams were in the water today looking for John Sutton.

As of this report, there have been no results.

The searches today have centered around a perimeter of the Gaston Dam where Sutton, 31, had been fishing for bait that morning.

The dive teams each have different types of Sonar, Brown said. He said the area where responders believe Sutton may be is about 60-feet deep and rocky, which makes underwater imaging difficult.

A dive team was also going to concentrate on the length of the dam.

An intensive search effort Sunday brought out between 16 and 18 boats and searchers combed the islands along the Halifax and Northampton shorelines hoping Sutton may have made it to land.

Brown said circumstances described by witness accounts that morning have not changed and it is believed that Sutton, an experienced boater and fisherman, had been net casting in the area of the dam called the boil, where the water from power generation is the most turbulent.

Brown said Sutton is experienced in handling a boat in the boil, and had made at least three trips that evening.

On the fourth trip, Brown said the boat hit the pillar at full throttle and Sutton was most likely thrown from the boat.

Trooper S. Richardson noted in his initial report the wreck involved the two tractor-trailers, a passenger car and Chevrolet super duty pickup hauling a camper.

All vehicles were traveling north near the 154 mile marker in the Enfield area shortly after 6 p.m.

Richardson notes that a Freightliner with enclosed trailer driven by Seid Jiberil Duale failed to reduce speed and collided with a Toyota Camry driven by Judith Gormley.

The Camry was spun around and came to a uncontrolled rest facing west in the right lane of I-95 north.

The Freightliner continued traveling and collided with the rear of a Volvo tractor with a flatbed trailer driven by James Allen Gordon.

The front of the Freightliner tractor became mangled and attached to the Volvo's trailer.

The vehicles came to a uncontrolled rest in the right lane, of I-95 facing north. The impact of the Freightliner with the Volvo's trailer forced the Volvo to collide with the rear of the RV camper, being pulled by by David Maxon.

The pickup came to a controlled rest on the right shoulder of I-95 north, facing north.

A Haz-Mat team was called by the state Department of Transportation to contain a diesel spill. The team contained the spill, according to the report.

The collision caused the right lane of I-95 to be closed by DOT until around 12:20 this morning.

The driver of the Camry and her passenger were taken to Halifax Regional Medical Center by Halifax EMS and treated and released.

The driver of the Volvo was also taken to Halifax Regional Medical Center by Halifax EMS and treated and released.

Investigation continues.

With support from the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League, Concerned Stewards of Halifax County are expected to take their message to county commissioners at their Monday morning meeting, which begins at 9:30 in the boardroom at the Historic Courthouse.

Tuesday, Valerie Williams of Halifax, stood with Kate Dunnagan, a development director and community organizer with BREDL in front of the Historic Courthouse in Halifax to outline their concerns with the proposed natural gas pipeline, which commissioners and Roanoke Rapids City Council have already endorsed.

Williams said before the media event the concerned stewards group represents some 50 to 60 people in Halifax County who live along the proposed pipeline's route.

Williams addresses the press.

Dunnagan said the goal is stop the pipeline and not have it rerouted. “We're seeing a lot more resistance in Virginia. We're seeing more resistance to fracking in North Carolina.”

Dunnagan said BREDL's message is about environmental justice. “The counties along the (the route) have a disproportionately higher population of minorities. The feds have an obligation to protect minority populations.”

Williams and Dunnagan delivered their briefings to two media outlets. That no one else attended, Williams said, was not a setback, but reflective that many stakeholders were at work or elderly.

“It is crucial,” Williams said in her statement, “that we understand what happens when the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and Dominion Transmission enter our territories.”

Williams said, according to BREDL, a liquified natural gas terminal is a foreseeable outcome of the proposed outcome. “We must take a stand to stomp out the ACP and stop the pipe lies now before our lands are interrupted.”

Williams encouraged landowners of Halifax County to say no to the pipeline. “Do not be deceived and faintly succumb to the wishes of the pipeline corporate giants who are looking out for no one's interests except their own. Let us protest for our safety and our future generations. Let us decide to protect and conserve our natural resources as we plan it. Let us decide that we will have clean water. Let us decide that our soil will no longer be polluted. Let us decide to have our rights to our own minerals and riches … As Americans, individuals have a earned the right to enjoy complete freedom without an abusive government seeking to allow a private company the federal power of eminent domain for no one's necessity but their own.”

