CMPD Vice & Narcotic Unit Make $500K Heroin Bust in Charlotte

As a result of a year-long investigation, Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Vice and Narcotics Unit with assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration seized 3.6 kilograms (8 pounds) of black tar heroin on Thursday, July 28, 2011.  This seizure amounts to approximately 36,000 dosage units of heroin.  The street value of these drugs is approximately $500,000.

The black tar heroin was seized from an apartment near Central Avenue. This investigation has been ongoing since 2010 and multiple agencies from around the region provided information to CMPD that eventually led to the location of this significant seizure. The investigation is still ongoing so CMPD cannot release any specific details at this time.

Anyone with information about black tar heroin or other illegal drugs is encouraged by the CMPD to call the Vice and Narcotics Anonymous Tip Line at 704-336-8423. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Man Arrested after Stabbing Co-Worker in Neck

James Rollins

On Thursday morning, CMPD Officers arrested James Russell Rollins after he was accused of cutting or stabbing a female co-worker in the neck at the Hyatt Place Charlotte. (Charlotte Airport/Tyvola Rd location)

After the stabbing occurred, CMPD Officers spotted James Rollins' driving his vehicle near the intersection of Beam Road and South Tryon Street.  Police stopped Rollins and took him into custody. 

The woman Rollins cut was treated and released from CMC.  Rollins also had lacerations on his hand and was treated at the hospital as well.

Rollins is facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill using a cutting instrument. His bond was set at $100,000.

2011 - CMPD Citizen Survey Results

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department hired a consulting firm to conduct a telephone survey in March and spoke with 650 Mecklenburg County citizens.  Read the report, view the presentation and leave a comment if you wish.  Do you think citizens are as satisfied with CMPD as they say we are?

• 2011 CMPD Citizens Survey

• 2011 CMPD Citizens Survey - Presentation

Man Charged with Robbery & Rape

Antonio McClary

Antonio Cordira McClary, 22, is charged with first degree rape, armed robbery and first degree sex offense after he was accused of raping a woman on Tiburon Circle.

Police say they were called to Tiburon Circle on Tuesday after the victim reported someone had held her at gunpoint and raped her inside her Charlotte home.  The suspect also stole the woman's cash and cell phone.

The victim was treated at  CMC-University for minor injuries but is expected to be okay.  McClary is being held in the Mecklenburg County Jail on a $200,000 secured bond.

Woman Stabbed to Death During Domestic Violence Incident

Gregory Parker

At 1:52 am, CMPD North Division Officers responded to a call for for service in reference to a stabbing committed during a domestic violence incident. Detectives with the CMPD Homicide Unit and A/D/W Unit are conducting an investigation into the stabbing which occurred at 5711 Lambrook Court. The victim has been identified as Ebony Patrice Taylor, 24.

According to CMPD, Officers arrived on the scene and were met by residents in the street stating that a woman had been stabbed inside the home and that the suspect had fled the scene in a vehicle. CMPD Officers entered the house and located Ms. Taylor, who was suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Officers were given a possible address in the Freedom Division to which the suspect may have fled. Officers from the North Division and Metro Division responded to the location, encountered the suspect and took him into custody at 5421 Windy Valley Drive. CMPD has arrested Gregory Scott Parker was arrested and charged with the murder of Ms. Ebony Taylor.

Witnesses from both locations will be transported to police headquarters to be questioned. Ms. Taylor and the suspect are known to each other and this is not a random act of violence.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Jolly is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Man Arrested for Flashing Children on Norris Ave

Miguel Rosillo

On July 18th, police arrested 50-year old Miguel Rosillo and charged him with three counts of indecent exposure. Police say Rosillo flashed his private parts to a group of children who were selling lemonade at a stand on Norris Avenue. 

A few days before his arrest, Rosillo visited the children's lemonade stand at least three times, showing them his private parts.  He was reported to police by the children's Mother, who urged the children to record the suspect's license plate number, which they did.

Miguel Rosillo payed his $2,100 secured bond and was back on the streets the following day.  If you have any information that could help police, please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Two Union County Men Busted by Feds for Several Diamond Heists Across USA

The FBI has busted a multi-state diamond theft ring and have brought down an enterprise that included at least seven people-- including two Union County, NC men:  Trey Smith Adams, 27, of Indian Trail and Victor James Lupis, 25, of Monroe.  Since its inception, the theft ring has made off with more than $1.4 million dollars in diamonds and other gems from various jewelers across the country.

Trey Adams

The federal indictment describes seven thefts between December 2010 and January 2011 from jewelry stores in Portland, Oregon, Lake Oswego, OR, Grants Pass, OR, Kentucky, San Mateo, CA and Palo Alto, CA, Tennessee, Vero Beach, FL, Tampa, FL, and Nevada.  The group became so brazen, members of the team struck twice in a single day in northern California.

