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Chief Chuck Hasty said 16-year-old Amani Laveral Lashley of Gaston was taken into custody around 12:15 today with assistance from the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

Police continue to look for Kevin Earl Elrod, 27, of Roanoke Rapids.

Elrod is known to frequent the Highway 48 and P&J areas of Roanoke Rapids as well as Northampton County, Hasty said. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Hasty said working with the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office by sharing information helped solve the case. “We work well together.”

Lashley faces charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy, three counts of assault by pointing a gun and illegal discharge of a firearm.

He was also served Northampton County warrants for breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering and possession of stolen goods. He has a $95,000 bond and March 7 court date.

Hasty confirmed the three counts of assault by pointing a gun reflect three people were in the store at the time of the 7:30 p.m. heist and the illegal discharge count reflects the act of shooting into the ceiling of the store.

Elrod is wanted for robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy, three counts of assault by pointing a gun, illegal discharge of a firearm and injury to property, which Hasty said reflects damage to the store’s ceiling.

Anyone with information on Elrod’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Investigator G.L. Williams at 252-533-2821 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

During the stop, which occurred around 12:15 a.m., Lieutenant J. Baggett discovered Jamison Jelonte Lee had an outstanding order for arrest, Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement.

While Baggett was searching the 20-year-old man, Lee reportedly put something in his mouth, pushed away from the lieutenant in an apparent attempt to run away. He later spit the apparent drugs he put in his mouth out.

After a brief struggle Lee was taken into the custody.

Lee faces charges of possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine, possession of schedule II, possession of of marijuana, assault on a government official and resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer. He was also served the outstanding warrant for larceny from a person. He received a $20,000 bond and March 7 court date.

He was allegedly in possession of a combination of crack and powdered cocaine in the amount of 7 to 8 grams and about a gram of marijuana, Hasty said.

The larceny charge against Lee stems from an investigation by Investigator G.L. Williams into a matter reported February 5.  

During an assault, the victim dropped his money and Lee allegedly took it from the floor. He reportedly left with the money as the assault continued.

The assault investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.

Meanwhile, Lonnie Ray Moody Jr., 26, of Pleasant Hill, a passenger in the vehicle with Lee, was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon after a handgun was found under his seat.  

Moody received a $1,000 bond and February 26 court date.

Sergeant D. Jenkins and Officer H. Grimes assisted.

The filing period began today and will run through noon on February 28.

Those incumbents submitting statements are commissioners Vernon Bryant and Rives Manning, Clerk of Court Becky Spragins and Sheriff Wes Tripp.

The only challenger to file today was Michael Hawkins of Roanoke Rapids, who is challenging Spragins for the clerk of court position.

Incumbent Patrick Qualls filed for his at-large county commissioner seat.

The statements are as follows:

Vernon J. Bryant, incumbent Halifax County Board of Commissioner

Vernon J. Bryant filed for re-election to the Halifax County Board of Commissioners as an at-large candidate.

During his two previous terms, his focus has been and continues to be about job creation, education, public safety and the well-being of senior citizens.

He will also continue to be a strong advocate for maintaining property tax rates as low as possible.

Bryant has served as chairman for the Halifax County Board of Commissioners for four years.

Vernon is a 1975 graduate of Weldon High School and 1979 graduate of Fayetteville State University, obtaining a bachelor of science degree in intermediate education with a minor in history.

He completed the North Carolina Department of Correction Leadership Development Program in 2001.

Bryant was employed by the state of North Carolina for 30 years and retired in 2009 as community corrections manager.

He was twice nominated as the NCDOC nominee for the prestigious Dr. John R. Larkins Human Service Award.

At the conclusion of his tenure, he was awarded the Order of Long Leaf Pine and The Old North State Award for exemplary service to the state of North Carolina.

Bryant demonstrated his commitment to service to the community for more than 38 years by serving on many state and local boards as well as coaching youth soccer and basketball.

Vernon served as past chairman of the Halifax Regional Medical Center Board of Directors, the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District Board of Education for 13 years and served five of those as chairman.

