Forestview High teacher pleads guilty for distributing drugs to students

Meredith Pruitt, 31, was accused of distributing prescription pills at Forestview High School. Pruitt agreed to a plea bargain and pleaded guilty to three felonies.

Pruitt taught ninth-grade English at Forestview. She entered a guilty plea for conspiracy to sell or deliver a controlled substance, selling or delivering a controlled substance, and possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance.

In exchange, several charges were dismissed: manufacturing, selling, delivering or possessing a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school, hiring or using a minor to commit a controlled substance offense, promoting drug sales by a minor, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and selling or delivering drugs to a minor.

Pruitt would  have served two to 4 years, 9 months in prison. However, she received a 2½-year suspended sentence with active, supervised probation. She is also banned from being on Forestview High School’s property. A suspended sentences means that if Pruitt does not get in trouble with the law, she will not have to serve time behind bars.

Gaston County Police stated that she gave four Clonazepam pills to a Forestview student, who then sold some of the pills and gave Pruitt some of the money from the sales. Clonazepam is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance. It is sometimes prescribed to control certain types of seizures and relieve panic attacks.

Police issued citations or juvenile petitions for seven students. One student faces felony drug charges. The other six face a misdemeanor.

Pruitt resigned from Gaston County Schools in June. Pruitt denied a public defender and hired Gastonia attorney James Carpenter for legal representation. Pruitt pleaded guilty in Superior Court.

Police Sgt. Josh Hamlin stated that he’s never happy when he has to take out charges against a teacher, but said the plea agreement was fair. “She was a first-time offender and had no prior record. I think the district attorney handled that appropriately,” said Hamlin. “Just like police officers, teachers are held to a higher standard.”

Pruitt will no longer be eligible to teach in Gaston County because of the felonies now on her record. Gaston County Schools hiring policy doesn’t specifically say that teachers with felony records aren’t hired, but no one working for the school system has a felony conviction, he said.

The Gaston County Board of Education policy states: “If a final candidate for employment or hiring as an independent contractor is found to have a criminal record, other than for minor traffic offenses, the superintendent or his designee must determine whether the individual poses a threat to the physical safety of students or personnel or has demonstrated that he or she does not have the integrity or honesty to fulfill the duties of the position.”

The State Board of Education could revoke Pruitt’s teaching license in North Carolina because of the offense.

Drunk driver charged in Gastonia after crashing into emergency room.

A man in Gastonia has been charged with drunk driving after crashing into Gaston Memorial Hospital's emergency room.

Fifty year old Gary Edwin Bledsoe drove his pickup truck into a planter that crashed into a window at the emergency room Wednesday night. Bledsoe was also charged with driving with a revoked license and reckless driving.  

Gayla Smith, a passenger in Bledsoe's truck, stated that Bledsoe was taking her to the hospital after she had been stung by a bee and was having breathing problems. Smith says she lost consciousness before the crash. She said that Bledsoe saved her life, despite her injuries from the accident.  

Documents at the magistrate's office state that Bledsoe had a blood alcohol level of .10 percent - which exceeds the state's legal limit of 0.08.

No one else was injured in the accident.

Woman accused of stabbing lady outside pub pleads guilty to manslaughter

Katie Robinson was accused of fatally stabbing another woman outside the Hartigan’s Irish Pub in uptown Charlotte. She pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter on Thursday. Antoinette Baker, a 30 year old mother of six, died from the incident.

Relatives Baker, sat in the back row of the courtroom, some crying as they listened to the hearing.

Robinson, 32, pleaded guilty in an arrangement with prosecutors. She was sentenced to up to two years in prison, but that sentence was suspended for three years of supervised probation and 45 days in custody. She received a credit for 45 days that she’s already served in jail. Robinson also was ordered to pay the Baker family $1,745 in restitution for funeral expenses.

Robinson was initially charged with murder. However, the prosecutors said they’d have to prove Robinson was not acting in self-defense. Inconsistent statements from witnesses made it difficult to prove who started the fight, prosecutors said.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police were called out to Hartigan’s, a few blocks from Bank of America Stadium, on December 4, 2011. A report came in that several women were fighting. When they arrived, officers found Baker with a deep laceration on her neck. She later died at Carolinas Medical Center. Robinson, a former school bus driver, was located inside Hartigan’s and arrested.