To plan for the heists, the FBI said a the group planned in advance including sending a well-dressed man and woman into a jewelry store and pretend to shop for a diamond ring and look for a specific employee to target.  The culprits would even sometimes ask the store to order larger diamonds for their return visit when they grabbed the gems.

The suspects would return on a planned date, execute their plan and take off with valuable gems and run to a getaway car.  Afterward, the diamonds were sold to a jeweler in Philadelphia, PA and the proceeds were distributed among the participants. 

Victor Lupis

Victor Lupis was identified as a suspect in a December theft in Portland, Oregon., after police received a tip. Authorities said Lupis had entered a jewelry store, posing as a customer as he examined two rings. Lupis grabbed the rings and fled.  The rings he stole had a retail value of more than $147,000.

After Victor Lupis was arrested on charges of aggravated theft in April and confessed to that crime, he confessed to at least five other diamond heists he committed or participated in with several other suspects, whom he named as:  Michael Young, 39, of Davenport Florida; Ernest Remor, 36, of Spring Hill, Florida; Trey Adams, 27, of Charlotte, North Carolina;  Victor Lupis, 25, of Monroe, North Carolina,  and Jack Cannon, 25, of Madison, Georgia.

Trey Adams has been arrested several times in Mecklenburg County, however, his charges are mainly traffic related and one assault charge.  Victor Lupis has several arrests as well with various charges of assault, selling marijuana, etc. and maintaining a dwelling to sell drugs.

CMPD Warns Against Dog Fighting in Charlotte

CMPD:  Some Charlotte, NC residents have become concerned about possible dog fighting in their neighborhoods. Dog fighting is illegal and if you witness individuals arranging dog Fights, please call 911 immediately so CMPD can identify anyone engaged in this type of activity.

Additionally, the Humane Society of the United States offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a 'dogfighter'.

To report dog fighting anonymously, call 1-877-TIP-HSUS.  For more information about Dog Fighting, please click here

Man Shot & Killed off Sugar Creek Rd. During Robbery Attempt

Boetius

UPDATE:  Within 24-hours of the murder, CMPD arrested and charged the following three people with the Murder, Attempted Armed Robbery and Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery of Mr. Rodriguez:

Shanelle Boetius, Jeremy Jackman and Montreall Banner. Mr. Banner was also charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Minor.
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Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit and ADW Unit are conducting an investigation into a shooting at the 1200 block of Sugar Creek Road in the North Tryon Division, which left one person deceased.  The call for service was reported today at 4:48 pm. 

Banner

The victim has been identified as Isaac Elias Rodriguez.

North Tryon Division officers responded to the Brookwood Inn to investigate the report of a person shot. When officers arrived on scene, they located an unresponsive subject suffering from an apparent gunshot wound; Medic pronounced the victim deceased on scene.

Based upon initial witness statements, a subject was seen fleeing the area on foot.  Witnesses have been identified and are cooperating with detectives. At this initial stage of the investigation, detectives are canvassing the area to determine if there are any additional witnesses to this incident.

Jackman

Crime Scene Search responded to the call for service to process the scene and collect physical evidence. The K-9 Unit responded to the scene. Detectives with the Gang Unit responded to the scene as well to aid in the investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Sterrett is the lead detective assigned to the case.

Mecklenburg Cty Court - Four Jury Trials Week of July 18th

The District Attorney’s Habitual Felon Team called four cases for trial the week of July 18, 2011. The trials were before The Honorable W. Robert Bell and The Honorable Yvonne Mims Evans, Superior Court Judges.

Vernard Gregory, 25, was tried for 1) felony breaking or entering a motor vehicle and 2) misdemeanor larceny. Gregory was found not guilty by the jury. Some of Gregory’s prior convictions include common law robbery, felony breaking or entering, felony larceny, and misdemeanor breaking or entering a motor vehicle. Gregory was indicted as a habitual felon, but due to the not guilty verdict, the State was not permitted to proceed with that portion of the trial.

David McNeil, 31, was tried for 1) possessing, with intent to sell or deliver, cocaine and 2) selling cocaine. A mistrial was declared after the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict.

Johnny Mobley, 37, was tried for 1) obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and 2) attempting to obtain a controlled substance by fraud. Prior to jury deliberations, Mobley entered a guilty plea to one of the charges.

Marquest Latham, 24, was called for trial. Immediately prior to jury selection, Latham changed his previous plea of not guilty and pled guilty, as charged, to 1) three counts of breaking or entering a motor vehicle, 2) three counts of misdemeanor larceny, and 3) being a habitual felon. Latham was sentenced by Judge Bell to 58-79 months in prison.

