“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,” Tripp said on social media and an ad in a local newspaper.

He emailed the statement to rrspin.com.

He was appointed sheriff in August of 2013 to fill the unexpired term of Jeff Frazier and was 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.”

Tripp said while serving as 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 his focal points is the ongoing Benefitting the Children of Halifax County program. “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 his watch as sheriff, the office has increased patrol in all areas of Halifax County to better serve and protect citizens, he said. “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’s services.

“Family is and always has been important to me.  Many of you know my wife of 32 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.”

Said Tripp: “As the elected sheriff of Halifax County, I work for you, the citizens. I ask for your continued support and vote in 2018.”

Chief Deputy Scott Hall said in a statement the stop occurred shortly after 1:30 p.m. when Deputy Brandon Council stopped a vehicle for a stop sign violation at Highway 158 near Church Street in Roanoke Rapids.

Council identified the driver as Amy Marie Latham, 44.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of powder cocaine and a cut straw with cocaine residue inside it.

Latham was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to stop for a stop sign.

She also had an outstanding order for arrest for failure to appear in court.

She received a November 15 court date and $2,000 secured bond.

Corporal Dustin Newsome and his dog, Duri, assisted in the arrest.

Chief Deputy Scott Hall said in a statement Deputy Greg Keel and Sergeant Justin Matthews located James Edward Brickell Jr. at an address outside of Weldon.

The shooting occurred Wednesday and the victim was reported to be in stable condition, Sheriff Wes Tripp said in a statement released at the time. The sheriff said there was no evidence of robbery or gang activity.

Hall could not be reached for immediate comment this morning.

Brickell, 49, was arrested and charged around 7 a.m. with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and possession of firearm by felon.

He was placed in the Halifax County Detention Center under a $5,000 secured bond and has a November 1 court date.    

The victim sustained gunshot wounds to the neck and shoulder area in the 5:30 p.m. shooting. The crime occurred in the 1100 block of Elm Street in Weldon.

The police department, Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement, responded to Halifax Regional around 6:30 p.m. Sunday after receiving a report of an assault.

Master Officer G. Colson and Officer Hannah Grimes spoke with the victim and learned Teyon Montrell Jones, 29, of Roanoke Rapids, allegedly seriously assaulted the victim at a residence in the 1100 block of Georgia Avenue.

Investigator G.L. Williams investigated and has obtained warrants for the arrest of Jones on counts of assault inflicting serious bodily injury, assault inflicting serious injury with a minor present and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Jones has ties to the Rocky Mount and Wilson areas.

It was not clear what prompted the alleged assault and Williams could not immediately be reached for comment.

Hasty said Jones is encouraged to surrender.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to call Williams at 252-533-2821 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Loud music leads to drug charge

On Friday at approximately 9 p.m., Sergeant M. Moseley was investigating loud music coming from a vehicle in the 700 block of Hamilton Street.  

During the investigation Gilberto Matias Santiago, 24, of Roanoke Rapids, was found in possession of narcotics.

Moseley cited him for possession of marijuana and released him until his October 27 court date.

Domestic disturbance leads to charges

On Saturday at approximately 9:45 p.m., police responded to a residence in the 300 block of Chockoyotte Street for a domestic disturbance.  

During the investigation, Dainee Lashawn Bradshaw, 43, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested and charged with assault on a government official and resisting, delaying, obstructing an officer.

He received a $1,000 bond and October 13 court date.

Lieutenant J. Baggett and officers M. Hunsucker and H. Grimes assisted.

Domestic disturbance leads to drug charges

On Saturday at approximately 11:15 p.m., officers responded to Fairfax Motel for a domestic disturbance.   

During the investigation officers saw narcotics and paraphernalia in plain view.

Sergeant T. Tyler cited Terry Jay Lee, 33, of Roanoke Rapids, for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.  

Lee was released until his November 3 court date.

Officer J. Shelburne assisted

Wanted person returned

On Monday Lieutenant C.L. Vaught and Investigator J.K. Davis travelled to Newport News, Virginia, to bring back Gregory Alexander Carle II, 21.

Carle, who Vaught said lives in Newport News and has resided in Roanoke Rapids, was arrested in Virginia for being a fugitive from another state.

Vaught obtained warrants on Carle for four counts of taking indecent liberties with a child.

Vaught said the four counts represent four separate occasions the offense occurred against the 5-year-old child.

Investigation began in May when the victim’s parent reported the alleged crime taking place within the city.

Carle was arrested on September 6 by the Newport News Police Department.