Williams said the proposed pipeline will be a high-pressure, 36-inch pipeline “that will be capable of delivering 1.5 billion cubit feet of explosive natural gas per day along with 592 miles of pipeline, seven air-polluting compressor stations from West Virginia to North Carolina.”

Williams said the power of eminent domain must not be used to take property for private use. “One can drive on an interstate highway. One cannot get gas from an interstate pipeline. Our community will not reap economic benefit.”

Dunnagan said, “The pipeline companies promise an economic benefit, but professional appraisers say that losses in property value could be from 50 percent of the land value for a pipeline easement area and up to 30 percent or more for the whole property value.”

Said Dunnagan: “What we at the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League see is the impacts on land, air and water resources which would occur if this pipeline is built, would be contrary to the spirit of the National Environmental Policy Act, which is to prevent or eliminate damage to the environment.”

The project, she said, according to information contained in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's pre-filing docket, “Represents a massive assault on the environment and the communities along the proposed route.”

One of the problems, she said, “Is the threat of global warming, made worse by the burning of the fossil fuel which is natural gas. Once the impacts are weighed, we believe the no action alternative; that is, the denial of the certificate of convenience and public necessity, will be the only answer.”

Dunnagan said the per capita income levels of residents in all of the targeted counties along the route are well below the statewide average — from 9 percent to 39 percent. “More troubling is the fact that the number of people living below the poverty line in the eight pipeline counties exceeds the statewide average from 30 percent to 81 percent … seven of the counties have African-American populations in greater proportion than the statewide average.”

Said Dunnagan: “Today, we are calling for a community veto of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. It is only reasonable for communities which lie along proposed pipeline routes to ask their local government officials to protect them.”

Trooper W.C. Wheeler says his preliminary investigation shows that just after 8 a.m. today Hayley Heath, 17, of Skippers, was at the stop sign at Macon Price Road and Highway 48.

A second vehicle, driven by Samantha Johnson, 27, of Roanoke Rapids was traveling west on Highway 48.

Heath pulled out of the intersection to cross the highway at the same time Johnson was traveling west.

Heath was airlifted to Vidant in Greenville and Johnson was taken to Halifax Regional Medical Center in Roanoke Rapids.

Heath was alert when she was airlifted, Wheeler said. He said he believed Johnson would be OK.

Gaston Volunteer Fire Chief Ed Porter Jr. said in a statement that Heath was trapped inside her vehicle. The driver side door, B-post and roof were removed and Heath was treated on the scene before being airlifted.

Firefighters remained on the scene for almost an hour before the highway was reopened.

“It's a very good opportunity for me and my family,” Sawyer said this afternoon, “But I can't help but have on my mind and heart the experiences we had in Roanoke Rapids.”

Sawyer, a native of Pamlico County, said, “It gets us back to our family. It's really bittersweet.”

Sawyer will leave Roanoke Rapids with a sense of accomplishment. “I feel like the team work we've had positions us to continue to push for higher levels of performance. I think it's a bright future for students, staff and community. There have been challenges, but overall I think the wonderful staff worked hard together to improve and strengthen opportunities for our students.”

Arapahoe is one of the first public charter schools in North Carolina, he said. “It's very well established. The school is very community oriented.”

“Dr. Sawyer has led the district through many positive changes over his 11 year tenure and mostly recently spearheaded our five-year strategic plan which will guide the district’s work with teachers, parents, and students through 2020,” school board Chairman Jay Carlilse said in the statement .

The board has scheduled a meeting Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the central office to discuss its process in the search for Sawyer’s replacement and a potential timeline.

Carlisle said he would like to see someone in place before school resumes in the fall.

“There is a great deal of positive momentum in our schools right now and I have no doubt our talented staff will continue to move forward on behalf of our students and continue to promote the positives of a smaller community school district like ours,” said Sawyer in the statement.