Man Shot on Fairgreen Drive

Detectives with the CMPD Homicide Unit and A/D/W Unit are conducting an investigation into a shooting at 417 Fairgreen Drive in the Steele Creek Division, which left one person critically injured. The call for service was reported at 5:18pm on July 22, 2011.

Steele Creek Division officers responded to 417 Fairgreen Drive to investigate the report of a person shot. When officers arrived on scene, they located a black male in the driveway suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the head. Medic transported the victim to Carolinas Medical Center where he was rushed into surgery upon arrival. Based upon initial witness statements, multiple gunshots were heard outside the residences along Fairgreen Drive.

The victim, who does not reside at the listed address, was discovered lying in the driveway. At this initial stage of the investigation it is apparent that this is not a random act of violence. Detectives are canvassing the neighborhood to determine if there are any additional witnesses to this incident. 

Crime Scene Search responded to the call for service to process the scene and collect physical evidence. The K-9 Unit responded to the scene along with the Aviation Unit.  Detectives with the Vice & Narcotics Unit and the Gang Unit responded to the scene as well to aid in the investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Osorio is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Mother Kills Two Daughters; Sentenced to 18-24 years in Prison

UPDATE:  7-22-11:  Selina Shiuli will spend the next 18-24 years in prison for the murders of her two children. This crime occurred in 2007 at 3332 Magnolia Hill Drive. The case has been delayed while the defendant has received extensive psychiatric treatment. Today, Shiuli plead guilty to Second Degree Murder, Attempted Murder and Assault With a Deadly Weapon With Intent to Kill and Inflicting Serious Injury.

On November 11, 2007 Defendant Selina Shiuli, age 32, called 911 and stated that she wanted to kill herself and her two daughters. When officers arrived and kicked in the door, they found Shiuli had stabbed herself and her two daughters. Both daughters died from their injuries. In the ambulance, the defendant told medics that she had stabbed herself and her two girls because her husband loved her too much.

The defendant was evaluated by Dr. Nicole Wolfe who is a Forensic Psychiatrist employed by the State of North Carolina. It is Dr. Wolfe’s opinion that the defendant was insane at the time of the offense. The defendant’s mental illness would likely render a verdict involving premeditation impossible. Therefore, the defendant was allowed to plead guilty to Second Degree Murder, Attempted Murder, and Assault With a Deadly Weapon With Intent to Kill and Inflicting Serious Injury. After hearing arguments from the prosecution and the defense regarding sentencing, The Honorable Yvonne Mims Evans, Superior Court Judge, sentenced the defendant to 225-288 months in prison.
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11-6-2007:  Shortly after 1:00 this morning, 29-year old Selina Shiuli called 911 and told the dispatcher she was going to kill herself. She then hung up the phone. CMPD officers arrived at Shiuli's Magnolia Hill Drive apartment within three minutes and forced entry into her apartment.

Inside the apartment, police found Selina Shiuli and her two young daughters, ages one and six, suffering from multiple stab wounds. All three were transported to CMC with serious injuries. Shiuli's 6-year old daughter, Noshin Tabassum Nova, died at the hospital. The 1-year old is still listed in critical condition.

Police say Seline Shiuli stabbed her two daughters then turned the knife on herself before calling police. Shiuli is still in the hospital but she is under arrest, charged with murder and attempted murder.

CMPD Seeking Construction Equipment Thieves

CMPD is seeking the shown vehicle and/or person who is responsible for a 120 pound bulldozer starter from a local construction equipment construction company. 

If you have any information, please call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 704-334-1600.

21-Year Old Assault Suspect Dies after Taser Deployment

Lareko Williams

On July 20th at 10:39 pm, a domestic violence assault call for service came in to 911.  CMPD Patrol Officers responded to the CATS Lynx Blue Line Station at Woodlawn, along the 4700 block of Old Pineville Road, located in the Westover Division.

CMPD Patrol Officers responded to a third party call reporting that a black male was beating and choking a black female at the Lynx station.  Responding officers were given a detailed description of both the male and the female by the caller who reported that the male continued to punch the female while she was on the ground.

Officer Forbes was the first officer on scene and encountered the couple on the platform.  Officer Forbes attempted to arrest the suspect and deployed an Electronic Control Device (TASER X26) in an attempt to gain compliance.

After taking the suspect into custody, Officer Forbes noted that the suspect was unresponsive and immediately called for MEDIC and the Charlotte Fire Department who arrived on scene at approx. 10:45 pm.  Once first responders arrived on scene, they immediately began CPR and continued CPR during transport to Carolinas Medical Center and upon arrival at CMC.  The suspect was pronounced deceased at 11:40 pm.  He has been identified as Lareko Williams,  21. 