Vernon served as president of Exodus for Youth mentor organization for 21 years and currently serves on the local State Employees’ Credit Union Advisory Board.

Vernon is married to the former Sandra Walden and they are the parents of two adult children, Kendel Bryant Phillips and Kevin Walden Bryant.

Bryant is the son of the late Julius and Neva Bryant of Halifax. His mother-in-law is Mrs. Arizona Putney of Roanoke Rapids. His older brother is the late Rev. Dr. Eugene Bryant who served as a pastor and Halifax County commissioner until his untimely death in 2002.

Bryant’s philosophy is “if you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything.”

He encourages residents and voters to become a fan of his Facebook page.

In addition to his re-election to the Halifax County Board of Commissioners, Bryant strongly supports the re-election of J. Rives Manning Jr. and Patrick Qualls in their bids for re-election to Halifax County Board of Commissioners as well.

J. Rives “Judge” Manning, incumbent Halifax County Board of Commissioners

I, J. Rives “Judge” Manning Jr., am announcing that I have filed for re-election to the office of Halifax County commissioner.

I believe that I have helped bring good, sound and conservative leadership to our county government.

I am running for one of the “at large” seats. I will be on the ballot in the Democratic primary in May.

I am a lifelong resident of Halifax County. I graduated from Roanoke Rapids High School and NC State College with a degree in animal science. I served in the US Army in 1962-63. I have been an insurance agent in Halifax County for over 45 years.

My wife, Judy S. Manning, died in 2014. We were the parents of two sons, John and Arlie, and have one granddaughter “Charlie.”

I am an active member of the Rosemary United Methodist Church. I also participate in the West-side Community Watch group and the Halifax County Historical Association.

I am an active member of American Legion Post 98, in Halifax, the Joseph Montfort Amphitheater Committee and have served on several committees of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina and I previously served on the Crop Insurance Task Force of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America.

I believe that all levels of government should serve all the people.

I believe, that since I was first elected, we have seen our Halifax County government become more responsive to the needs of the citizens.

I believe that all property owners should pay their taxes. I have strived to maintain a low property tax rate in Halifax County.

In the past few years we have had several new businesses come to Halifax County.

Even in these tough economic times we have had announcements of other businesses, bringing several hundred new jobs to Halifax County.

We have seen the completion of the new Halifax-Northampton County Airport and we have worked with several existing businesses to retain and grow their business. We have had the Reser’s Fine Foods 500-job expansion. We have had the opening and growth of Pelican Packaging; the Center for Energy Education; AEL SPAN at the old Safelite plant and Culpeper Wood Preservers.

While serving as one of your county commissioners, I have represented and served on several committees and boards.

Some of those that I serve on are: the Halifax County Department of Social Services Board; the Halifax County Economic Development Commission; the Roanoke River Basin Association; the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council; the 4-Rivers Resource Conservation and Development Council.

I have worked to serve all the citizens of Halifax County. I solicit your support and your vote in the upcoming Democratic Primary on May 8.

I strongly support the following experienced candidates for Halifax County Commissioner J. Rives Manning Jr., Vernon J. Bryant and Patrick Qualls.

I request that you support and vote for the other experienced candidates also.

Becky Spragins, incumbent Halifax County clerk of superior court

I am excited to announce that I am seeking re-election as your clerk of superior court.

I am honored to have served as your clerk for the last 18 years and am asking for your continued support as I seek re-election.

As many of you know I have been there when you lost a loved one or gained a new loved one through adoption, explained the foreclosure process, eased your mind when you were called as a juror.

Being the clerk of court is more than a title to me. As your clerk of court I will continue to serve you to best of my ability.

I believe that my experience is of utmost importance in offering you the excellent public service that you deserve as citizens of Halifax County.

Thanks so much for your support once again.

I am asking for your support once again, so please vote Becky Spragins, clerk of court.

Wes Tripp, incumbent sheriff

Today I filed for re-election to the office of sheriff of Halifax County.