Earlier that evening, Baker went to Hartigan’s with her two sisters. Baker’s family said she’d just gotten a new apartment and enrolled at Central Piedmont Community College to study radiology.

One of Baker’s sisters went to the restroom and “made advances” on Robinson. When they left the restroom, Robinson’s girlfriend confronted Baker’s sister, but no blows were exchanged. Later on, Baker, her sisters and Robinson ended up in the restroom together. Robinson and Baker were seen arguing, and a fight involving several people ensued. That’s when a security guard escorted Baker and her sisters outside.
Prosecutors said the security guard and Baker’s sisters claimed that as Baker stood outside, Robinson moved toward her and swung at Baker’s neck and the sisters jumped on Robinson, punching and kicking her.

Other witness statements differ. Robinson and another witness, who didn’t know any of the people involved in the fight, said Robinson was jumped as she walked out of the bar. Robinson told police she was being beaten and grabbed a bottle off the ground and started swinging.

Family members of both Robinson and Baker were in the courtroom at Thursday’s hearing. Robinson only spoke to say “yes, sir” and “no, sir” to the judge. She clutched a tissue, to wipe her tears.

Sharon Carr, Baker’s aunt, addressed the court, describing her niece as an inspiration, a joy and someone who always had a smile on her face. She said only God, Baker and Robinson know what happened the night of the killing.

“I hope this is a learning experience for everybody,” Carr said.

Annual Driving Report Puts NC Near Bottom of List for Safety

The 8th Annual Allstate America's Best Drivers Report was released Tuesday the 28th.

Using information from insurance claims, Allstate Insurance analyzed and ranked 200 of the nation's biggest cities according to driving safety.

Charlotte ranked 120th on the list of safe driving citys. The study says that an average Charlotte driver will be involved in a car crash just under every 9 years. This is slightly more often than the national average of 10 years. Allstate defines a crash as a collision that results in a property damage claim.

Although vehicle crashes kill over 30,000 Americans every year, deaths from crashes are at the lowest rate in over 50 years. About one tenth of American drivers are insured by Allstate, which makes their report an accurate portrayal of the nations' drivers.

For the fifth straight year, Sioux Falls, S.D. holds the record as the safest driving city in America, with residents expected to crash only every 13.8 years.

SC Mother Attempts Convenience Store Robbery While Holding Infant Daughter

Ashley Marie Burns, 23, was arrested in York, SC Tuesday for robbing a convenience store while holding her infant daughter. Burns is being charged with armed robbery, unlawful neglect of a child, and possession of crack cocaine.

According to reports, Burns entered McCray's Convenience Store on Liberty Street with her daughter and another man. Once inside, she asked the two clerks inside for $40 while her male companion was in the restroom. After neither cashier agreed to give her the money, Burns claimed she was armed with a gun and stuck her hand into her purse, all while holding her 23 month-old daughter.

When the cashier closed the register, Burns left the store with her little girl and her companion. York police arrested Burns after they pulled her over while driving her white Honda. Though police never discovered a firearm, they did find crack cocaine and paraphernalia in her car.


Burns' daughter was released into the custody of her father after the incident. Burns is currently jailed in York County under a $47,000 bond.

Charlotte Woman is Shot While Chasing Car Thieves

After trying to chase down the four men that stole her vehicle, a Charlotte woman was shot early Thursday morning.

The incident happened on Tuckaseegee Road, where four men drove away in the woman's car. When the victim attempted to pursue the men, they opened fire and hit the woman. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are looking for the men, who still remain at large. The victim sustained non life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover.

If you have any information on this case, call CMPD at (704) 336-7600.

Robbery Suspect Shot With His Own Gun, in Critical Condition

A fight between two pairs of men after an attempted robbery at an apartement complex left two men shot and one them in critical condition in the early morning Thursday. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police have yet to release the names of the men involved, but reports say two men attempted to rob the other pair at the Magnolia Square Apartments on Eastway Drive when a fight ensued.

One of the victims of the robbery was shot in the hand before the other victim shot one of the robbers in the head and chest with his own gun. That suspect was registered in critical condition in an area hospital.

