The letters requesting leniency, which are contained in the federal court record, specifically addressed the case of Zhaqwaun Gary, the son of Elton and Erica Gary.
Letters supporting Zhaqwaun Gary portrayed a loyal friend and devoted father.
Motions filed Wednesday by the government, however, portrayed a man and his family who were immersed in the bloody world of dogfighting.
The letters were part of his attorney’s motion requesting “the sentence ultimately imposed should be the least restrictive necessary.”
His lawyer, Renorda Pryor, submitted the motions, along with the letters Thursday, the day the younger Gary and his parents were sentenced for operating a dogfighting ring off Stack Powell Road in the Roanoke Rapids area.
The younger Gary, 22, could have face up to 5 years in prison while his parents, Elton and Erica, could have faced up to 10 years in prison.
Elton Gary was sentenced to 72 months of federal prison time and 10 years of supervised release.
Erica Gary got five years of supervised release with 120 days of imprisonment.
Zhaqwaun Gary received three years of supervised release and six months imprisonment.

Government’s contentions

John Brice, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, asked for an upward variance on the sentencing based on the length of the family’s history with game dogs, operation of a kennel and dogfighting.
He also asked for stiffer sentencing for what he described as the extraordinary cruelty to an animal, resulting in maiming, and other serious injuries to animals recovered from the defendant’s property in April of 2013.
Referencing Zhaqwaun, Brice wrote in the motion, “The defendant has a tattoo in honor of the kennel that he and his co-defendant father, and others ran, Square Biz Kennels.”
He said when Halifax County Sheriff’s Office deputies and officers seized historical records relating to game dogs, the younger Gary admitted he owned the records belonging to one of the dogs. “Additionally, when deputies were called to the property, the defendant was covered in canine blood and tried to interfere with the investigation by claiming that it was hog’s blood. He also admitted that he owned all of the dogs.”
Prior to sentencing, investigators located a game dog belonging to Gary, the ownership of which violated his pretrial release conditions. “Additionally, the property owner stated that the defendant would visit the dog frequently, which also violated … pretrial release
conditions.”
Veterinary records relating to the condition of the American pit bull terriers seized on the property show several severe injuries to the animals associated with dogfighting, the motion says.

The following gallery contains photos of some of the evidence seized as well as a couple of diagrams of injuries sustained by the dogs

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Search warrant service

On April 7 of 2013, federal court documents say, the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office
served a search warrant at Stack Powell Road where dogs, milk, liquid soap, sponge, syringes, needles, medicines, scales, dog sling collar, supplements, wooden pen, carpeting, slat mill and numerous documents were seized.
The milk, Dawn dish soap and sponge are often used with water to wash the fighting dogs prior to placing them in the fighting pit. Both fighting dogs are washed by a neutral party in the presence of the dog owners and handlers. The fighting dogs are washed to avoid the possibility of cheating.
Forty-four single registration applications were seized including several from Bona Fide Kennel Club, a registration service based in Weldon which is tied to the Mims bloodline.
Thirty-four of the registrations referenced dogfighting, court records show.
Different sporting dog journals were seized including Game Dog Digest; Your Friend and Mine and Sporting Dog Journal.
A photograph contained handwritten notes referring to a dog named Pocket Hercules, also known as Scarlet.
The written notes were as follows:
“Won at 33 lbs over a Red Boy cross from Durrant C. Ham.”
"Scarlet bulldozed her opponent all over the pit ..."
"Scarlet worked a dog down who started singing until the match was conceded at 27 minutes."
"Won at 32 lbs over Durrant C. Ham who used a vicious face fighter picked just to beat Scarlet."
"This bitch named Home Girl was a hard biting dead game sister to Millbuster's CH. Homie." "For one hour and one minute they went at it with no tum or out of hold counts."
"Scarlet took unbelievable punishment to the face. but she gradually broke down Home Girl showing the phenomenal power that was her trademark."
"At l:01 the match was conceded..."
"Neither bitch survived this grueling contest in spite of excellent veterinary care."
"Home Girl died right away and Scarlet was euthanized nine days later due to extensive facial damage."