Lieutenant Charles Vaught said the theft, which occurred on september 25, represents between 14 to 15 gallons of stolen oil.

Anyone with information on the identification of this person is encouraged to contact the police department at  252-533-2810, Vaught at 252-533-2819, or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Roanoke Rapids City Manager Joseph Scherer announced at council’s meeting this evening the Chaloner community forum is scheduled for next Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the rec center, which is located at 200 Dixie Street.

Scherer said the intent of the meeting is to gather input on proposed improvement plans for Chaloner Rec, Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Wheeler Park, facilities which have traditionally served the South Rosemary, Southgate and Lincoln Heights communities.

Once the feedback is reviewed, the city manager said final plans will be developed and grant applications will be submitted for their implementation.

The forum comes after council determined in August its funding options for a new pool at Chaloner Rec were all but exhausted.

The city has discussed the master plan in the past and its approval is a key part of the process in seeking grants from Kate B. Reynolds and the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.

The one item Kate B. Reynolds does not fund is pool repairs or new pool construction, Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon said. Pools do not score high enough with the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund to be valid.

An initial master plan concept for Chaloner Rec has included a splash pad in place of the pool.

“The master plan allows us to review existing conditions, analyze needs and prioritize these needs,” Simeon said. “I would like feedback on what individuals would like to see in the 158 corridor, Wheeler and Martin Luther King parks and the Chaloner Recreation Center.”

The master plan was discussed during 2016-17 city budget sessions and at the time Simeon said the city can apply for a maximum of $150,000 from Reynolds and $500,000 from the parks and recreation trust.

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

Wheeler Park is in need of playground equipment, picnic tables and shelter.

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

Magistrate Judge Kimberly A. Swank in Greenville today ordered Skipper to remain in federal custody but documents giving a reason why are currently sealed.

An exhibit list was also filed but that document remains sealed as well.

Swank last week ordered Skipper to remain in custody until the detention hearing.

A minute entry filed in the federal court record does show Skipper was in court with counsel and the United States Attorney’s Office was present as well.

Skipper was arrested Wednesday after a federal grand jury earlier in September returned an 11-count indictment against him for receiving and possessing child ponography.

The true bills were returned following an investigation by the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Department of Homeland Security.

Counts 1 through 10 of the indictment charge Skipper, beginning on April 14, received digital and computer images in files which had been mailed, shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.

The productions involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Count 11 charges he possessed child pornography which involved a minor or minors who had not yet reached the age of 12 engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Captain Patrick Jacobs of the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office said investigation continues and more arrests are possible in the shooting death of former Littleton resident Edward Phipps, 49.

Jacobs said detectives continue to investigate whether all the suspects were armed in the home invasion,, which occurred shortly before midnight at Arrowhead Mobile Home Park.

He said investigation also continues to determine whether there was a motive beyond a home invasion as well as how the defendants are connected to one another.

Those arrested Monday face charges of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree kidnapping, six counts of second-degree kidnapping, larceny after breaking and entering, conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, first-degree burglary, robbery with a dangerous weapon and injury to personal property.

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Arrested were:

Shirley Williams, 22, of Murfreesboro, who was picked up at her residence with assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and Hertford County Sheriff’s Office.

Deshy Obriant Gatling, 23, of Ahoskie, who was picked up near his residence with assistance from the SBI and Ahoskie Police Department.

Deshawn Lamont Beverly, 26, of Cofield, who was picked up with assistance from the SBI and Hertford County Sheriff’s Office.

Service of warrants to Eric Vaughan Jr., who is in custody on unrelated charges, are pending.

Raquan Omar Williams was charged the Monday following the crime.

Those in custody have been jailed without opportunity for bond on the murder count and $750,000 secured bond on the other counts.

Sheriff Jack Smith in a statement thanked the numerous agencies which have assisted in the investigation. “Without all the help from the surrounding agencies it would have made this investigation a lot more difficult.”

The decision came today in Halifax County District Court and was based upon a recommendation by Hala Burch, his state Department of Public Safety probation officer.

District Court Judge W. Turner Stephenson allowed the extension and Ryland’s attorney, Sammy Webb, offered no objections.

Assistant District Attorney Kanter S. Morris told Stephenson the state has filed a motion for Ryland’s medical records from both Nash and Vidant medical centers “to determine the source of impairment if any.”

She recommended his next court date be set for November 1, telling Stephenson by that time the medical records requested to determine blood alcohol content at the time of the September 2 crash should be returned.

Webb had no comment after the proceedings, other than to say he has not seen the evidence in the case yet.