Officer M. Forbes has been a member of the CMPD since September 24, 2007. He is currently assigned to the Westover Division as a Patrol Officer. Detectives with the Homicide Unit are conducting the death investigation while Detectives with the Internal Affairs Unit will conduct a separate but parallel investigation to determine whether or not CMPD policies and procedures were followed during the course of the incident. The female victim who was with the suspect has been transported to police headquarters to be interviewed as well as additional witnesses.

Crime Scene Search responded to the call for service to process the scene and collect physical evidence.  Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Ladd is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

* READ CHIEF RODNEY MONROE'S STATEMENT

CMPD Investigating Murder on Benjamin Street

Nathaniel Belk

UPDATE: On July 21st, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team apprehended Nathaniel Belk for the murder of Mr. Massey.  Mr. Belk was taken into custody at an apartment located off Park Road in the Westover Division.
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Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit and A/D/W Unit are conducting an investigation into a shooting in the 300 block of Benjamin Street in the Westover Division, which left one man dead.  The call for service was reported on July 19th at 10:49 pm.  The victim has been identified as Tevin Massey.

Westover Division officers responded to South Side Homes to investigate the report that one person had been shot. Upon arrival, patrol officers located an unresponsive male lying in the street suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.  Medic pronounced the victim deceased on scene.

Based upon initial witness statements, the victim was in the common area of the apartment complex when he was approached by a black male suspect who was armed with a firearm.  The suspect shot the victim at least once and then fled the immediate area on foot.  No one else was injured as a result of the shooting. The suspect description at this point is that of a 6’ tall black male wearing black shorts, a black t-shirt and a black baseball cap.

Witnesses have been transported to police headquarters to be questioned by detectives. In addition, detectives are canvassing the complex to determine if there are any additional witnesses to this incident.  Crime Scene Search responded to the call for service to process the scene and collect physical evidence. Multiple officers with the K-9 Unit responded to the scene along with the Aviation Unit in order to attempt to locate the suspect.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Sarvis is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Murder Suspect Commits Armed Robbery in Cabarrus County

Danielle Holmes

On August 22, 2010, Danielle Holmes was arrested for murdering Oscar Chavez during a heroin drug deal gone bad with her boyfriend Jonathan Fitzgerald. 

According to the MCSO Inmate information, Holmes was held in the Mecklenburg County Jail on a $800,000 bond until December 22, 2010 when she was bailed out and put on electronic monitoring until her trial date. 

On July 16th, Danielle Holmes, 18, was arrested again by the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office and is charged with armed robbery, conspiracy and two drug charges.  Her bond is set at $1,000,000.  (Read Police Report)

** Fellow Charlotte blogger, Cedar Posts, has an excellent post showing the downfall on a young woman with a heroin addiction.  Holmes was 17 when she was charged with murder.

Meck D.A.'s Office: 32 Violent Felons Convicted in One Week

Thirty-two defendants pled guilty in Mecklenburg County Superior Court before Hon. Robert Bell, Superior Court Judge.  The defendants entered guilty pleas from Monday, July 11 - Friday, July 15, 2011; among them were:

David Bellamy, 21, pled guilty to 1) two counts of assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer and 2) felony flee to elude. Bellamy was sentenced to 23-37 months in prison.

Dashon Anderson, 21, pled guilty to 1) possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 2) possession of a weapon of mass destruction and 3) carrying a concealed weapon. Anderson was sentenced to 15-18 months in prison.

Gregory Sensing, 28, pled guilty to 1) two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, 2) first degree burglary and 3) conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon. Sensing was sentenced to 64-86 months in prison. And once released from that sentence, he will have another sentence to serve of 25-39 months in prison suspended for 30 months of supervised probation with the first six months to be intensive probation.

Otis Patton, 39, pled guilty to 1) common law robbery and 2) false imprisonment. Patton was sentenced to 10-12 months in prison.

Elliott Mathis, 34, pled guilty to 1) habitual misdemeanor assault, 2) damage to real property and 3) communicating threats. Mathis was sentenced to 14-17 months in prison followed by 240 days in prison.

Timothy Teasley, 25, pled guilty to attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon. Teasley was sentenced to 51-71 months in prison.

Tremaine Willis, 24, pled guilty to taking indecent liberties with a child. Willis was sentenced to 15-19 months in prison, suspended for 36 months of supervised probation. Willis must also register as a sex offender.

Teacher Arrested after Late Nights with 14-year old Student

Kyle Doherty

UPDATE:  Mint Hill PD released the following additional information on the incident involving Kyle Doherty, which is conflicting with the information I received from a reliable anonymous source.. 