Conclusions

Noted veterinarian Melinda Merck, who has been involved in some of the most well-known animal fighting cases, including the Michael Vick case, wrote, “The scar, wounds and injury patterns on all of these dogs are consistent with dogfighting. The pattern is on the face, head, ears, chest, neck, shoulders, front legs, hind legs, feet and hind quarter regions. There may be scars, wounds or injuries to one or more of these areas depending on how often the dog has
been fought.”
Two of the dogs, Merck noted, sustained orthopedic injuries.
One pitbull had a severely painful injury to the right front wrist bone and joint region consistent with a bite resulting in severe infection that was draining out through the skin.
Another dog had a prior jaw injury resulting in misalignment. “It is not unusual for the dog to sustain injuries to the teeth, mouth, jaw and/or teeth during a fight. The lip can become impaled on the dog's own canine tooth or the opposing dog can bite through the lip,” Merck wrote.
Merck wrote break sticks are commonly used by inserting it in the dog's mouth during the fight to force their jaw open to release the opponent. “This can cause trauma to the mouth and teeth. lt is not uncommon to see broken or worn teeth in fighting dogs. This may be due to fighting related injuries or from chewing on hard objects such as the chain tethers.”
The medications and supplies found in the shed included injectable antibiotics; injectable medication to treat for pain, inflammation and/or shock; syringes and needles; and wound treatment supplies. “These medication and supplies indicate an expectation of injuries, pain and/or shock conditions. There were also performance enhancing vitamins found in the shed. Performance enhancing supplements are commonly used in dogfighting.”
Out of the 17 dogs examined one was emaciated, 12 were very thin to thin, and only four were
lean to ideal body condition scores. Five of the dogs required medical treatment with one of those requiring hospitalization.
Eight of the dogs had infection, inflammation or painful medical conditions.

Letters for leniency

In one letter to the court, Bria Lynch wrote, “I believe there is a huge misconception of character here in this clouded situation. Zhaqwaun Gary is a young man that has a very good heart. I have known him since he was 16 years old and he has grown into a respectable, hard working man over the years we have been together. He has helped many friends that were less fortunate growing up even let them stay with him, gave them clothes, and feed them.”
Lynch wrote, “He would truly give the clothes off his back with no second thought. To me he is my rock and I don't know where I'd be without this man. More than anything he is my ultimate friend and has always been right there in times of need. We now share a beautiful baby girl that he has been actively involved with since the day she was born. He helps hugely with providing for her and his oldest son.”
Lynch continued, “Apart from the awesome person that Zhaqwaun is he also takes pride in being a great father to his kids. So, to take such a fine individual from his children and loved ones would be a huge mistake.”

Uncle and family letters

Lewis Powell, the younger Gary’s uncle, wrote, “Mr. Gary is a hard-working individual who makes sure he keeps a job, a young man who believes in family and putting family first. He is a good father to his two kids and plays a vital role in their life. I have watched him grow from a kid to a young man who is determined to make something out of his life and I know that’s his goal to be better than he was yesterday. Growth is what I see in my nephew.”
Venezzia Gary wrote the younger Gary, “Is my favorite person in the world, we are exactly 13 months apart so we've always been close, stuck to each other like glue. Though he have made mistakes he is not a threat to society nor will he ever put anyone in harm’s way. He's a young man growing, he has two kids that he loves to death! His time is spent at work and with his kids.
“This situation has pushed him to do better, we're a tight knitted family so for us to be divided like we have been hurt us all and brought us all to our senses. If we all could take things back and do it again I am 150 percent positive we all would. People make mistakes, some people learn from them, some don't, We have!”