The crash claimed the life of Briana Bugg, a 17-year-old South Hill, Virginia, resident.

Bugg died the following day from injuries sustained in the crash.

Ryland’s past record prompted the state Highway Patrol to lodge a second-degree murder charge against the 45-year-old Hollister man.

Trooper Scott Richardson also charged him with DWI, driving left of center and driving while license revoked.

The trooper listed speed and impairment as contributing factors. Richardson estimated Ryland was traveling 65 in a 55 mile per hour zone when the wreck occurred as he was coming out of a slight curve on Highway 43.

Bugg was traveling with her parents and sister to an ECU football game at the time of the crash.

While there was some thought Ryland’s probation on a previous DWI charge could be revoked, changes in how probation cases are handled now restrict the ways the probation can be nullified.

Probation sentences can only be revoked if a defendant has absconded supervision, receives a new conviction or has served two prior confinement in response to violation sentences, according to the University of North Carolina School of Law.

All other violations are technical and can’t be automatically revoked.

The changes approved by the state General Assembly in 2011 come into play in Ryland’s case.

Ryland, according to state Department of Public Safety records, has had two DWI convictions in Halifax County, one on June 2 in which he was sentenced to 24 months probation and one on May 27 of last year in which he was sentenced to 18 months probation. The conviction this year stems from an offense in February of last year while the 2016 conviction stems from an offense in January of 2015.

He also has pending charges in Warren County where he is scheduled to appear in court on November 15 for DWI; possession of open container; civil revocation; driving while license revoked impaired driving; fail to maintain to lane control and hit and run/fail to stop for property damage.

In September of 2013 he had a DWI charge dismissed for lack of evidence in Northampton County.

In 1990 in Northampton County he had a conviction of DWI which ended with a 30-day sentence and 12-months probation.

While Halifax County Sheriff’s Office investigators have seen photos of the traps, they have not been able to determine whether the devices Danny Steven Bryant Jr., 25, offered for sale on social media existed, Chief Deputy Scott Hall said.

Bryant was arrested today and charged with obtaining property by false pretense.

The victim was instructed to wire the money to a bank in Halifax County, Hall said.

In a statement on the matter, Hall said Detective R.M. Brown began investigating on September 1. The fraud occurred in July.

Bryant brokered a deal with the victim through social media and received payment without sending the traps to the victim.  “It was apparent that Bryant had no intention of sending the purchased items to the buyer after receiving the funds,’’ Hall said in the statement.

Bryant was jailed on $2,500 secured bond and has an October 18 court date.

Chief James Avens said in a statement Sergeant Lloyd Melton received a call from Beaufort County around 10:30 a.m. Thursday James Ervin Merritt Jr., 44, was possibly staying in a local motel.

Merritt was wanted for failure to return a tractor-trailer and its load.

Melton located Merritt with assistance from the Roanoke Rapids Police Department.

A small amount of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia were located during the arrest process.

Merritt was charged with embezzlement, possession of schedule II and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He has a November 1 Halifax County court date on the drug charges. He received a $6,000 secured bond.

Information on a Beaufort County court date has not been immediately posted.

On Wednesday Officer E. Johnson arrested and charged Tonomii Edwards, 29, on 15 counts of obtaining property by false pretense.

According to the report, Edwards, of Roanoke Rapids, diverted approximately $1,700 for her own use from Ollie’s Bargain Outlet.

Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement Edwards, an employee of the store, would allegedly refund herself money from receipts left behind by customers.

Investigation began following a report by the store’s loss prevention staff.

She received a $10,000 bond and November 1 court date.

Master Officer G. Morris assisted.

Hasty reported on Tuesday Investigator O.L. Wiltsie arrested Mary Beth Nelson, 24, of Roanoke Rapids, on outstanding warrants for financial card theft, larceny and possession of stolen goods.  The charges stem from two separate crimes investigated by Wiltsie.

The first was reported on September 11 and the second was reported on September 24.

In the first, Nelson allegedly took items from a residence she was visiting. In the second she allegedly took and used a credit card without permission.

She received a $5,000 bond and November 1 court date.

Interfering with crash investigation

On Tuesday at approximately 4:45 p.m., Officer D. Hundley arrested and charged Michael Anthony Carter, 33, of Roanoke Rapids for resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer.   

The charges stem from Carter allegedly interfering with Hundley’s investigation into a single motor vehicle collision in the 900 block of Jackson Street.

Hasty said Carter was allegedly picking up pieces of evidence which Hundley was photographing. He was warned several times to leave the evidence alone, Hasty said.