On July 7, 2011 around 4am, Mint Hill Police responded to Stoxmeade Drive in Mint Hill reference to a vehicle breaking and entering in progress.  While patrolling the area, officers encountered a suspicious vehicle parked in the area.

The owner of the vehicle, Kyle Doherty,  was later located in the area and questioned about the vehicle break-in.  Mr. Doherty stated that he was meeting a former student of his nearby because he was counseling her.  Mr. Doherty was formerly employed at Queens Grant Charter School, where the juvenile is a student. It was determined that Mr. Doherty was not connected with the property crime on Stoxmeade Drive.

The same day, officers made contact with the juvenile’s parents and determined that this juvenile (14 y/o) had been leaving her residence in the early hours of the morning, without permission from her parents to meet Mr. Doherty. Mr. Doherty and the juvenile were questioned at length individually and it was determined that nothing sexual had taken place between the two.

Because Mr. Doherty was involved in the juvenile’s decision to leave the residence without her parents’ permission, he was charged with four counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, one count for each time they met and the juvenile left her residence without permission.

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On July 7th, shortly after 2:00 am, a vigilant citizen called police when she saw Kyle Doherty and a 14-year old girl breaking into her vehicle in her Mint Hill driveway.  Doherty and the teenager tried to run away once they realized they were busted but the good citizen held them at bay until police arrived.

A week later, Kyle Doherty, 28, a one year teacher at Queens Grant Community School was arrested and charged with four counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Mother & Man Arrested for Raping One Year Old Girl

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Lifetime Show Features Missing Kyle Fleishmann

MISSING:  Kyle Fleishmann

On July 11th, Lifetime's new TV's show called 'Vanished with Beth Holloway' featured Kyle Fleishmann, a young man who went missing without a trace in November of 2007. 

The show gives a great inside look of the case, interviews with family and friends and local reporters.   

* Click here to watch the full episode online.

CITIZEN ALERT - Fake Phone Calls

The Matthews Police Department sent out a 'citizen alert' today to warn people who may receive an anonymous phone call from a voice machine identifying themselves as the SECU (State Employee Credit Union.)

The caller is told their debit card has been deactivated and asks the person to enter their account number to reactivate it.

The local SECU branch in Matthews, NC states that THIS IS A SCAM and to not enter your account number nor any other information it may ask for!  The SECU will never send out phone messages asking for account numbers. The local SECU branch also advised they had been receiving phone calls all day concerning this false request.

Citizens Assists CMPD to Capture B&E Suspects

James Smith

On July 13th, CMPD Eastway Division officers responded to a suspicious person call for service at a home in the 1100 block of Woodside Ave.  A witness called 911 and stated he observed two suspicious men running from the backyard of the home and noticed a rear window of the home had been broken. The witness gave 911 a detailed description of the suspects which was broadcast over the radio.

CMPD Officers coordinated a perimeter around the neighborhood in an effort to locate the suspects and within 20 minutes, an officer observed two men matching the description of the suspects and detained the men.  The witness was taken to the scene and positively identified both suspects as the men he witnessed running from the yard. James Smith had cuts to his wrist and ankle that he sustained from the broken window of the home. Officers immediately requested MEDIC and the suspect was transported to the hospital.

Derricke Morris

Eastway Division officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have arrested Derricke Morris and James Smith.  Morris and Smith have been charged with Breaking and Entering with Force and Felony Larceny.

The information the witness provided by calling 911 was critical in bringing this case to a prompt resolution.  CMPD Officers in the field did an outstanding job of communicating with each other and dispatch. They coordinated an effective perimeter that enabled them to apprehend these suspects quickly before the suspects could victimize anyone else in our community! 

Anyone with additional information concerning this case may forward anonymous tips to the Crime Stoppers tip line at 704-334-1600.

Woman Charged with Manslaughter after Hitting Pedestrian

Melissa Wooten

On July 14th at 10:56pm, Rosemarie Lyle was attempting to cross the 3500 block of N. Tryon Street near Guy E. Suddreth Avenue.   Ms. Lyle stepped off of the curb and into the right outbound lane where she was struck by a vehicle driven by Melissa Wooten.

Rosemarie Lyle was transported to CMC-main with life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased on July 15th at 12:14am.

Ms. Wooten stopped her vehicle in a nearby parking lot and returned to the scene of the crash. Field sobriety tests indicated Ms. Wooten was impaired and she was placed under arrest and charged with DWI.
 
The CMPD Major Crash Investigation Unit responded to the scene and conducted the investigation.   Any person who witnessed the crash or has information about the case is asked to call Detective Allred at 704-336-8862.  Allred is leading the investigation.