Letter from son’s mother

“Though Zhaqwaun and I are not in a relationship, we are cordial for the best interest of our son. We communicate as often as possible to uphold a healthy co-parenting relationship in order to make sure that Thailon’s needs are met.”
Thomas said in the letter, “Thailon knows his father very well and loves him dearly. He likes to spend time with him as often as possible. Thailon really thinks a great deal of his father and vice versa. Zhaqwaun takes pride in being a father and shows the affection and love that lots of fathers don’t.”
Thomas said, “Whenever Thailon looks at his dad you know it’s nothing but admiration and fondness. With everything in me, I encourage Zhaqwaun to be the best father that he can be and it would be pleasant to see him with the opportunity to be that father to his children as they grow and learn — just as he has and will continue to do. His children mean everything to him and being able to be a part of their growth would mean so much to him and would mean even more to them.
“I do believe that Zhaqwaun is a good person and with the opportunity to be physically available, not only will it help financially with raising his children but also prevent the emotional challenges and hardships that it could cause.”

The event at Lowe’s will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Roanoke Rapids Fire Department and police department will be on hand for the event.
In addition to the fire department’s fire safety house, there will be fire extinguisher and First Aid classes, home evacuation planning, a kids build class, race car, face painting and other activities.

(A flyer of the Gaston event is attached as a PDF at the end of this story) 

In Gaston, the department’s open house and public safety day will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There will be free food, entertainment and displays, including fire trucks, ambulances and police cars.
There will also be interactive games, a bounce house, giant slide and obstacle course.

Monday October 10, 2016
At approximately noon, Officer J. Mason responded to a larceny call at Walmart.
Loss prevention reported Kwanzie Rashad Harvey, 21, and Jeffrey Troy Allred Jr., 24, both of Roanoke Rapids, took items.
Mason obtained warrants on both for felony larceny and felony possession of stolen goods.
The following day Officer C. Biggerstaff located Allred around 5:45 a.m. in the 400 block of East Sixth Street and took him into custody.
Allred received a $2,500 bond and November 23 court date.
Harvey is encouraged to come to the police department and take care of this matter.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

At approximately 4:30 p.m, Officer Alex Green responded to a domestic disturbance call in the 1000 block of Jackson Street.
Green learned Detrell Lamont Bobbitt, 22, of Roanoke Rapids, had an outstanding order for arrest and took him into custody.
Green found Jalissa Shanay Slade, 25, of Reidsville, in possession of a firearm.
Slade was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Bobbitt received a $250 bond and a November 4 court date. Slade received a $10,000 bond and November 23 court date.
Master Officer A. Salmon, officers C. Fortier and P. Smith assisted.

At approximately 8 p.m., Officer M. Hunsucker received a report of a breaking and entering and sexual assault in the no-hundred block of Washington Street.
The victim reported Raymond Henry Garner, 41, of Roanoke Rapids, broke into the residence and sexually assaulted them on the previous Saturday night or Sunday morning.
Garner left the victim’s residence Sunday around lunch. The victim was scared Garner would return and harm them if they called law enforcement.
Garner was arrested the next day around 8:30 a.m. on warrants for breaking and entering, rape and violation of a domestic violence protection order by Sergeant J. Langley and Deputy J. Harmon of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.
Garner was jailed without opportunity for bond and has an October 26 court date.
Additional investigation by Lieutenant C.L. Vaught led to additional charges for three counts of a violation of a domestic violence order and attempted first-degree burglary.
Garner was served by Langley on Wednesday while he was still incarcerated in the Halifax County Detention Center.
Vaught also charged Garner with breaking and entering a motor vehicle, larceny and possession of stolen goods on an unrelated matter.

Wednesday October 12, 2016
Investigator G. Williams and City County Task Force agents C. Dixon and D. Hundley arrested Tabarus Shemad Burgess, 21, of Roanoke Rapids, for indecent exposure.
He was arrested at his residence on Highway 48.
The arrest stems from a matter reported on October 5 where Burgess exposed himself to the victim inside a local business.
He received a $1,000 bond and October 19 court date.


Thursday Oct 13, 2016

At approximately 1:30 a.m., Officer S. Blythe responded to a report of a domestic assault in the no-hundred block of Vance Street.
Blythe observed injuries to the victim and warrants were obtained on Arthur Cleades Mullis Jr., 69, of Roanoke Rapids, for assault on a female, assault with a deadly weapon and communicating threats.
When officers went to the residence to serve the warrants they saw him inside but he would not come to the door.
Around 8 a.m., Mullis came out of the house and was taken into custody.
He was jailed without opportunity for bond and has a November 4 court date.
B Squad, C Squad and CID assisted.