District Attorney's Report: Heroin Traffickers Sent to Prison

Beginning Monday, August 20, 2012, and ending Monday, August 27, 2012, the DA’s Drug Prosecution Team convicted 33 defendants in Courtroom 5350 before The Honorable Linwood O. Foust, Superior Court Judge, and The Honorable H. William Constangy, Superior Court Judge. The convictions were for crimes that included possessing, selling and trafficking in illegal drugs.

Based on the structured sentencing laws in North Carolina, sentences ranged from probation to the active prison sentences of Quinton Jordan, 24, who received 26-32 months in prison for two counts of attempted trafficking in heroin, and Rudis Machuca, 45, who received 12-24 months in prison for trafficking in heroin.

District Attorney's Office Report - Crimes Against Persons Team Tries Three Defendants

The DA’s Crimes Against Persons Team called three (3) cases for trial during the week of August 24, 2012, in Mecklenburg County Superior Court. The trials were held in courtroom 5150 before The Honorable Richard D. Boner, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge, and in courtroom 5370 in front of The Honorable Eric L. Levinson, Superior Court Judge. The trials included:

Brett Bowers, 27, was tried on a charge of attempted common law robbery. The jury could not agree on a unanimous verdict and Judge Levinson declared a mistrial.

Lavon Thomas, 40, was tried on charges of 1) discharging a weapon into occupied property and 2) assault by pointing a gun. Thomas was found not guilty by the jury.

Tamarlo Hall, 30, was tried on charges of 1) assault with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill inflicting serious injury, 2) discharging a weapon into occupied property and 3) possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Hall was found not guilty by the jury.

Five other defendants pled guilty before their cases were called for trial, including:

Shelton Locklear, 22, pled guilty to 1) conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon and 2) assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. Judge Levinson sentenced Locklear to 29-44 months in prison.

Carlos Jordan, 42, pled guilty to habitual misdemeanor assault. Judge Levinson sentenced Jordan to 16-20 months in prison.

Steven Martin, 25, pled guilty to felony child abuse. Judge Boner sentenced Martin to 44-62 months in prison.

Darryl Mills, 23, pled guilty to 1) possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 2) larceny of a firearm, 3) possession of a stolen motor vehicle, 4) felony flee to elude arrest and 5) two counts of breaking or entering a motor vehicle. Judge Levinson sentenced Mills to 48-58 months in prison.

Charlotte Bank Robbed, CMPD Working with FBI to Locate Suspect

A suspect is on the loose after the BB&T located at 8816 Albemarle Road was robbed Wednesday morning shortly after 11:00.

According to reports, a 6' tall black male entered the bank and handed a note to a teller. The note said to give the suspect cash, which the teller did. The suspect then left the bank and fled the scene.

The robber was wearing a small sun hat with several earth-toned colors. He had a white long-sleeve shirt and bright blue pants that resemble scrubs, such as those worn in the medical profession.

The robbery has CMPD working alongside the FBI to find the suspect. If you have any information on this case, call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600 or contact the FBI by calling (704) 672-6100.

Suspect in Teen Kidnapping Faces Incriminating DNA Evidence

Freddie Grant

Freddie Grant, 52, has been arrested in Columbia, SC on charges of kidnapping a 15 year-old teenager in August. While he awaits trial, the convicted felon has declined to help authorities locate the missing girl.

Gabrielle Swainson was last seen on August 18, when her mother Elvia woke her momentarily before going to work at about 3:45 in the morning. Both Gabrielle and her iPhone were missing when Elvia returned home from work later that morning.

The missing iPhone's location has been traced by police to the house of Freddie Grant, who was romantically involved with Elvia. When investigators executed a search of Grant's property, they discovered duct tape containing Gabrielle Swainson's DNA.

According to Richland County authorities, Grant had mowed the Swainson's lawn on the day before her disappearance. Grant is also the lead suspect in another case of a missing person. Adrianna Diana Laster, of Elgin, was last seen in 2011 on Labor Day. She was 28 years old at the time of her disappearance and had lived in the same house as Grant, who was reportedly the last person to see her.

Grant has an extensive criminal record spanning nearly 25 years between South Carolina and Florida. He is accused of taking Gabrielle by force during the early morning of August 18th. For South Carolina authorities, the search for the missing teen continues without the aid of suspect Freddie Grant.