Sawyer also thanked the board, administrative team, staff, parents, and community for supporting him during his tenure. “I feel strongly about the work we have done and the forward thinking strategic plan the board adopted earlier this year which creates a bridge for future success. Roanoke Rapids will always have a special place in my heart.”

Sawyer will begin his new position July 1.

She takes the place of MeLinda Hite, who is retiring.

Etheridge comes to the city from Northampton County, where she was assistant finance director.

She currently lives in Roanoke Rapids.

Etheridge begins her new position on May 11.

“Ms. Hite has consistently demonstrated an exceptionally high degree of professional excellence. Her knowledge, total dedication to duty and willingness to assist in any capacity made her a valuable member of the city administration,” Scherer said in a statement. “I have no doubt Ms. Etheridge will continue this tradition of excellence and provide outstanding financial management and administration to the city.”

“Deputies contacted the FBI on day one and since day one have had an active role,” Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said this afternoon.

Chief Deputy Bruce Temple, Major Scott Hall and Captain Anzell Harris all had an active role in what is being called Operation Rockfish.

“We received numerous tips and information from confidential informants. We follow up on every lead and every tip to make sure it's credible,” Tripp said. “I have a sick feeling in my stomach right now because we all take an oath to defend and protect the state and federal constitution. We're not supposed to break the law. We will continue to work closely my friend (Northampton County) Sheriff Jack Smith. Words cannot express how many man hours and time away from their families our deputies worked with the federal government in this case.”

Tripp described Operation Rockfish as a major corruption sting operation centering on officers involved in the drug trade. “No drugs made it to anybody in the public. This is huge. This is the biggest police corruption case since Tarnished Badge in Robeson County. It was much bigger than that.”

In all, the United States Attorney's Office said in a statement 13 current and former law enforcement officers and two other individuals have been indicted and arrested for allegedly protecting narcotics shipments and cash proceeds during transit along the East Coast for what they believed was a large-scale drug trafficking organization that was actually an undercover operation by the FBI.

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker of the Eastern District of North Carolina and Special Agent in Charge John A. Strong of the FBI’s Charlotte office made the announcement today.

“Corruption in local government – especially involving law enforcement – threatens the social compact that binds our communities together,” said Caldwell. “When the officer with a gun and a badge is no different from the trafficker peddling drugs in the street, we all suffer. That is why the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners in North Carolina and throughout the country are determined to root out corruption, wherever and in whatever form it may be found.”

“The actions by these individuals are particularly troubling due to their current and past affiliation with law enforcement,” said Walker. “Their alleged conduct was reprehensible and my office will not tolerate this kind of corruption in our district. I am grateful for the outstanding work of the FBI Special Agents who investigated this case.”

“They vowed to protect and serve, but instead these deputies and correctional officers sold their badges and used their law enforcement positions to line their own pockets,” said Strong. “Public corruption at any level is the number one criminal priority of the FBI and we will work aggressively to protect the public trust.”

The following individuals were indicted in the Eastern District of North Carolina and arrested today in a coordinated operation by the FBI:

•Lann Tjuan Clanton, 36, a correctional officer with the Virginia Department of Corrections and former Weldon police officer.

•Ikeisha Jacobs, 32, a deputy with the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

• Jason Boone, 29, a deputy with the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

• Wardie Vincent Jr., 35, formerly of the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

• Adrienne Moody, 39, a correctional officer with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.

• Cory Jackson, 43, formerly of the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

• Jimmy Pair Jr., 48, a deputy with the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

• Curtis Boone, 31, a deputy with the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

• Antonio Tillmon, 31, a police officer with the Windsor City Police Department.

• Alaina Sue Kamling, 27, a correctional officer with the North Carolina
Department of Public Safety.

• Kavon Phillips, 25, a correctional officer with the North Carolina Department of
Public Safety.

• Crystal Pierce, 31, of Raleigh, North Carolina.

•Alphonso Ponton, 42, a correctional officer with the Virginia Department of Corrections.

•Thomas Jefferson Allen II, 37, a deputy with the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

• Tosha Dailey, 31, a 911 dispatch operator for Northampton County.

All 15 defendants are charged with conspiring to distribute controlled substances and conspiring to use and carry firearms during and in relation to drug trafficking offenses.