At approximately 9:15 a.m., Investigator J.K. Davis served outstanding warrants on Cynthia Massey Bridgers for seven counts of identity theft after she surrendered at the police department.
The charges stem from an investigation by Davis on May 27 when the victim reported someone used their credit cards at several locations in Roanoke Rapids.
Ashley Ann Hester was arrested on September 16 for her involvement.
Bridgers received a $20,000 bond and November 16 court date.

In Gaston, its fire department held an open house with demonstrations and a visit from the WakeMed helicopter. In Roanoke Rapids Lowe's Home Improvement held a Safety Saturday event.

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The photo gallery contains shots from both events.

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Town police Chief Tyree Davis said the three men — Kerry Kaprice Pittman, 39; Jeffrey Rashad Lyons, 26, and McArthur Tyrell Bishop Jr., 33, all of Enfield — were arrested following a few months of investigation by Detective Willie Murphy and Captain Dreher Bozard.
The raid, which occurred around 6 p.m. at a residence on Emanon Street, was based on citizen complaints which consisted of traffic at all hours and people walking up to the house, Davis said.
Officers, along with department Corporal E. Williams and his dog, Lucky, assisted with locating narcotics throughout the property.
The department seized 24 grams of marijuana, 2 grams of cocaine, 57 doses of ecstasy,
currency, and marijuana paraphernalia.
Murphy charged Pittman with felony possession of cocaine; possession with the intent to sell and deliver ecstasy and possession of drug paraphernalia. He received a $5,000 bond and November 23 court date.
Lyons and Bishop were issued uniform citations for possession of marijuana up to a half-ounce and Bishop was also cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. They have November 16 court dates.

In all, the the fundraiser — Benefiting the Children of Halifax County — raised $10,000 which the different organizations will use as seed money for projects or simply to add to their budgets, the benefactors said today as Tripp distributed their checks.
The fundraiser, in which two bands performed, shattered the record of the last benefit, Tripp said, where $8,500 was raised.
“What made it happen was the sponsors,” the sheriff said, prior to handing out the checks. “We sold tickets at the door, but the sponsors are what made this a success.”
In a statement the sheriff said, “There’s much gratitude to our many supporters and sponsors of Benefiting the Children of Halifax County.”
This year the fundraiser helped Boys & Girls Club of Halifax County; Roanoke Rapids Youth Baseball Association; St. Gideon Baptist Church; Trinity Outreach Ministries and Project Graduation.
Shannon Polk of Trinity said the funds will be used for operating expenses. “We operate on donations and work,” she said, Tripp explaining the organization doesn’t receive grant funding.
For Tarshal Lynch of St. Gideon in Hollister, the funds will help go toward renovation of its playground, which serves a daycare the church has been running for 20 years.
Project Graduation, an evening for graduating seniors at Roanoke Rapids High School, is currently raising funds for its June event, said Cindy White. “We do fundraising up until the event.”
For the baseball association, which has been in existence since 1969 and serves more than 250 children the proceeds will help continue enhancements at Ledgerwood Field to bring in more tournaments.
The projects include a brick backstop at Dickens Field and sodding at Jaycee Field, Todd Lockamon said.
Lockamon said the association is open for children across the county and can help schools in the county either improve the baseball talent they have or bring baseball to their schools.
For the Boys & Girls Club, said Kim Taresco, the money will help with basic programming and the purchase of two basketball goals. “It will help keep programming going and help us offer prize incentives for homework.”
Despite a recent merger, the money raised from the sheriff’s event will stay in the county, Taresco said. “We’re extremely happy and pleased. It’s a wonderful thing the sheriff is doing for all of us.”
Tripp also confirmed the money given to the Boys & Girls club will stay in the county. “There’s a special place in my heart for the Boys & Girls Club and I’m grateful for Roanoke Rapids High School. It’s all about the children. That’s what it’s all about.”
Meanwhile, the sheriff has already set his next Benefiting the Children of Halifax County event, which will be April 22 at the American Legion.
This will be a seafood festival with bands and the focus will be raising funds for the recreation needs of children across the county.
There is a movement to obtain the old Brawley school building and a partnership being ironed between the county and Medoc Mountain State Park, Tripp said. “We’re looking to expand the seafood festival and hoping to sell 1,000 tickets.”