I have been serving the citizens of Halifax County for the past 33 years, starting in 1984 as a jailer and working and supervising every position within the sheriff’s office.

I was appointed sheriff in August of 2013 to fill the unexpired term of retired Sheriff Jeff Frazier then later elected to the office in November 2014.

I have a positive working relationship with our court system and other law enforcement agencies surrounding the Roanoke Valley. These relationships are paramount because “Working together works!”

While serving as your sheriff, we are continuously seeking ways to better serve our communities and improve relations between the community and the sheriff’s office.  

We strive every day to accomplish this. Citizen respect for law enforcement must be earned, but law enforcement respect for citizens is a requirement.

One of our focal points is our ongoing project of Benefitting the Children of Halifax County.  

To date, we have raised thousands of dollars to benefit several organizations that care for our kids.  

Our annual Deputy Toy Drive and Coat Drive also helps our less fortunate families.  

We have established a food pantry on site to assist those in need.  

We will continue to assist and partner with many local groups with their fundraisers to help our citizens with their specific needs.  

During my watch as sheriff, we have increased patrols in all areas of Halifax County to better serve and protect our citizens.  

I believe in being available and accessible.

In my many years of service, I have always concentrated on working for the victims and their families by providing resources and outlets for victim services.

Family is and always has been important to me.  

Many of you know my wife of 33 years, Karen. We have a son, Wes III, who is in his final year of law school at Campbell in Raleigh.

Karen retired from Halifax County and now works for Halifax Regional Medical Center.  

We reside in Roanoke Rapids.  We are proud to call Halifax County home.

As the elected sheriff of Halifax County, I work for you, the citizens.  

I ask for your continued support and vote in 2018.

Redistricting has redistributed Senate District 4 into three districts — 3, 4 and 11.

The reconfigured District 4 now consists of Edgecombe, Halifax and Wilson counties.

Bryant said in a statement the new District 4 will be an open seat and a new person will be elected from the district.

Halifax County is 28.4 percent of the district, Edgecombe is 29.4 percent and Wilson is 42.2 percent.  

The district is 49 percent black and voted up to 60 percent Democratic in recent elections. Edgecombe County loses Senator Erica Smith whose Senate District 3 is now composed of six counties — Vance, Warren, Northampton, Bertie, Martin and Beaufort counties.

Monday was the first time in six election cycles Bryant did not file.  

“I am so thankful to the citizens for the opportunity to serve Senate District 4 over six years,” she said in the statement.

During that time the district was made up of  Nash, Halifax, Wilson, Vance and Warren counties.

She said she was thankful for those who supported her as a representative in House District 7 for an additional six years.  

Said Bryant: “It is a blessing in life to get a chance to do something that I really love doing and, for me, that is serving my community. I am proud of my legislative record which includes the enactment into law of 53 primary-sponsored bills (such as) the sale of Electricities assets to Duke Power thereby reducing rates, more favorable expunction laws and processes, creating local offender re-entry councils, requiring a public meeting notice before any change in municipal utility electric rates, reauthorization of Dropout Prevention Grants, updating the use of and increasing 911 funds, increasing funds and standardizing the process for public access cable channels, requiring annexation of certain excluded low-income communities, due process rights for parents of students with long term suspension, the 2010 re-enactment of the renewable energy tax credit and more.”

Bryant explained the redistricting comes mainly from the whole county provision in the state Constitution.”When properly applied without racial gerrymandering, counties have to be kept whole when possible in creating districts. In addition, the ‘one person, one vote’ provision of the US Constitution requires all house districts to have roughly the same population and the same for all senate districts. All of Nash County and therefore, my residence, was assigned to Senate District 11 encompassing all of Nash and part of Johnston counties.”

Nash, at 95,800 in the 2010 population, best matches with part of Johnston to make Senate District 11 and hit the required senate population target of 193,000 per district.

Nash and part of Johnston each make up about 50 percent of the district based on 2010 Census numbers. “This new Senate District 11 voted 58 percent Republican in recent elections and is 25 percent black. I do not believe that district would be a favorable district for me to run in successfully.”