Other charges against certain defendants include attempted extortion, attempted possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, money laundering, federal programs bribery and use and carry of firearms during and in relation to crimes of violence and drug trafficking offenses.

Tripp said the case remains under investigation.

Named in the indictment are the following:

•Lann Tjuan Clanton, 36, a correctional officer with the Virginia Department of Corrections and former Weldon police officer.

•Ikeisha Jacobs, 32, a deputy with the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

• Jason Boone, 29, a deputy with the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

• Wardie Vincent Jr., 35, formerly of the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

• Adrienne Moody, 39, a correctional officer with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.

• Cory Jackson, 43, formerly of the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

• Jimmy Pair Jr., 48, a deputy with the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

• Curtis Boone, 31, a deputy with the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

• Antonio Tillmon, 31, a police officer with the Windsor City Police Department.

• Alaina Sue Kamling, 27, a correctional officer with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.

• Kavon Phillips, 25, a correctional officer with the North Carolina Department of

Public Safety.

• Crystal Pierce, 31, of Raleigh, North Carolina.

•Alphonso Ponton, 42, a correctional officer with the Virginia Department of Corrections.

•Thomas Jefferson Allen II, 37, a deputy with the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

• Tosha Dailey, 31, a 911 dispatch operator for Northampton County.

The first count charges the conspiracy was ongoing since around November 7 of 2013 and involves the movement of one or more kilograms of heroin and five or more kilograms of cocaine.

In the second count the federal government charges the use of firearms in drug trafficking cases, specifically that the defendants used and carried firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

Around August 22, 2013, count three charges that Clanton attempted to knowingly obstruct, delay and affect commerce by extortion, the indictment explaining that Clanton attempted to obtain property induced by the wrong and threatened use of force, violence and fear.

In count four it charges that Clanton used a firearm in committing the act of extortion.

On September 26 of 2013, according to count five, Clanton attempted to possess with the intent to distribute more than 5 kilos of a mixture containing a detectable amount of cocaine.

Count six alleges money laundering involving Clanton and Jacobs on November 7 of 2013. The indictment says they did so with the intent to conceal and disguise the proceeds of what is believed to be unlawful activity, aiding and abetting each other and, “Did knowingly and willfully conduct and attempt to conduct a financial transaction affecting interstate and foreign commerce involving property represented by a law enforcement officer to be proceeds of specified unlawful activity, that is, drug trafficking.”

Count seven charges that Jacobs, while a deputy sheriff with Northampton, received benefits in excess of $10,000 in any one-year period surrounding the date of November 7, 2013, from federal programs involving a grant, contract, subsidy loan, guarantee, insurance and other forms of federal assistance.

The indictment says she did corruptly solicit, demand, accept and agree to accept something of value intending to be influenced and rewarded with the business, transaction, and series of transactions of such county government involving something of value of $5,000 or more. “Ikeisha Jacobs … agreed to accept and accepted cash from undercover law enforcement agents posing as members of a drug trafficking organization, intending to be influenced and rewarded in connection with protecting shipments of purported narcotic proceeds.”

Count eight charges money laundering, stating that around December 19, 2013, Clanton and Jacobs concealed and disguised the nature, location, source, ownership and control of property believed to be the proceeds of drug trafficking.

Count nine alleges bribery and states that around December 19, of 2013, Jacobs received benefits in excess of $10,000, accepting cash from an undercover law enforcement agent to protect shipments of purported narcotics proceeds.

In count 10 it is charged that Clanton, Jacobs, Jason Boone, Vincent, Moody and Jackson attempted to possess with the intent to distribute 5 or more kilos of cocaine.

Count 11 alleges money laundering by Clanton, Jacobs, Jason Boone, Vincent, Moody and Jackson around February 20 of last year.

Count 12 is another bribery count against Jacobs where she purportedly agreed to accept cash to protect shipments of narcotics and their proceeds.

Count 13 is a bribery count against Jason Boone where he purportedly agreed to accept cash to protect shipments of narcotics and their proceeds.

Count 14 is another bribery count against Jacobs.

Count 15 is another money laundering count against Clanton and Jacobs.