Five Local Men Plead Guilty to Violating 'Clean Air Act'

Five men have plead guilty to violating the "Clean Air Act" by using a device to bypass vehicle emissions inspections, announced today Anne M. Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

The defendants, Stephen Craig Dickinson, 27, of Charlotte, Alexander Christian Edwards, 24, of Monroe, Jin Sung Chang, 24, of Concord, Thanh Long Quoc Nguyen, 32, of Charlotte, and Chuck Yee Cheung, 37, of Charlotte, were charged by separate criminal bills of information and have each plead guilty to one count of violating the Clean Air Act.

Chang was also charged with, and pled guilty to, making three materially false statements in the course of the investigation. According to court documents and related proceedings, at the time of their criminal conduct three of the defendants, Dickinson, Edwards and Chang, were employed by a car dealership in Charlotte. In or about 2010, these defendants purchased a device used to bypass the ordinary onboard diagnostics system used in state emissions inspections. The defendants used the device to provide false passing results for vehicles that had their “check engine” light on, indicating they were discharging emissions at a higher rate than permitted by law, an illegal activity known as “clean scanning.”

In exchange for the false passing results, the defendants charged more than the standard fee for the emissions inspections. The other two defendants, Nguyen and Cheung were employed at a used car lot also in Charlotte, and communicated via text messages with one of the dealership employees asking him to “clean scan” vehicles for them.

In addition, when investigators interviewed Chang on three separate occasions he provided false material statements.  Dickinson entered his guilty plea on April 15, 2011, Edwards on April 27, 2011, Cheung on June 7, 2011, Nguyen on July 6, 2011, and Chang on July 14, 2011.

All of the defendants remain free on bond and their sentencing dates have not been set yet. The defendants face a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

“Vehicle inspections are required, in part, to ensure that our air quality is protected. Schemes such as the one perpetrated by the defendants put public health at risk,” stated U.S. Attorney Tompkins. “This office is committed to prosecuting those who violate the federal laws designed to protect the health of our citizens.”

Robbery Victim Found Naked in the Street & Suspect is Hit by Truck

WBTV's Cam Man (Ron Lee) had an interesting story this morning...

Updated * Recent Arrests Slideshow

Mother Charged with Child Abuse after Son's Head Injury

UPDATE: On July 14, 2011 at 5:40 pm, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased as a result of the injuries sustained on July 10, 2011.  Family notification has been made and the victim has been identified as Marcus Markee Davis Jr.

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Shortly after 1:00 a.m., on Wednesday, July 13, 2011, Shannon Merriman was arrested on a warrant for Child Abuse Inflicting Serious Injury (Felony).  Ms. Merriman is currently in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, where she is being held without bond.  Ms. Merriman was arrested at Carolinas Medical Center.

 

The victim in this case is the one year old son of Ms. Merriman; his name is being withheld.  The incident occurred at Ms. Merriman’s apartment, located on High Meadow Lane, in the Steele Creek Division, on July 10, 20011, at 2:34 p.m.  Ms. Merriman called 911 to report that her son had slipped and hit his head.  

Steele Creek Division officers responded to the scene and to Carolinas Medical Center, where the baby was taken for treatment of his injury.  Homicide Unit Detectives were notified and took command of the investigation from the outset.  Their investigation led them to secure a warrant for Ms. Merriman’s arrest.

 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS, and speak with the lead Detective.  Detective Fitch is the lead investigator in this case.  In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Beauty Shop Robbery Suspects Captured

Merrick Payton

UPDATE:  Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s North Division have arrested Merrick Payton for his involvement in the July 12, 2011 robbery of Mia Amour Beauty Shop. It was also determined that Payton was involved in a residential breaking and entering case the same day at a home in the 3600 block of Lake Road.

Payton has been charged with felony breaking and entering with force and larceny. He’s also been charged with two counts of common law robbery and conspiracy relating to the Mt. Holly Huntersville Rd. incident.
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On Tuesday, July 12, 2011, at approximately 2:00 pm, CMPD Officers responded to a robbery from business call at Mia Amour Beauty Shop located at 240 Mt. Holly Huntersville Road.

Shanequia Paul

Once officers arrived at the location the female victims stated that the two women and a male suspect entered the business. A short time later Shanequia Paul assaulted one of the victims and grabbed money from the register while the male suspect assaulted the victims with pepper spray before all three suspects fled the scene. MEDIC responded to render medical attention to the victims who were treated for non-life threatening injuries.

During this investigation officers gathered evidence that enabled them to obtain a warrant for the suspect’s arrest. Shanequia Paul was arrested approximately 24 hours after she committed the robbery. She has been charged with two counts of common law robbery, two counts of conspiracy and assault.