Suspects Burglarize Charlotte Home, Kill Owner's Dog

A Charlotte Resident returned from an out-of-town trip Sunday to find her home burglarized and her dog killed.

Toya Davis left town to attend a funeral when one of her neighbors noticed that Davis' back door was standing open. That neighbor quickly phoned the police, who were dispatched to the house. When police arrived they found the home had been ravaged by burglars, who had entered the house via a window in the bathroom.

According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police, the burglars stole electronics valued at thousands of dollars. Even worse, police discovered Davis' dog had been killed during the burglary.

Shadow, Davis' 8 year old Cocker Spaniel, had been killed with a hammer in a bedroom in the back of the house. Police found the hammer used in the killing as well as a baseball bad in the house. CMPD were successful in lifting fingerprints from the items.

Police have not released a motive for the crime but the investigation is ongoing. Any information about this case can be forwarded to the authorities by calling Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.

Charlotte Man Shot During Home Invasion

A Charlotte resident was shot while his home was robbed early Wednesday morning. According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, who is investigating the case, two suspects forced their way into a home located on Purser Drive about 2:30 Wednesday morning. The two suspects robbed two people inside the house, shooting one of the occupants in the arm in the process.

Police are still looking for the suspects after they left the scene following the robbery. The victim was taken to an area hospital in stable condition.

If you have any information about this case, call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.

CMS student hit by paint ball

Police are looking for a person driving a black vehicle that leaned out of the window firing a paintball around, striking the student.

The incident happened this morning right before 6:00 a.m. as the student was walking to the bus stop at Shamrock Drive and Tipperary Place.  No injuries were reported.

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

Woman accused in drag racing deaths pleads guilty

Carlene Atkinson, accused in a deadly 2009 drag racing crash pleaded guilty Tuesday to involuntary manslaughter.  She was sentenced to 16-20 months in jail. 

Atkinson was accused of killing Winthrop professor Cynthia Furr, her 2-year-old daughter and 13-year-old Hunter Holt while racing at high speeds of up to 100 mph on N.C. 49 in April 2009.

Atkinson and Tyler Stasko were racing each other when Stasko's car lost control and caused the deadly crash.  Both were facing second-degree murder charges, Stasko was sentenced to 45-54 months in prison after found guilty of three counts of involuntary manslaughter on December 13, 2011.  Police crash investigators said that Stasko's car was traveling over 85 mph when it lost control.

Atkinson admitted she was racing Stasko and did not call 911 after the crash. Atkinson has not been allowed to drive since she was arrested for the accident.

Holt's mother called Atkinson "heartless" and "soulless" during the hearing on Tuesday.

Man accused of biting daughter

Justin Paige Shoemake has been charged with felony child abuse, misdemeanor child abuse and assault on a child under 12 after choking and biting his infant daughter.

He is being held in the Caldwell County Detention Center under a $200,000 bond.

The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office found bite marks on the three-month-old's ear, nose and lip.  Authorities got alerted by someone after seeing Shoemake choke the infant.


"Numerous serious injuries resulting from extensive physical abuse," the sheriff's office said in a news release.

Caldwell Sheriff Alan Jones said, "We will not tolerate the abuse of children in this county".  The infant is now at a local hospital and in the custody of the department of social services.

Woman gets shot in the face

A woman was shot in the face Sunday night on Kenhill Drive near West Boulevard.

She was taken to a Charlotte Hospital and is expected to recover.

So far no one has been arrested, Charlotte police are gathering information and are looking for numerous suspects.  They have not release other details about what led to the shooting.

Police searching for suspect after two people shot outside east Charlotte apartment

Charlotte police officers are searching for a suspect after two people were shot outside of an east Charlotte apartment early Sunday morning.

The police were called around 1:00 am to the Woodbridge Apartments on Yateswood Drive off Albemarle Road.

Medics say the two victims were rushed to Carolinas Medical Center and underwent surgery. No additional information is available on their condition at this time.

The police have taped off the area to search for evidence. The whereabouts of the suspect are currently unknown. If you have any information, please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Motorcyclist arrested after I-77 pursuit

A man was arrested early this morning after a  high-speed chase on I-77 in northern Mecklenburg with speeds of 100mph.