Count 16 is another bribery count against Jacobs.

Count 17 is a bribery count against Jason Boone.

Count 18 is a bribery count against Curtis Boone.

Count 19 alleges that Clanton, Jason Boone, Vincent, Jackson, Pair and Curtis Boone attempted to possess with the intent to distribute 1 kilo or more of heroin.

Count 20 charges that Clanton, Jason Boone, Vincent, Jackson, Pair and Curtis Boone carried firearms in relation to a drug trafficking crime around May 20 of 2014.

Count 21 is a bribery charge against Boone.

Count 21 is a bribery charge against Pair.

Count 23 is a bribery charge against Curtis Boone.

Count 24 charges that Clanton, Jason Boone, Vincent, Jackson, Pair and Allen conspired around June 18, 2014, to distribute more than 5 kilos of cocaine.

Count 25 is a bribery charge against Jason Boone

Count 26 is a bribery charge against Pair.

Count 27 is a bribery charge against Allen.

Count 28 alleges that around August 20, 2014, Clanton, Jacobs, Jason Boone, Vincent, Moody, Pair, Tillmon, Kamling, Phillips and Pierce attempted to possess and distribute more than 1 kilo of heroin.

Count 29 is another bribery charge against Jacobs.

Count 30 is a bribery charge against Boone.

Count 31 is a bribery charge against Pair.

Count 32 is a bribery count against Tillmon.

Count 33 alleges that around October 22 of 2014, Jacobs, Moody. Tillmon, Kamling, Phillips and Pierce attempted to possess and distribute more than 1 kilo of heroin.

Count 34 alleges use of firearms against Jacobs, Moody, Tillmon, Kamling, Phillips and Pierce in relation to drug trafficking.

Count 35 is a another bribery count against Jacobs.

Count 36 is another bribery count against Tillmon.

Count 37 charges that around December 16, 2014, Clanton, Jason Boone, Vincent, Jackson, Pair and Ponton attempted to possess and distribute more than 1 kilo of heroin.

Count 38 is another use and carry firearm charge against Clanton, Jason Boone, Vincent, Jackson, Pair, Curtis Boone and Ponton.

Count 39 is a bribery charge against Jason Boone.

Count 40 is a bribery charge against Pair.

Count 41 is a bribery charge against Curtis Boone.

Count 42 alleges that on February 24 of this year, Clanton, Jason Boone, Jackson, Pair, Curtis Boone and Ponton tried to obtain and distribute more than 1 kilo of heroin.

Count 43 alleges use and carry of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking against Clanton, Jason Boone, Jackson, Pair, Curtis Boone and Ponton.

Count 43 is a bribery charge against Jason Boone.

Count 45 is a bribery charge against Pair.

Count 46 is a bribery charge against Curtis Boone.

Count 47 Is a bribery charge against Dailey.

Count 48 charges that last month on March 26, Clanton, Jacobs, Jason Boone, Vincent, Moody, Jackson, Pair, Curtis Boone, Tillmon, Kamling, Phillips and Dailey attempted to buy and distribute more than 1 kilo of heroin.

Count 49 charges Jacobs, Moody, Tillmon, Kamling and Phillips used guns in relation to drug trafficking.

Count 50 charges Jacobs with bribery.

Count 51 charges Jason Boone with bribery.

Count 52 charges Pair with bribery.

Count 53 charges Curtis Boone with bribery.

Count 54 charges Tillmon with bribery.

The United States Attorney's Office said in a motion filed in the federal court system it believes that conducting three detention hearings in groupings of five “would best promote judicial efficiency based on such considerations as commonality of evidence relating to the defendants.”

The groupings are as follows:

Group A:

1. Lann Tjuan Clanton

2. Ikeisha Jacobs

3. Jason Boone

4. Wardie Vincent Jr.

5. Cory Jackson

Group B:

1. Jimmy Pair Jr.

2. Curtis Boone

3. Thomas Jefferson Allen II

4. Alphonso Ponton

5. Tosha Dailey

Group C:

1. Adrienne Moody

2. Antonio Tillmon

3. Alaina Kamling

4. Kavon Phillips

5. Crystal Pierce

Meanwhile, the Ahoskie newspaper reported in its online edition Thursday night that Smith confirmed he terminated the employment of his deputies involved.