Roanoke Rapids

Chief Chuck Hasty reported on Monday around 1:45 p.m. Sergeant Mike Moseley conducted a traffic stop after following up on a drug complaint and reportedly observing activities consistent with drug dealing.

He conducted the stop on West Fifth Street and commenced a narcotics investigation where he found drugs and a gun.

Moseley arrested and charged Brittany Alexis Holland, 20, Dequan W. Browning, 22, and Jermine Tyson, 24, all of Roanoke Rapids.

Holland was charged with possession of Xanax and received a $1,000 bond.

Tyson was charged with possession of marijuana, possession with intent to sell/deliver schedule VI, maintaining a vehicle and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He received an $8,000 bond.

Browning was charged with carrying a concealed weapon.

He received a $1,000 bond.

The three have March 2 court dates.

Investigator O. Wiltise, Master Officer J. Hardy and Officer C. Hagbourne assisted.

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Enfield

Chief Tyree Davis reported on Saturday around 8:15 p.m., Corporal Shatel Coates and Officer Chris Little were on patrol when Coates recognized Jamaal Alexander Velazquez operating a vehicle without a license.

Little conducted a traffic stop and arrested Velazquez, who officers were familiar with, as he attempted to walk away.

Officers seized several hundred dollars in cash, 182.39 grams of marijuana, a scale, drug packaging materials, and other drug paraphernalia from the vehicle.

The license tag on the vehicle was fictitious.

Velazquez was charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, felony possession of marijuana, maintaining a vehicle for narcotic sales, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license revoked, and fictitious registration plate.

He received a $2,500 bond and a March 7 court date.

On February 8 at approximately 11:20 p.m., Corporal M.A. Bishop stopped a vehicle for a stop sign violation on Highway 158 near Airport Road just outside Roanoke Rapids.

Bishop identified the driver as Darius Robertson, 26, of Roanoke Rapids.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of crack cocaine.

Bishop arrested and charged Robertson with felony possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Robertson was also served with an outstanding order for arrest.

On February 8, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Sergeant Roy Ball stopped a vehicle for a speeding violation on Highway 158 near Huckleberry Bottom Road just outside Roanoke Rapids.

Ball and Deputy Andy Cash discovered Benjamin Boone, 26, of Roanoke Rapids, was in possession of cocaine.

Cash arrested and charged Boone with felony possession of schedule II, felony maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance, and possession of an open container of alcohol.

On February 2 at approximately 1:30 a.m., Corporal Brandon Council arrested a Roanoke Rapids man while responding to a disturbance call in the Roanoke Rapids area.  

Investigation led Council to turn his attention to Paris Terell Rooks,31, who displayed erratic behavior which was consistent with possible drug use.

Further investigation led to the discovery of a clear plastic bag containing a crystallized shaped rock in Rook's pocket, which tested positive for MDMA, also known as Ecstasy.

Council arrested and charged Rooks for possession of schedule I controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.

All three people charged have February 21 court dates.

Four others charged in the conspiracy have sentencing dates either later this month March, April and May, federal court records show.

At his arraignment today before Magistrate Judge Robert B. Jones Jr., Markell Desettan Wiggins pled guilty to count 1 against him, a minute entry filed publicly shows.

Six other counts against him will be dismissed at his sentencing, which is scheduled for the May term of court before District Judge Louise Wood Flanagan.

Count 1 is a conspiracy indictment which alleges the defendants beginning around 2012 until the indictment in June of last year knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated and agreed with each other and other persons to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin.

Collin Lee Whitaker Jr. and Dantee Brown were sentenced last month after they pled to count 1.

Whitaker received a 12-month sentence and counts 2,3, and 8 were dismissed.

Brown received a 30-month sentence and counts 5 and 9 were dismissed. Both men will be subject to three years of supervised released at the end of their sentences, according to federal court records.

Bo'Neka Sarell McDaniel and Shanta Venita Hines are scheduled for sentencing on February 21. Kevin Carswell is scheduled for a March 20 sentencing and Reginald Savage is scheduled for sentencing at the beginning of April.