The N.C. Highway Patrol attempted to pull over the motorcyclist, but the man sped away from authorities.  Troopers pursue the man for a while and decided to stop the chase when the driver reached speeds of 100mph.

Troopers got assistance from a helicopter that was in the area that pointed the man's location to the Highway Patrol.  The motorcyclist was arrested shortly when troopers found the man at a parking lot.

Charlotte Elizabeth Grimes charged with Medicaid fraud

A Charlotte counselor was arrested last week and is accused in a fraudulent scheme worth about $650,000 from Medicaid.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that Charlotte Elizabeth Garnes, a 37-year-old licensed counselor, “rented out” her Medicaid provider number and allowed others to file for Medicaid reimbursement claims for mental and behavior health services that were never performed by Mrs. Garnes.

Garnes was arrested Wednesday in Goldsboro and charged with health care fraud conspiracy and obstruction of official proceedings. If she is convicted of both charges, Garnes could face up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.

According to court documents, the fraudulent claims occurred between March 2009 and April 2011. Garnes conspired with two other women, Teresa Marible and Michele Jackson, to allow Marible and Jackson to submit the claims through Garnes’ company, Charlotte’s Insight.

Prosecutors allege that Garnes kept a percentage of the Medicaid reimbursements received for the claims which list her as the attending clinician.

At one point in 2009, Garnes represented that she provided 69 hours of mental and behavior health services in a single day, according to the indictment. Other claims were filed to Medicaid for counseling services rendered during a time when Garnes wasn’t even in the country. At the time, she was working for a defense contractor at military bases, prosecutors stated.

Medicaid paid Garnes and her co-conspirators more than $650,000 in fraudulent claims, according to the indictment.

Marible and Jackson, neither of whom are licensed to provide mental or behavioral health services, have also been convicted. In March, Jackson was sentenced to 15 months in prison and ordered to pay $292,282 in restitution. In June, Marible was sentenced to three years and ordered to pay $1,135,662.

Earlier this month, Oriako Hampton Sowell also plead guilty to her role in a similar scheme with the three women.

Sowell also “rented out” her Medicaid provider number, prosecutors alleged. Fraudulent claims list Sowell as the attending clinician, but services were never provided. Sowell kept part of the Medicaid reimbursements and paid the rest to Jackson and Marible. Between October 2010 and April 2011, they collected at least $250,000 from Medicaid according to the indictment.

Anyone who suspects Medicare or Medicaid fraud should call 1-800-447-8477 or email at HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov.

Two people charged in 2 fast food robberies

Charlotte police arrested a man and woman Wednesday night as they tried to flee the scene of an armed robbery at a McDonald’s in Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood neighborhood.

The couple, identified as Rahshawn Shamir Johnson and Mariah Laquincia Pew, admitted to robbing another fast-food restaurant earlier this week according to CMPD. Both Rahshawn and Mariah are 20 years old.

Wednesday’s robbery was reported at 10 p.m. at a McDonald’s on Central Avenue. Police stated that the suspect was spotted fleeing the scene in a black Nissan Maxima.

A responding officer en-route to the restaurant saw someone trying to flag him down in a nearby alleyway, where a black Nissan was parked, police said. As the officer pulled into the alleyway, he saw Johnson run from the vehicle, jump a fence, and toss a handgun.

Johnson was soon caught and taken into custody. Police said they also arrested Pew, who had been driving the getaway car.

Johnson and Pew admitted to the robbery after being interviewed by CMPD detectives and they also confessed robbing the Captain D’s restaurant on Freedom Drive, near its intersection with Alleghany Street, on Tuesday night.

Both were each charged with two counts of armed robbery and two counts of conspiracy and remain in Mecklenburg jail.

Man and woman rob Bojangles on Freedom Drive

A male and female duo robbed the Bojangles on Freedom Drive early Friday morning. Soon after the stored opened at 5:00AM, a back door was left open. A man dressed in a skeleton mask seized the opportunity and stuck a gun in the back of one of the workers.

He then ordered the worker to the floor. While looking for other employees, his female partner acted nervous, telling the man to hurry up.

Detective Marty Cuthbertson stated that he was commanding the operation and the woman was just with him and that "she's not saying anything."