The five deputies fired were Jacobs, Jason Boone, Pair, Curtis Boone, and Allen.

“It’s certainly a sad day here; it’s sad when you hear of any law enforcement agency where the officers sworn to uphold the law are accused of breaking the law,” Smith said. “But I’m sworn to uphold the same laws, and when it comes to any of the officers I’m in charge of not abiding by state or federal laws, I will terminate their employment immediately.”

Another county employee – 911 Dispatcher Tosha Dailey – was also involved in the FBI sting operation. She works at the Northampton County Emergency Operations Center, meaning she is not under the auspices of the Sheriff.

On Thursday, Northampton County Emergency Management Director Ronnie Storey Jr. said the procedure of terminating a non-law enforcement employee is different than a deputy.

“There are procedures we have to follow; all I can say at this point is that process has started in the case of Tosha Dailey,” said Storey.

Smith said he cooperated fully with the FBI investigation.

“Even though this investigation began prior to me becoming sheriff here, that doesn’t make it any easier for me to deal with, to comprehend what led these deputies to put themselves in this position,” Smith noted.

The Sheriff added that while his staff is now short-staffed, he vowed to the county’s citizens that the level of protection will not be in jeopardy.

“The officers we have on our current roster are good, hard working deputies,” Smith said. “Our citizens deserve the best from their Sheriff’s Office. I promise to maintain a high level of professionalism within my office.”

As far as what measures he is now taking to fill the sudden departure of five deputies, Smith said that process began Thursday.

“We will advertise these positions,” he said. “I was looking through my files today and already have some applications on file; we’ll interview those potential candidates first. We also learned that a former deputy, who left us for another job, has stated he would come back. That’s a person already trained and ready to hit the road.”

Smith can also use the services of municipal police officers in the county.

“All but one of the municipal police officers in our county are sworn as reserve deputies. We can use them as necessary, if and when our regular deputies become bogged down with calls,” the sheriff said.

In the meantime, Smith said he has received calls of support from his peers in Hertford, Halifax and Warren counties.

“The sheriffs of those counties told me they have my back, and the backs of Northampton citizens, and said all I had to do was ask for assistance and they guaranteed it would be there,” Smith concluded.

Chief Chuck Hasty said Quentin Stephan Hughes, 21, of Halifax, is wanted for breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, possession of stolen goods, obtaining property by false pretense, injury to personal property and an outstanding order for arrest for violating probation.

These charges stem from an investigation that Officer Jeffrey Mason began on April 27 where he was called to James Court about a breaking and entering.

During the investigation Mason developed Hughes as a suspect and learned he allegedly broke into the residence and took items. He sold the stolen items afterward.

Meanwhile, the police department is seeking Deron Brown, 36, of Roanoke Rapids, who is wanted for assault by strangulation, larceny and injury to real property.

These charges stem from an investigation that Master Officer Gorton Williams began on April 29. Williams received a call about a domestic in the 100 block of Old Farm Road.

After speaking with the victim, Williams obtained warrants on Brown.

Brown allegedly assaulted the victim by choking and took some belongings, damaging a door during the matter.

“Mr. Hughes and Mr. Brown are encouraged to turn themselves into the Roanoke Rapids Police Department to take care of these matters,” Hasty said in a statement.

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

Group A will have their detention hearings Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Group A is:

Lann Tjuan Clanton

Ikeisha Jacobs

Jason Boone

Wardie Vincent Jr.

Cory Jackson

Group B will have their detention hearings Wednesday at 2 p.m.

Group B is:

Jimmy Pair Jr.

Curtis Boone

Thomas Jefferson Allen II

Alphonso Ponton

Tosha Dailey

Group C will have their detention hearings Thursday at 10 a.m.

Group C is:

Adrienne Moody

Antonio Tillmon

Alaina Kamling

Kavon Phillips

Crystal Pierce

The hearings will be held in Courtroom 2 at the federal courthouse on New Bern Avenue in Raleigh.