Carter received a $500 bond and a November 3 court date.

Lieutenant C. Burnette assisted.

The celebration came in the form of speeches, a ribbon-cutting and music from the Roanoke Rapids High School Marching Band as the Center for Energy Education opened its doors.

“This is a great day for our community,” said Mozine Lowe, the center’s executive director. “Things have been done to make this building energy efficient. It’s a unique building with a unique reach.”

Lowe said the center is designed to reach all ages and a partnership with Halifax Community College will help it develop workforce training.

The college has already had special sessions at the center focusing on workforce development and educational activities and presentations were on the grand opening agenda.

What led to the center was the construction of a 235-acre, 30 megawatt solar farm on the grounds of the old airport, located off Highway 158.

“We thank the Halifax County Board of Commissioners. The economic development commission was right here with us from day 1,” said George Veit, chair of the center’s board of directors and CEO of Geenex, which built the solar farm. “The Halifax Convention and Visitors Bureau will help make this a great attraction.”

Veit also recognized HCC, state legislators for their support and North Carolina State University. Veit said while today was a great milestone, the community and industry needs to rally behind the center. “We can see a vision coming together. We want to bring opportunity and information. We need to work together to make this a success. We need all of you to spread the word.”

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Board of Commissioners Chairman Vernon Bryant said the center brings educational opportunities to local schools. HCC is offering training in solar jobs and Roanoke Electric has trained linemen at the facility.

James Pierce, vice chair of the center’s board, thanked everyone for coming.

Juergen Fehr, a member of the center’s board and COO of Geenex, told the audience before the ribbon-cutting, “I’m truly honored and blessed to be here today. We have big plans and big vision.”

North Carolina is currently ranked second in the nation in renewable energy, Fehr said. “There’s a lot to be done in the political field. The next generation is going to pick it up and take it to the next level.”

What many don’t understand about the solar industry are its many layers, from development to construction and from environmental to metal works. “So many people are involved. We want to bring it back to where we’re number one.”

Chief Chuck Hasty said investigators are en route to the Shell station on Roanoke Avenue near KapStone.

No further details were immediately available.

No one was injured, Chief Chuck Hasty said this morning.

The chief said in a statement a man with a light complexion entered the store near Kapstone and displayed a weapon. He demanded money and the employee complied.

He left with an undisclosed amount of money and was last seen heading toward Jackson Street Extension on foot.

The man wore a white ball cap, a gray hooded sweatshirt and khaki pants. A bandanna covered his face.

He had a slim build and stood between 5-feet, 7-inches to 5-feet, 10-inches tall.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Investigator O.L. Wiltsie at 252-533-2823 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Driver welfare check

Hasty also reported on Thursday around 4:45 p.m. Master Officer G. Morris responded to the 171 exit at Interstate 95 about a possible passed out driver.

Morris and EMS found the vehicle came to rest against a fence. Adam Wayne West, 33, of Sims, was behind the wheel.

West was found in possession of narcotics and paraphernalia.

He was arrested and charged with possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while impaired, and maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance.

He received a $10,000 bond and November 1 court date.

Sergeant M. Peck assisted.

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp released the information in the form of a statement serving as an update on the case in which James and Janice Harris and James and Peggy Whitley were shot as they played cards at the Harris residence the evening of August 20.

Tripp would not elaborate beyond the statement and declined to answer specific follow-up questions on the matter this morning.

One of the questions involved Mr. Harris being a retired gunsmith and whether Tripp believes the murders were an attempt to stockpile weapons for further gang activity.

The sheriff declined comment on what was missing in the aftermath of the murders and specifically what gang might be involved.

Tripp did say items of value were missing from the residence. “I still stand with the motive being robbery.”

Evidence has been collected from the residence and some of it is forensic evidence.

The sheriff began the statement saying the sheriff’s office, with assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI and Enfield Police Department continue to investigate the case.

The reward for information stands in excess of $51,000.

The four were shot through a glass door while they sat playing cards at the dining room table. All the victims died at the table after they were shot multiple times.

The accolade means more students are performing on grade level as measured by the end- of-the-year state tests.   

“I attribute the growth to our regular professional development for teachers and our strong focus of working with with students one-on-one, using academic data to meet the specific needs of each student to help them become successful,” said principal Jeff White.  

Chaloner was one of the few schools to grow from being a graded D school by the state in the 2015-16 school year to exceeding growth and receive a C letter grade from the state this past year.

“I applaud principal Jeff White for his leadership and our teachers and staff for their dedication to our students. Since creating our instructional coach positions last year, we’re seeing marked improvement in all of our schools,” Superintendent Dain Butler said.  