The man located two more employees and commanded them to lie down. The manager was given instructions to unlock the safe. However, the manager was still new to the store and didn't have the combination. So, the robber demanded the cash drawers. At that time of day, there is only petty cash in each drawer. If the robbery would have taken place later in the day, the cash drawers would have been full.

Detective Cuthbertson says this may have been an inside job, stating that it may have been someone who knows they open that door at certain times during the day when deliveries arrive. It could be an ex-employee or someone with knowledge of that store's operations.

Please call Crimestoppers at (704) 334-1600 if you have any information. There is up to $1,000 reward money available.

Gaston County man faces new DWI Charges

A man faces a new DWI charge after a state trooper said he was twice the legal limit. The man already has three past DWI convictions.

Robert Lloyd was stopped by Trooper D.J. Johnson at 5:35 p.m. on Thursday August 23rd on U.S. 321 in High Shoals, NC. He was speeding at 97 MPH in a 65 MPH zone.

Johnson wrote in a warrant affidavit that Lloyd smelled of alcohol, had red eyes and poor balance. The Gaston Gazette reported Lloyd had a blood-alcohol level of 0.16 which twice the legal limit for 0.08 under North Carolina law.

Lloyd’s license has been revoked because of past DWIs, according to a warrant. Lloyd was convicted of driving while impaired in 2005 in Lincoln County. He was convicted twice in 2009 in Cleveland County.

Lloyd was charged with habitual DWI, driving with a revoked license, and speeding. He is currently being held in the Gaston County Jail under a $100,000 bond.

Four teens charged after placing fireworks in mailboxes

The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office said four teenagers have been charged with the destruction of two postal mail boxes in the Legacy Park Community in Indian Land.

Investigators stated that "mortar-type fireworks" were placed in two mailboxes and then lit. The incidents occurred back in July, said the Sheriff's Office.

The teenagers, ranging in ages from 13 to 16, were charged with malicious injury to property. Officials said they were petitioned to Lancaster County Department of Juvenile Justice and will appear in family court to face the charges.

Husband accused of stabbing wife to death

Catawba County Sheriff's Deputies took a Hickory man into custody late Thursday after his estranged wife was found stabbed to death.

Deputies were called to Springs Road NE in Hickory around 5:15pm.

The location is where the 46-year-old estranged woman's husband was living at the time.  Deputies found the estranged husband driving the victim's vehicle, they also say he was covered in blood.

Family members said the victim was at her estranged husband's home to sign some legal documents Thursday afternoon. No one had heard from her since that time.

The victim was the mother of four children.

Monroe David Byrd Junior, 46, has been charged with murder, according to deputies.

Two women shot in home invasion

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are looking for a man who shot two women early Friday Morning. The shooting occcured at a residence on Alma Court near Statesville Avenue around 4 a.m. Police say that a man broke into the residence and shot two women in what looks like a home invasion. The man took some items before leaving the scene. The victims were taken to a near by hospital with critical injuries, but are in stable condition. Neighbors told police that gunshots are not unusual to hear around the area. Police are searching the home and the shooting remains under investigation.

38 Year Old Man Charged With Child Pornography and Peeping

A 38 year old man from Gastonia was been charged for separate incidents of possession of child pornography and peeping. John Andrew Schramm was arrested Wednesday.

Schramm had video content and digital photographs stored on his computer showing nude boys that were approximately 12-13 years old. It was reported that at least one of the files on his computer showed a child engaged in sexual activity.

Schramm has been charged with two counts of third-degree exploitation of a minor. Officers stated that not all of the evidence they have in their possession has been processed and more charges could come about depending on what they find.

Police said Schramm was also charged for secretly peeping in connection to an incident that occurred earlier this month.

According to the police, Schramm secretly spied on a woman through the back sliding door of her home on Willow Wind Drive.

Schramm is a registered sex offender. The North Carolina Sex Offender Registry website shows that he was convicted of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor back in 2002.

Schramm was added to the registry in 2005. He is required to stay on the list for a minimum of 10 years.

Gastonia Thieves on the Loose

Following four recent larceny / fraud cases in Gastonia, the city's police are seeking public assistance in identifying the two suspects involved.

All four cases happened on August 11. Multiple businesses in Gastonia have captured the suspects on surveillance footage. A woman's purse was stolen from the Walmart on North Myrtle School Road while the woman had her back turned.