April 28

Investigator Chris Babb arrested and charged Buster Cleveland Thompson Jr., 35, of Roanoke Rapids, with breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, possession of stolen goods and two counts of obtaining property by false pretense.

These charges stem from a break-in that took place August of last year where Thompson allegedly broke into a shed, took items and sold the items.

Thompson was arrested on April 17 in Northern Virginia and extradited back to North Carolina on April 28 by Captain Ozzie Morgan and Babb.

Thompson was also served with warrants for first-degree burglary, common law robbery, assault on a female, and injury to personal property from a matter that took place in Weldon last August.

Thompson was given an $18,000 bond and has a May 20 court date.

April 29

Around 10:43 a.m., Sergeant Mike Moseley responded to a call in the 200 block of Old Farm Road about a domestic dispute.

After speaking with the victim and noticing minor injuries to her head, Moseley arrested and charged Georquan Rashad Ramsey, 26, of Roanoke Rapids, with assault on a female.

Ramsey was not given a bond because of the domestic nature of the case. He has a May 15 court date.

Lieutenant Perry Parks and Officer Greg Colson assisted.

April 30

Around 2:30 a.m., Officer Jamie Hardy responded to a larceny call at Bobby's Supermarket on Roanoke Avenue.

After speaking with the clerk, Hardy began searching the area for the suspect.

He located Jeremy Peebles, 29, of Emporia, near Julian R. Allsbrook Highway.

Hardy arrested and charged Peebles with larceny, possession of stolen goods, and resist, delay and obstruct for giving false information.

Peebles was also served an outstanding order for arrest from a previous matter and given a $3,000 bond. He has a May 22 court date.

Master Officer Roy Ball assisted.

May 1

Around 4:30 a.m., Ball responded to a call of suspicious activity at Green Garden Court.

Ball located a vehicle and during his investigation saw marijuana and paraphernalia inside the vehicle.

Ball cited Jessyka Lacy Dickens, 25, of Roanoke Rapids, for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Dickens was released until her June 19 court date.

Hardy and Officer Scott Blythe assisted.

While financial affidavits are not available for inspection, the orders appointing a public defender are.

“Defendant having demonstrated eligibility for appointment of counsel at government expense, the Federal Public Defender is directed to provide representation in this action,” the order for Lann Clanton, a former Weldon police officer and correctional officer, says. “The court further determines that the defendant is unable to pay the fees of any witness, and pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure, the Clerk shall issue a subpoena for any witness necessary to present an adequate defense to the pending charge or charges.”

The same applies to the other 14, the court records show.

Meanwhile Friday, temporary detention orders were issued in the case to keep all 15 in the custody of the United States Marshal's Service until their formal detention hearings on Wednesday and Thursday.

They will appear in the following groups:

Group A:

Clanton

Ikeisha Jacobs

Jason Boone

Wardie Vincent Jr.

Cory Jackson

Group B:

Jimmy Pair Jr.

Curtis Boone

Thomas Jefferson Allen II

Alphonso Ponton

Tosha Dailey

Group C:

Adrienne Moody

Antonio Tillmon

Alaina Kamling

Kavon Phillips

Crystal Pierce

Group A will have their detention hearings Wednesday at 10 a.m. Group B will follow at 2 p.m. Group C will have their detention hearings Thursday at 10 a.m.

The hearings will be held at the federal courthouse in Raleigh on New Bern Avenue in Courtroom 2.

Sergeant Carl Hatcher of the enforcement division of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission said Sutton, 31, was recovered approximately 150 yards northeast of the Gaston Dam after his body surfaced.

Hatcher said there will be a request for the medical examiner to determine the cause of death.

Members of the Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad retrieved Sutton, who was from Enfield, from the water.

It is believed that Sutton, an experienced boater and fisherman, had been net casting in the area of the dam called the boil early last Saturday morning. The boil is where the water from power generation is the most turbulent.

Sutton had made at least three trips that evening. On the fourth trip the boat hit a pillar at full throttle and was most likely thrown from the boat.

“We appreciate the efforts of all volunteers, family and friends of the family and all the departments who participated in the search and recovery efforts since last Saturday,” Hatcher said.