Anyone with additional information concerning this case including the identities of the other suspects involved may forward anonymous tips to the Crime Stoppers tip line at 704-334-1600

CMPD Officers Arrest Suspect During Night Club B&E

Bobby Barrett

Freedom Division Officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department arrested Bobby J. Barrett (aka Bobby Taylor) on July 6, 2011, at approx. 3:00 am.  CMPD Officers responded to a commercial burglary alarm at the Savoy 2002 Nightclub located at 3930 Brookshire Blvd.

When officers arrived at the location they observed the rear door was slightly ajar. When an officer pushed the door open he observed the suspect inside of the business with a hammer in his hand. The suspect turned and ran from the officer, but was quickly apprehended.

During the course of the investigation officers determined that the suspect pried open the back door and cash registers inside of business.

Barrett has been charged with Breaking and Entering with Force.  Anyone with additional information concerning this case may forward anonymous tips to the Crime Stoppers tip line at 704-334-1600

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VCAT Seeking Man who Cut Electronic Monitor

Damion Dawston

UPDATE:  7/13/11-  Damion Dawston was arrested this morning in Gwinnett County, Georgia.

Damion Dawston is wanted by the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) for outstanding warrants for interfering with an electronic monitoring device, felony breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, and felony possession of stolen goods.

Dawston has been on CMPD electronic monitoring since his June 9, 2011 release from jail. On July 11, 2011 Dawston cut off his court ordered monitor and is currently on the run. Dawston was last seen traveling Southbound on I-85 into Gaston County.

In the past three years, Damion Dawston has an arrest history (10 arrests) for charges including drugs, assault, assault on an officer and several breaking and entering charges.

CMPD Independence Officers Bust Marijuana Growing Operation

CMPD Independence Division officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have arrested Jorge Luis Correa and Ivan Montalvo on June 28, 2011 after officers received information concerning a possible marijuana grow operation at a home located at 9817 Dunfries Road.

Jorge Luis Correa

Officers arrived at the location and met with the homeowner Jorge Luis Correa. Correa gave the officers consent to enter the home. Once inside the officers detected a strong smell of marijuana, they asked the homeowner for consent to search the location, but their request was denied. Officers subsequently obtained a search warrant for the home and discovered an elaborate marijuana grow operation constructed in the garage.

Approximately fifty marijuana plants were discovered in various stages of growth. More than $10,000 in cash was recovered from the home. It was also determined that the suspects connected the subterranean power line to the home bypassing the power meter in an effort to steal electrical service from Duke Energy.


Both Correa and Montalvo have been charged with Trafficking in Marijuana, Manufacturing Marijuana, Maintaining a Dwelling to Sell Controlled Substance and Conspire to Sell Marijuana. Anyone with additional information concerning this case may forward anonymous tips to the Crime Stoppers tip line at 704-334-1600.

Habitual Offender & Robbery Suspect Arrested in Westover Division

Michael Conway

UPDATE:  Check out the Meck-Deck's post on Conway

CMPD Westover Officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department arrested 42-year old Michael Conway on July 5th after he robbed two gas stations.

The first report of a robbery came from the Petro Express located at 605 Clanton Road. The victim told officers that the suspect entered the store and demanded the money from the cash register, implying he had a gun.  The suspect took the cash and got into a taxi before leaving the location.

Approximately five minutes later, another robbery occurred at the Circle-K located at 4001 South Blvd.  The store clerk stated that she was behind the counter when the suspect entered the store and implied he had a gun, and demanded money from the register and again got in to a taxi.

The suspect and vehicle descriptions were identical to those of the prior robbery.  The description was broadcast over the police radio and officers circulated the area looking for the vehicle and/or suspect.  A short time later, Westover Division Officers located a vehicle matching the description and CMPD Steele Creek officers assisted Westover officers as they stopped the taxi on Woodlawn Road.

A witness was transported to the location and identified Michael Conway as the man responsible for the Circle-K robbery.  A search incident to arrest also resulted in officers recovering property that was stolen from the Petro Express robbery.   It was determined that the taxi driver was transporting Mr. Conway was not aware of the suspect’s criminal activity inside the stores.

Michael Conway was charged with Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon and Common Law Robbery.  Since 2001, Conway has a lengthy NC criminal record including in Mecklenburg County, where he was arrested in 2008 and charged with four counts of robbing a business, one count of robbing an individual and for being a habitual felon.  In May 2011, he was arrested again for conspiring to sell & distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and for resisting an officer.  This guy was just released from prison in April 2011 since his admission on July 7, 2009.  Reformed? I don't think so...