Chief Deputy Scott Hall of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Deputy R. Chin made the stop around 3:30 a.m. at Washington Avenue and Elm Street.

Chin learned the passenger,Sabrina Nicole Carr, 27, had outstanding warrants for her arrest pending.
After Carr was arrested, Deputy B. Warren located a small amount of crack cocaine in Carr’s possession.
Carr was charged with an outstanding warrant for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and possession of cocaine.
Carr was placed in the Halifax County Detention Center under a $2,600 secured bond with a November 4 court date pending.

Commissioners will meet next Monday at 8 a.m. to accept and finalize the paperwork with USDA, County Manager Tony Brown said.
The county will be applying for a USDA loan of $10,438,000 and a grant of $3,314,000, County Attorney Glynn Rollins said following the meeting.
The interest rate on the 40-year loan is projected to be 1.375 percent and annual payments would be $341,009.
The loan payments would be paid from public utilities revenues and not the county’s general fund, Brown said.
Commissioner Patrick Qualls said after the meeting Monday he would not agree to borrowing the money until the county has the agreements in place.
Weldon’s share of the cost would be $4,753,000.
Town Administrator Mark Macon said Weldon would pay its share from loans, grants and enterprise funds
Brown said if the project goes through, it should not drastically raise county water rates. “It will be a whole lot more efficient,” he said of the system. “If there is an increase it will be very little.”

Board of commissioners Monday night agreed to enter into an agreement with First Tryon Advisors of Charlotte in which the firm would help the county refinance the debt as well as help in other financial advisement capacities.
The county will pay the firm $22,500 for its services and expects to save $1,245,000 from the refinancing of the two projects, Finance Director Mary Duncan told the board at the meeting.
Refinancing is expected to lower the projected interest rate to 2.15 percent for the $12.1 million loan, Duncan said this morning.
The interest rate for the school loan was 4.37 percent while the interest for the DSS project was 4.45 percent, she said.
Both projects have 10 years remaining. The county currently owes $8.5 million on the school project and $3.8 million on the DSS project.
“It definitely will save us some money,” County Manager Tony Brown said this morning. “It saves us 4 cents on the tax rate.”
Brown said consideration of going with First Tryon came from “looking for ways to be efficient.”
County Attorney Glynn Rollins said during the meeting going with the firm will have other advantages not only in refinancing, but with helping the county improve its bond rating and in capital planning. “I called a couple of county attorneys in Duplin and Pitt and they immediately said by all means they were the best to work with. They got very high marks.”
Board Chair Vernon Bryant told the board, “Time is of the essence with this. We need to think about the interest rates after the November election.”
Bryant said following the meeting, “I do think it’s good over a 10-year period. I think it’s a great thing.”

The dedication will be held at 2 p.m. The administrative building is located directly behind the senior building on Washington Street.
The ceremony will include remarks by Sarah Evans, alumni president; Mike Williams of the school board; Bob Williams, former assistant principal to Branch, and Joyce Crane, who served as the secretary to the high school principals for 51 years.
Branch was employed by the district from July 1, 1958, until July 31, 1987.
He had the greatest longevity of any principal at the high school.
The William P. Branch Building was formerly known as the administration building which houses the offices of the principal, assistant principal, resource officer and guidance office.
Following the ceremony, light refreshments will be served.