“We will explore options. Nothing is off the table,” he said when asked if one of the solutions to funding a possible $22.853 million to $23.715 million school would be through a bond issuance. “We're going to try to find the quickest funding with the best price.”

Brown's comments came after Roanoke Rapids Graded Schools Superintendent Dennis Sawyer stood before the board today to inform them the school system's board of trustees last week selected Smith Sinnett Architecture of Raleigh for the design and planning of the new school. “We would like to open by 2018,” he said. “I know time is of the essence.”

Sawyer and his staff met with county administration last week to discuss the selection of the architectural firm and other matters that will go along with possibly building a new Manning school.

Discussion of building a new school is nothing new and in February commissioners laid the groundwork for the process by allowing the school system to proceed with solicitation of requests for qualifications for architectural firms that would be best suited for designing the school.

Sawyer told the board today that discussion of building a new Manning school comes as the debt for Belmont construction was retired in 2011 and the debt for Weldon Middle School construction will be retired this year. “To prevent escalating costs, it's important to begin as soon as possible.”

Sawyer said Smith Sinnett is no stranger to the school system as the company was involved in the armory project as well as the proposed athletic complex.

Plans would call for the new school to be built in two phases, one building going under construction while the other is used for instruction. Such a construction method, John Sinnett, a principal in the company, said, would save around $3 million.

Board Chairman Vernon Bryant recommended taking no action on the matter today. “We need to take the information and study it. Then we'll be able to hopefully make some decision.”

The next meeting of the board is a May 18 budget session scheduled for 9:30 a.m. in the boardroom of the Historic Courthouse.

Specifically, the board opposes Section 12 of Senate Bill 513, which would allow the state Department of Agriculture to regulate white tail deer produced and sold for commercial purposes.

The fear behind this section of the proposed legislation is that it would increase the number of deer farms in the state and lead to the introduction of Chronic Wasting Disease to penned deer in North Carolina and ultimately the wild population of deer, North Carolina Sportsman reported in October.

The proposed legislation is viewed by the supporters, the magazine reported, as an easing of current restrictions set by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. These are restrictions against the movement of pen-raised deer so that more farms can be created and more of the animals can be shipped to other parts of the country to be hunted in controlled environments.

Commissioner Patrick Qualls brought the matter of a resolution to the table, saying it runs against the grain of the county's hunting heritage and would significantly impact a robust economy centered around hunting. “If this passes we can do nothing about it.”

The economic threat, Sergeant Carl Hatcher, of the enforcement division of the Wildlife Resources Commission, would spread across property values and if Chronic Wasting Disease, an always fatal neurological disease arrives, hunters will become disinterested in hunting a diseased population of deer.

“If Chronic Wasting Disease come in here there's no getting rid of it,” Commissioner Rives Manning said. “The wild deer population is gone.”

Board Chair Vernon Bryant said the county needs to pass the resolution, once drafted, to Senator Angela Bryant and pass it on to Senate leadership.

Lori Medlin, executive director of the Halifax Convention and Visitors Bureau, said after the discussion of the matter, she planned to get the state Travel and Tourism Coalition to oppose the legislation as well as the local tourism board.

A 2011 wildlife report notes that CWD has not been detected in any samples from deer tested in North Carolina.

The disorder is similar to mad cow disease in cattle, the report says, and was first discovered in captive mule deer in Colorado in 1967.

According to the North Carolina Sportsman article, CWD has now spread to 21 states, including Virginia.

The 2011 report says, “North Carolina has been very proactive in efforts to protect wild and captive cervids from CWD. Early efforts consisted of implementation of temporary rules relative to movement and possession of cervids followed by a more deliberative approach to crafting rules and statutes to (ensure) continued protection of public and private wildlife resources.”

Detection of CWD in the state, the report notes, would cause an estimated $976,820 loss in annual license sales as the number of certified license holders declines.

Qualls was pleased that a resolution will be drafted. “I'm happy that everybody was onboard. We need to step up and protect the natural resource we have. We are number one in state of North Carolina for recorded deer harvests. We need to protect our resources for the heritage of hunting and the economic impact for Halifax County and surrounding areas.”