RRGSD has implemented several initiatives and sources of support Butler and the RRGSD Board of Trustees believe will benefit the district’s academic achievement during this school year even more.

They are:

Consistent implementation of classroom walkthroughs to promote rigorous instruction

Placement of instructional coaches in each school to assist instructional staff with delivering rigorous and engaging learning opportunities for students

Personalized professional development offered to each school that matches the needs of staff and students.  

“It goes to show, students will perform and grow when supported and challenged by caring adults, that’s what our mantra ‘Kids Are Our Customers’ is all about,” said Butler.  

Detective Matt Brown began the investigation of a Prison Rape Elimination Act violation Friday, Sheriff Wes Tripp posted to his arrested Facebook page.

Brenda Manley Moore, an employee with Correction Enterprises, was jailed on $75,000 bond and has a November 15 court date.

Correction Enterprises is based at Caledonia Correctional Institution and manages an 8,000-acre farm and canning operation as well as a produce warehouse in Enfield.

No further details were immediately available this evening.

Vehicle stop

Chief Deputy Scott Hall reported in a statement around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday Deputy Brandon Council stopped a vehicle on Vine Street near Taft Street in Roanoke Rapids for failing to stop for a stop sign.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of cocaine and marijuana on the passenger, Raheem Lamar Mallory, 21, of Roanoke Rapids.

Mallory was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He received a November 15 court date.

Corporal Dustin Newsome and his dog, Duri, assisted in the traffic stop.

United States Judge Malcolm Howard sentenced Tillmon to serve 15 years in prison. Tillmon, a former Windsor police officer, was the only one of the so-called Rockfish 15 to plead not guilty in the corruption case. The other defendants were sentenced over the course of two days this summer.

Before his sentencing in Greenville this morning, in which he also received five years of supervised release following his prison term, Tillmon told Howard, “Thank you for your hard work.”

He also thanked his legal team of Paul K. Sun Jr. and Kelly Dagger for their work on his case.

“I’m sorry for everything that transpired,” he said. “I will live out my life helping people.”

Fresh from his marriage Monday at the Pitt County Detention Center, which Sun referenced before sentencing, Tillmon walked into the courtroom smiling at his family, which included his bride, Shokya and their 7-week-old son, Antonio Jr.

After last-minute objections were heard, Sun spoke on behalf of his client. “Every case is different, each defendant is different … 15 years is sufficient.”

Sun spoke of Tillmon’s devotion to his family. “He is a loving husband, a loving father and grandson. He’s a friend. Mr. Tillmon is always the one to have a helping hand. He’s an incredibly hard worker.”

Sun said his client worked when he was studying at Chowan University. “That’s what he’ll be when he walks out of prison.”

Tillmon was never a drug dealer, Sun said, and he won’t become one. “There’s no chance of recidivism. Everybody said Mr. Tillmon was a good cop.”

At 33, Sun said his client “will have a long life to live when he leaves prison.”

Molly Gaston, an assistant United States attorney, said, however, Tillmon participated in three operations where purported drugs and drug proceeds were shipped up and down the Eastern Seaboard. On the day of his arrest he had five weapons on him. “He minimized his own actions,” she said. “To date, the defendant never expressed remorse or responsibility for his actions. His co-defendants accepted pleas and responsibility.”

In a statement released by the United States Attorney’s Office this afternoon the government said Tillmon accepted $6,500 from undercover FBI agents posing as drug traffickers in return for transporting a total of 30 kilograms of heroin from North Carolina to Maryland on three separate occasions between August 2014 and April 2015.  

On each occasion, Tillmon carried with him his Windsor Police Department badge and a firearm, and was prepared to use his badge and fake documentation to evade drug interdiction by legitimate law enforcement.  The evidence at trial also showed that Tillmon was poised to participate in another drug run on a fourth occasion the day he was arrested.

Tillmon went into today’s proceeding with two counts against him dropped.

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp, whose office received the initial complaints of police corruption said of the sentence, “The court has spoken.”

Outside the courthouse following the proceedings, Mrs. Tillmon, her eyes still streaked with tears, said her husband is in good spirits despite the circumstances. “His spirits are high. He’s happy.”

She said her husband is already on a road to becoming a better person. “He just got caught up in a wrong situation. He just got caught up with the wrong people. He has a strong faith in God. I’m hurt but I’m happy.”

Mrs. Tillmon said her husband’s attorneys served as witnesses for the Monday wedding ceremony. “It was beautiful.”