The original 15-count indictment charged them with heroin sales of 100 grams or more and identified them as reputed members of the Sex Money Murder Blood set.

https://rrspin.com/roanoke-rapids-weldon-halifax-county-nc-news/item/15290-reputed-scotland-neck-blood-members-indicted-in-heroin-conspiracy.html

O.D. Sykes, a minister, is the first to file for the seat, according to the Halifax County Board of Elections.

Incumbent Michael Wray filed to retain his state House District 27 seat.

Incumbent District Attorney Valerie Mitchell Asbell filed today to retain her seat.

The first challenger for the at-large Halifax County Board of Commissioners race filed today.

Terry Buffaloe of Roanoke Rapids is the challenger.

Roger W. Allison, a Durham Republican, filed to run for the United States House of Representatives seat occupied by G.K. Butterfield.

Filing for the May 8 primary runs through noon on February 28.

Chief Deputy Scott Hall of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office said some of the thefts had been taking place from the Food Lion at Bolling Road and West Tenth Street for nearly a year.

Deputy Andy Cash responded to the store Monday around 4:45 p.m.

Investigation by Cash led to the arrest of Antonio Mills, 31, of Roanoke Rapids. He was charged with felony larceny by employee.

He also had an outstanding order for arrest for driving while license revoked after he failed to show up for court.

He received a $5,000 bond — $2,500 of that being for the outstanding warrant. He has a March 14 court date.

A coordinated operation following the tip led to the arrests of Johan Carlos Gomez Castillo, 29, and Hender Pena Aquilar, 35, according to Weldon police Chief James Avens.

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The men, who have temporary Florida drivers license, were caught after getting on Interstate 95 by Trooper J.D. Warren of the state Highway Patrol and Weldon Officer Quinton Godley approximately two hours after the anonymous call was received around 9:15 this morning.

Weldon assembled a meeting with Roanoke Rapids police, the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and state Highway Patrol.

The financial institution which maintains the ATM off Julian R. Allsbrook Highway at the old Interstate Inn confirmed another skimmer had been placed there this morning.

The financial institution, Avens said, also confirmed the men have been suspected of placing skimmers in ATMs across the state. The United States Secret Service has also been investigating, the chief said.

Castillo lists a Miami address while Agular lists a North Miami address. Avens said United States Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement may become involved.

Weldon police used Roanoke Rapids police Office Natara Velazquez as a translator.

Aquilar, who was waiting to be interviewed, told rrspin.com “no English” in response to a series of questions on the matter.

Avens said there was no evidence any ATM users who used the machine in Weldon were victimized by the device installed in November or the one installed this morning.

Enfield police Chief Tyree Davis said there was a victim there. The bank paid restitution to the victim and the police department plans to charge the pair, the chief confirmed this afternoon.

“I think it’s a great job by the Weldon Police Department and the team which executed the traffic stop,” Davis said. “Weldon and Enfield have been working together to locate and identify them.”

A skimmer was placed in an Enfield ATM shortly after one was placed in the Weldon machine.

Weldon has charged the men with two counts each of criminal possession of financial transaction card forgery devices.

As of this report they were being processed at the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.

Avens said he was pleased with the effort today which led to the arrests of the two men. “We’ve been in contact with the financial institution to let them know they’re in custody and we thank the Roanoke Rapids Police Department, Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, Highway Patrol and my officers.”

The anonymous call was a key in the effort, Avens said. “Thank you, a big thank you to the concerned citizen,” he said. “I believe when you see something, say something.”

Whether this becomes a federal case will take more investigation, Avens said. “There’ll be a lot of agencies jumping on. I feel if all the other agencies get involved who knows what it might lead to.”

Campbell was last seen in the town of Whitakers at 2:35 p.m.

Campbell is originally from Mecklenburg County. He was convicted of identity fraud and theft in May 2015 and was scheduled for release this October.

If you see Campbell, please call local law enforcement or Caledonia Correctional Institution at 252-826-5621.