The CMPD says they will continue to work aggressively to remove these type of individuals from society who repeatedly prey on our community.  Excellent communication and coordination between patrol officers in Westover and Steele Creek Divisions in the field and dispatch were critical elements in apprehending this repeat offender before he victimized anyone else.

New DA Cracks Down on Murder Cases to Reduce Backlog

Mecklenburg County District Attorney Murray had a tough choice to make based on the limited resources available to him.  He stepped into a big mess and his office is currently dealing with a backlog of over 100 murder cases.  It is a catch-22 situation but he has over six months in office so I trust he is making the right decision...  Check out the report by Shawn Flynn at News 14 Carolina.

Victim Shoots & Kills Home Invasion Suspect on Finchley Dr

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit are conducting an investigation into a home invasion, robbery, assault and subsequent shooting which left one man dead at 2404 Finchley Drive.  The call for service was reported at 9:36 am.  The suspect/victim has been identified as Jonathan Kendrell Boddie.

According to CMPD, North Tryon Division officers responded to Finchley Drive to investigate the report of one person who had been shot.  When officers arrived on scene, they located an unresponsive male inside the residence.  He was pronounced deceased on scene by Medic.

Based upon initial witness statements, the resident was sitting outside the house in a vehicle when he was approached by two armed black males.  The suspects forced the male inside the residence at gunpoint and began assaulting him.  When the female resident heard the commotion, she fired a firearm at the suspects, killing one of them.  The second suspect fled the scene in an unknown direction of travel. Patrol officers and detectives are currently searching for the second suspect.

The male who was assaulted was treated on scene by Medic and transported to Carolinas Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The female victim was uninjured during the incident. Both victims will be interviewed by Homicide Unit Detectives.

Crime Scene Search responded to the call for service to process the scene and collect physical evidence.  Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective.  Detective Santiago is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Message from Mecklenburg County District Attorney Murray

D.A. Andrew Murray

From the Office of: R. Andrew Murray
Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office
State of North Carolina - 26th Prosecutorial District

Mecklenburg County Citizens:In an effort to increase our communication with the citizens of the North Carolina 26th Prosecutorial District, our Office will, from time-to-time, share educational information about the criminal justice system with our list subscribers.

We hope you find this type of information helpful, in addition to the typical news releases issued by the Office each week. Today, as a result of the many questions that we field on this general subject, we pass-along information regarding some newly-passed legislation that will affect sentencing and corrections laws across the state.

The recent action was taken by the North Carolina General Assembly.  Please click here to read a synopsis of some of the changes

If you don't have time to read the three page document highlighting the new NC sentencing laws, let me summarize for you:

The North Carolina General Assembly recently passed some new legislation that will substantially alter sentencing and correction laws presently in effect.  Due to these recent changes, effective for all offenses committed on or after December 1, 2011, we are providing this synopsis along with a link to the entire bill: House Bill 642

* Substantial Change #1: Most habitual felons must be given shorter sentences
* Substantial Change #2: All felons will have a period of post-release supervision
* Substantial Change #3: Four state prisons will be closed; no new prisons will be opened
* Substantial Change #4: Creation of a “habitual breaking and entering status offender”
* Substantial Change #5: Judges can no longer revoke a defendant’s probation and send them to prison for most violations of probation

* Check out News 14 Carolina's report with Shawn Flynn & my opinion on the matter

Physician's Assistant Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Medicare & Medicaid

Kelly Gene Svedberg, 40, a physician’s assistant employed at a medical clinic in Charlotte has pled guilty to charges of conspiring to defraud Medicare and the North Carolina Division of Medical Assistance (“Medicaid”), announced Anne M. Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

A criminal bill of information was filed on June 30, 2011, charging Kelly Svedberg with one count of conspiracy to defraud a health care benefit program.  According to the information, Svedberg was employed from September 2007 to August 2008 as a licensed physician’s assistant at a medical clinic in Charlotte. 

From 2007 - December 2008, Svedburg and others, including another employee at the medical clinic, participated in a scheme to defraud Medicare, Medicaid, and others by billing those entities for medical services which were medically unnecessary, not provided, or both, including, but not limited to electromylogram (“EMG”) and anorectal manometry (“AM”) treatments.

Svedberg entered a plea of guilty on Wednesday, July 6, 2011.  According to the plea agreement, the defendant agreed that the amount of loss to Medicare and Medicaid caused by this scheme was more than $120,000 and less than $200,000.  Svedberg, who has been released on bond, faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.  A sentencing date has not been set yet.

The investigation and charges are the work of the NC Western District’s joint Health Care Fraud Task Force. The Task Force focuses on the coordination of cases, information sharing, identification of trends in health care fraud throughout the region, staffing of all whistle blower complaints, and the creation of investigative teams so that individual agencies may focus their unique areas of expertise on investigations.