His comments came after numerous residents from neighborhoods surrounding the center attended council to lobby to keep the pool, which is currently awaiting repairs, open. Some of the comments made during the meeting did reference the rec center.
“We’re trying to get some idea of the pool and the bath house,” Scherer said afterward, referring to the cost of pool repairs. “We’re not closing the recreation center. There are no discussions about closing the recreation center.”
Still, residents in and around the community, and those who worked and played there, want assurances the pool repairs are made and presented a petition with 300 signatures requesting they be made by the time the facility is scheduled for opening next year.
Columbus Jeffers told council he understands repairing the pool is going take a large sum of money. “It’s vital for the people,” he said.
Jeffers said it is important the city find the money. “Use your hearts and find the money.”
Katherine Davis questioned council on how much it cost the city to repair the dehumidifier at the Aquatic Center. The Chaloner pool, she said, was the second pool opened in the city. “It means a lot to our children … It’s really about our children. We don’t want them hanging out with drug dealers and pimps.”
Eunice Smith raised eight children. “It was a joy to me to have the pool … I’m begging you to keep the Chaloner pool open.”
Marilyn Garner was the librarian at J.A. Chaloner School. “The pool, the recreation center and school had a positive impact on my family.”
Cynthia Lee told council, “Our kids need somewhere to go and be safe.”
Mayor Emery Doughtie told the speakers he appreciated the dialogue. “There’s been some excellent comments made … There are a lot of things going on. I know council will look at what’s been said.”
In his report to council, Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon said, “We are close,” on getting estimates. “We keep hitting snags with gathering quotes. The contractors are not local.”
Councilman Carl Ferebee, who represents the community where the recreation center is located, asked whether the pool could be open by next year if all goes well.
Simeon replied, “Yes.”

The platitudes for the department came during City Manager Joseph Scherer’s report to council this evening.
“The public works department demonstrated outstanding dedication and professionalism in their actions responding to the effects of Hurricane Matthew October 8th and 9th of this year,” Scherer said. “The in-depth knowledge of their jobs, total dedication to duty and willingness to assist in any capacity led to the city not suffering any major problems from the hurricane’s torrential rain and wind.”
Scherer said the department’s employees always contribute full measure to any task and their willingness to accept added responsibility “in situations such as the storm’s response shows they are willing to discharge their responsibilities with complete efficiency and tireless dedication.”
Said the city manager: “I personally observed the department’s personnel to be extremely knowledgeable, industrious and completely resourceful in handling dangerous situations such as street flooding and removing downed trees around power lines. To fully accomplish their tasks, many hours of weekend off-time were required, yet all of the workers were uncomplaining and gave willingly and freely of their personal time and energy. The teamwork demonstrated by everyone during and after the storm was exceptional.”
Scherer praised public works Director Larry Chalker for optimizing manpower and material resources to effectively respond to the storm and mitigate its impacts to the city. “His personal initiative and leadership skills identify him as being head and shoulders above any other public works leader in the state. He runs an orderly and highly productive organization in any environment, to include a hurricane storm.”
Chalker’s decisiveness and determination were key to how the department worked during two days of storm response. “Mr. Chalker is especially adept at dealing with his employees and his demeanor, confidence and spirit of cooperation have been highly commendable in many crisis situations such as Hurricane Matthew, Being very poised and self-reliant, he maintains his composure under the most trying conditions.
“The city is very fortunate to have the dedicated personnel we do in the public works department and they should be recognized for their efforts, both in this instance and every day.”
Chalker said the recognition goes to not only his employees, but the fire department and police department. “We were working hand in hand with them and with Dominion Power.”
The city offered its services to harder hit areas in the state, Chalker said.
The department put in 375 hours during the storm which equated to $9,254 in labor costs and $4,000 in equipment costs. The equipment costs are based on FEMA and state schedules which are possibly eligible for reimbursement.
The city collected 782 cubic yards of debris, which was small compared to the 73,672 cubic yards of debris collected during Irene in 2011. “We lost 12 trees of substantial size,” Chalker said.
Said Mayor Emery Doughtie: “Thank you for a job well done.”

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Sheriff Wes Tripp reported murder, rape, robbery, burglary, and larceny was down. Aggravated assault and motor vehicle thefts were up.
Reports of motor vehicle theft was up by one over the previous year, Tripp said.
Aggravated assault ranges from pointing a gun at someone to domestic violence and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious bodily injury.
Total reportable offenses were down, he said.
Tripp said he attributed the decreases to visibility of deputies throughout the county. “It has been my mission to increase the number of deputies patrolling which enhances visibility. It’s the good work on the part of the deputies being diligent in their duties. Deputies have a major part in the reduction of crime.”
The crime statistics for 2016 will not be released until next year, the sheriff said. “I think we’re on the same course for 2016.”
Tripp said drug abuse plays a part in crime committed in the county. “Most of the violent crimes are drug-related and that includes murder, aggravated assault, larcenies and burglaries.”