Kevin Earl Elrod, 27, was located inside the Roanoke Avenue Food Lion after Roanoke Rapids police received information on his whereabouts, Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement.

There was no word this evening on his bond amount or first court appearance.

Elrod was wanted for robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy, three counts of assault by pointing a gun, illegal discharge of a firearm and injury to property, which Hasty said last week reflects damage to the store, the New Dixie Mart at the intersection of Roanoke Avenue and Jackson Street Extension.

He was taken into custody around 1 p.m.

The first person arrested was 16-year-old Amani Laveral Lashley of Gaston. He was arrested last week with assistance of the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

Lashley faces charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy, three counts of assault by pointing a gun and illegal discharge of a firearm.

He was also served Northampton County warrants for breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering and possession of stolen goods. He has a March 7 court date.

The three counts of assault by pointing a gun reflect three people were in the store at the time of the heist and the illegal discharge count reflects the act of shooting into the ceiling of the store.

Clayton Campbell was captured in Rocky Mount by the Department of Public Safety Prisons Emergency Response Team and local law enforcement at 12:08 shortly after midnight  without trouble.

Campbell, 24, now faces escape charges. He will be demoted from the minimum custody facility at Caledonia to one of the state’s higher security facilities.

Campbell was convicted of identity fraud and theft in May 2015 and was scheduled for release this October.

Captain Bobby Martin of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department said Investigator Jeff Davis today filed warrants against Elrod for two counts of breaking, entering and larceny which stem from two break-ins of the same business in September.

Elrod is currently in jail on $130,000 bond awaiting a March 7 court date in the armed robbery of New Dixie Mart on Roanoke Avenue near KapStone. The robbery occurred February 8.

Investigation of the robbery led to a search warrant the following day after investigators smelled the strong odor of marijuana coming from the residence, Martin said.

The execution of that warrant led police to file charges against Elrod for the following drug counts:

Possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine

Possession of schedule II

Possession of marijuana

Maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance

Two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia

The search warrant was executed at his residence in the 100 block of Hamilton Street, Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement.

In addition to the drug charges, he was served an outstanding warrant for resist, delay and obstruct for a matter which occurred in October.

Elrod was one of two people wanted in the New Dixie armed robbery and was apprehended Thursday afternoon at Food Lion on Roanoke Avenue.

For the robbery he was charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy, three counts of assault by pointing a gun, illegal discharge of a firearm and injury to property.

The first person arrested was 16-year-old Amani Laveral Lashley of Gaston. He was arrested last week with assistance of the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

Lashley faces charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy, three counts of assault by pointing a gun and illegal discharge of a firearm.

He was also served Northampton County warrants for breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering and possession of stolen goods. He has a March 7 court date.

On Thursday shortly after 1 p.m., agents executed a search warrant in the 1100 block of Highway 903. The investigation was conducted by Agent D.W. McKeel.

During the search agents seized approximately 2.65 grams of crack cocaine, 37 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, marijuana grinder, Mason jar, and a razor blade with white residue which tested positive for the presence of cocaine.

Mckeel obtained warrants on Harry Briscoe Moore Jr., 47, for felony possession of cocaine, possession with intent to sell/deliver marijuana, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana more than one-half ounce.

Harris said Moore frequents Garysburg and South Rosemary.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to contact Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 or log on to www.halifaxsheriff.com to submit a tip.

On Thursday at approximately 9:24 a.m., agents, officers of the Scotland Neck Police Department and the patrol and investigative divisions of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant in the 700 block of Greenwood Street.

The investigation was conducted by McKeel due to complaints of heroin sales at the residence.

Scotland Neck police located Demarcus Bridges, 35, in the area of Ball Park Road.  

Bridges was found in possession of a handgun. No items were seized from the residence.

McKeel arrested and charged Bridges with felon in possession of firearm. He received  a February 21 court date.

At approximately 3:15 p.m., agents and Scotland Neck officers executed a search warrant in the 300 block of West Tenth Street due to drug complaints.  

No items were seized from the residence. Agents will continue to follow up.

“It is and has a been a true honor and privilege to serve the people of Bertie, Hertford and Northampton counties as their elected District Attorney for the past 18 years and to serve the people of Halifax County as their elected district attorney for the past three years,” Asbell stated. “When the General Assembly merged the two districts in 2015, it doubled the size of my district and they eliminated positions within my office as well. It was a demanding task, doubling the caseload of my office with less manpower, but I accepted and embraced the challenge and assembled an amazing staff of dedicated, fearless professionals. My assistant district attorneys have over 82 years of prosecuting experience combined.

“Along with the great relationships with all of the people of Bertie, Hertford and Northampton counties, I have come to make wonderful relationships and lifelong friends with my colleagues, law enforcement, and the community in Halifax County. With over 24 years of experience in the courtroom as a prosecutor, I am the only candidate with the experience, background, and proven results in a multi-county district to continue to serve all four counties.”

Asbell has tried all types of cases in District and Superior Court, including first-degree murder cases (both capital and non-capital). Asbell has sought and has given substantial active sentences for murderers, habitual felons, drug dealers, child molesters, sex offenders and other felony offenders, and has tried more than 250 cases in Superior Court.

“I take crime personally in this community and with the outbreak of violence in these four counties and our communities, my staff and I have worked countless hours preparing and trying murder cases, attempted murder cases, armed robberies, sex offenders and other violent crime including gang related crimes,” Asbell noted. “There have been many violent offenders who have gone through local law enforcement and our court system in the past 24 years, but particularly the past three years, who have received decades in prison.

“I work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s office in cases against violent offenders who originated in our local courts who have been tried and sentenced in federal court for substantial punishments. My office works closely with the local law enforcement departments, and state and federal authorities.”

Asbell stressed that no two counties are the same and no two cities are the same.

“But the values of right and wrong are the same no matter where you go. You have to be a part of the community to serve a community,” Asbell said. “I have worked continuously to strike a good balance by enforcing the laws and holding criminals accountable while also trying to work with first-time non-violent offenders to help them get on a straight-and-narrow path so they can be productive citizens of society. To that end, I offer Deferred Prosecution programs to certain first time felony and misdemeanor offenders so that these people can have clean records if they successfully complete these programs.”

Asbell has taken a proactive approach to preventing crime and preventing young people from coming into the court system. She is active in initiatives and outreach efforts and in the schools, civic organizations, and the faith-based community to help reach at-risk youth.

She is a speaker in the school systems and in the community, addressing many topics including drug and gang awareness, cyber bullying, elder abuse, financial crimes and other violent crimes.

Asbell has served the public in many capacities locally and statewide: Board Member of the Roanoke Chowan Domestic Violence Task Force; Member of the North Carolina Domestic Violence Commission (2006-2011); Board Member for Hannah’s Place; Past President of the 6B Judicial Bar; Adjunct Professor for the National Advocacy Center; Instructor for the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys and the North Carolina Institute of Government.

Asbell graduated in 1989 from Emory University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion and Psychology and graduated from Tulane Law School in 1992. She is married to Jimmy Asbell who is the Major with the Ahoskie Police Department and she is the proud mother of two children, Cole and Ethan.

The family attends and are members of Center Grove Baptist Church in Ahoskie.

“I promise to continue to be honest, open, and accessible to all of the citizens of these four counties,” Asbell said. “I will listen and work to make sure the needs of our communities are being met and our citizens and property are protected. It is an incredible privilege to be the Elected District Attorney in District 6. I am asking for your support and your prayers during this campaign season.”

“I have fought for crime victims since the start of my legal career, while maintaining a commitment to the Constitution of the United States, as your district attorney, I will continue to prosecute cases with fairness and integrity” said Graves.

As district attorney, Graves said he will work “to build a safer community.”

He emphasized that prosecuting violent crimes and combating the opioid crisis would be his top priorities.

He has named former District Attorney Bob Caudle as an advisor to his campaign.

“I have prosecuted crimes ranging from murder to drug trafficking, and I believe I have the vision and leadership experience it takes to move our community forward,” said Graves.