The revue features popular hits from the 1950s through today as well as some patriotic favorites.

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Admission is $5 at the door.

While documents filed in the federal court system do not specifically elaborate on what the new evidence might be, an order signed by Senior Judge Malcolm J. Howard today does confirm the trial in the matter is continued to a date to be determined later.
A hearing on all pending motions in the case will be heard Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in Greenville and the court will consider any response filed by Friday, the order says.
Sources familiar with the case contacted today either didn’t know what the new evidence is or declined comment.
Howard notes in another document agreeing to continue the trial, which had originally been scheduled to begin Monday in Greenville, “The government has not filed a response to this or other recent pending motions filed by the defendant.
“Due to the exigency of defendant's motion to continue and the serious allegations contained in other simultaneously filed motions, this matter is ripe for adjudication.”
Howard wrote after reviewing the motion and other recent filings, “the court is troubled by new information provided to defendant so near the eve of trial. The substance of defendant's pending motions, although viewed without an accompanying response from the government at this time, provide compelling justification to continue the trial of this matter currently scheduled to begin Monday, October 24, 2016.”
In a motion filed today by Tillmon’s attorney, his lawyer states, “Defendant Antonio Tillmon, by and through counsel, (is) respectfully requesting the court expedite review of the proposed sealed pleadings filed this day. As reasons therefore, counsel represents that such pleadings
contain time sensitive matters and are based in part on newly-discovered evidence in this
case.”
Tillmon is the only defendant to plead not guilty in the case.
The remaining 14 are currently awaiting sentencing. Originally scheduled on November 8, Howard filed a text order Wednesday saying, “Due to the heavy trial schedule of the undersigned, the court hereby continues these matters until Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at 9:00 am at the U.S. Courthouse in Greenville, NC.”

He will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. in New Bern before District Court Judge Louise Wood Flanagan.
In November of last year, Frederick held Roanoke Rapids police officers at bay during a standoff which lasted a couple of hours.
The standoff was what led to the federal investigation, the police department has said.
Frederick was federally indicted in April for having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment for more than a year while possessing a firearm and ammunition.
Frederick remains in federal custody after Magistrate Judge Kimberly A. Swank found him not suitable for release following an April 29 detention hearing.
The standoff occurred on November 24 around 1:15 a.m. when police were called to the 500 block of Jefferson Street about Frederick not taking his prescribed medication and beating on a door.

The theft occurred around 4:10 p.m. when the card was taken from the Cash Points at 1606 Julian R. Allsbrook Highway at the old Interstate Inn parking lot.
Lieutenant C.G. Davis said the card was mistakenly left in the machine by the victim. It was unclear whether the card has been used at other locations.
The unknown woman in the vehicle was driving an early 2000 model white Ford Expedition.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department at 252-536-3136 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Deputy Chief Andy Jackson of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department said the department will also participate in a trunk-or-treating event coinciding with the Optimist Club annual Halloween Carnival and Haunted House at T.J. Davis. The Optimist events at T.J. Davis will be held from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Chief Chuck Hasty said the police department and Citizens on Patrol will hold the trunk-or-treat at Doyle Field behind T.J. Davis.
The trunk-or-treat will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“This an activity to give the kids an alternate choice to walking the streets,” Jackson said.
Hasty said, “It’s part of community policing and community outreach.”
The event will include Changing Lanes and Famously Hated car clubs, Hasty said. The fire department will also participate and the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and state Highway Patrol have been extended invitations.
Meanwhile, Jackson said the police department encourages safety during all the events which include safe costumes, carrying flashlights and staying in groups. Adults are encouraged to supervise small children.
Jackson advises those wearing masks to choose ones which don’t obstruct vision and to make sure all candy is inspected for tampering before eating.
Those trick-or-treating on Old Farm Road are asked to walk on the side of the road and not impede traffic, Jackson said.