Graves resides in Roanoke Rapids.

He currently is a Superior Court prosecutor in the Seventh Prosecutorial District and has taken a leave of absence to devote time to the campaign.

He previously served as a criminal justice instructor at Halifax Community College.

He earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and his law degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law.

He represents Halifax County on the Board of Governors of the Upper Coastal Plains Council of Government.

He is a member of First Baptist Church of Weldon, vice-President elect of the Roanoke Rapids Rotary Club and served as President of the Halifax County Bar Association. He is also a graduate of the North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership Fellows Program.

He can followed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/norlangraves

Bio

Background and Experience

8 years in criminal prosecution

4 years in criminal justice teaching

Professional and Community Activities

Board of Governors, Upper Coastal Plains Council of Government - 2015 to Present

Criminal Justice Professor, Halifax Community College - 2013 to 2017

Board of Governors, North Carolina Criminal Justice Information Network - 2011 to 2015

6th Judicial  District Merger Committee - 2014 to 2015

North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys Best Practices Committee - 2013 to Present

President, Halifax County Bar Association - 2013 to 2014

Criminal Justice Legislative Chair, North Carolina Bar Association - 2009 to 2011

Roanoke Rapids Rotary Club

Roanoke Valley Southern Christian Leadership Conference

Halifax County NAACP

Jackson Square Masonic Lodge #700

Roanoke-Chowan Scottish Rite Consistory #276

Education

University of North Carolina at Pembroke - Bachelor of Arts, 2005

North Carolina Central University School of Law - Juris Doctorate,  2009

Milton F. “Toby” Fitch of Wilson filed today to run against O.D. Sykes of Weldon for the seat.

There were no other filings today, according to the latest information provided by the Halifax County Board of Elections Office.

The filing period for the May 8 primary ends at noon on February 28.

On Thursday Claude Cooper, current chair of the Halifax County Board of Education, filed to seek re-election.

Incumbent county school board members Susie Evans-Lynch and Joyce Lashley have yet to file.

Chief Ed Porter Jr. of Gaston Fire and Rescue said in a statement the call was received shortly before 1:15 p.m.

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Gaston sent two swiftwater teams to the boat landing at River Falls Park. Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad arrived for backup, said Weldon Fire Department Chief Rusty Bolt, who was also at the scene.

The swiftwater team found two men holding onto the overturned boat, Porter said in the statement.

Bolt said the dog was on top of the boat.

They were found about a mile down river from the landing, Porter said.

The victims and the dog were pulled aboard the Gaston boat. The men refused medical treatment and left the scene.

Weldon recovered the boat, which Bolt said had Virginia registration.

Porter said bystanders reported the men attempted to shoot a gap at the river when the boat overturned.

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Officer Patrick Brown said the boat capsized as the operators were trying to navigate the river between rocks and the water was too shallow, causing the boat to overturn. Brown said the swift currents also factored in the boat capsizing.

No violations were detected.

First responders cleared the scene shortly after 2 p.m.

On Sunday at  approximately 9:04 p.m., Officer J.Shelburne conducted a traffic stop near Highway 48 and Hinson Street  for a violation.

Marijuana and a handgun were located.

Hunter Medlin, 29, of Roanoke Rapids, was charged with possession of schedule VI and carrying a concealed weapon.

He received a $1,000 bond and March 12 court date.

Officer R. Cross was the charging officer and Shelburne assisted.

On Sunday at approximately 11:47 p.m., Shelburne conducted a traffic stop in the area of the 1000 block of Jackson Street.

During the investigation Cross and his dog, Midas, arrived and assisted.

The passenger was checked and narcotics were discovered.

During the search 1.3 grams of cocaine, a Zolpidem pill, and a straw with a white residue on it were seized.

Troy Carter, 31, of Roanoke Rapids. was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of schedule IV.

Carter received a $2,000 bond and March 7 court date.

Martin said Zolpidem is a sleep aid.

Officers J. Spragins and M. Worrell assisted.