A credit card stolen from that purse was used in an attempt to purchase goods from the Walgreen's on West Franklin Boulevard.

A shopper at the K-Mart on East Franklin Boulevard reported a credit card stolen from her purse. In that incident, the victim says a male accomplice distracted her while a woman stole the card.

That card was used to buy gift cards from the Lowes nearby.

If you have any information on these incidents, you could receive up to $1000 in reward money from Crime Stoppers.

You can reach Gaston County Crime Stoppers at (704) 861-8000 or call Detective Capistran at (704) 866-6884.

CMPD Catches Monitor-Removing Fugitive

Fifty-one year-old Keith Allen Murray was arrested Thursday morning on University City Boulevard. Murray had been wanted by Charlotte-Mecklenburg police after he removed his electronic monitoring bracelet on Sunday. He was found by police while they were searching for Eric Dwayne Jones, another fugitive that had removed his electronic monitoring device.


Until Sunday, Murray had been wearing the monitor since he was released from jail on April 12 when he posted bond. He had been arrested on charges larceny and breaking and entering. Since his April 12 release, Murray was arrested twice more, once for assault charges. He is currently being jailed in Mecklenburg County.

23rd Electronic Monitor Removed by Suspect in 2012, CMPD on Lookout

CMPD is currently looking for Eric Dwayne Jones, 28. According to police, Jones removed his electronic ankle monitor by cutting it off Wednesday evening.

Jones was last seen near the intersection of Freedom Drive and Toddville Road. He was released on a $50,000 bond on May 1st and had been wearing the monitor since that time.

His incarceration stemmed from a host of armed robbery-related charges, including three counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon. CMPD records show 22 Mecklenburg County arrests in his past, including nine arrests within the past three years.

Jones, who will also face charges of interfering with an electronic monitoring device, is the 23rd person to remove their monitor in 2012.

The number of suspects who have removed their monitoring devices this year is over 25% higher than this time in 2011.

If you have information of the location of Eric Jones, call the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team at (704) 336-VCAT (8228) or call 911.

21 Year-Old Arrested for Throwing Objects Onto I-85 From Bridges

Matthew Damion Parham, 21, was arrested Wednesday for throwing objects from several overpasses onto I-85 in Rowan County.

Rowan County Sheriffs arrested Parham at his Chine Grove home on Old Linn Road and charged him with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon. Parham had allegedly thrown objects from Daugherty, Lentz, and Pine Ridge Roads, all in Rowan County.

As officers were making the arrest, they noticed a stolen riding lawn mower on Parham's property. He was charged with larceny for the stolen mower. Parham was also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Parham's actions left motorists injured and vehicles damaged. He is currently jailed in Rowan County under a $10,000 bond.

As the investigation of this matter continues, police have asked anyone with information about the incidents to contact Detective Misenheimer by calling (704) 216-8704 or Lieutenant Moose at (704) 216-8687.

CMPD Arrests 3 Robbery Suspects at Northlake Mall

CMPD arrested three robbery suspects Tuesday in the Northlake Mall parking lot.

Those arrested were 21 year-old Marc Tyrone Tomblin, 25 year-old Jerome McGraw, and 23 year-old Phyllis Yvette Jenson. All three were arrested and charged with conspiracy and robbery with a dangerous weapon for a robbery they allegedly committed on Monday.

Police say they robbed a victim that was sitting in his car near 4:00 Monday afternoon on Golf Ridge Drive in south Mecklenburg County. The victims cell phone and computer equipment were stolen during the robbery before the suspects fled in a car.

If you have any other information on this case, call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.

Marc Tyrone Tomblin

 

Jerome McGraw

Phyllis Yvette Jenson

UPDATE: Man Arrested After Barricading Himself in Concord Home

UPDATE: The suspect in this case was apprehended Wednesday at around 3:30 PM. The stand-off lasted just over 12 hours.

Police were called around 3:00 Wednesday morning after a female living at 118 Green Street SW reported that her co-inhabitant, a male, had assaulted her.

The situation escalated when the man would not communicate with law enforcement of come out of his house, the the assaulted female was outside and out of danger.

The man's name will not be made public until processing and charges are final. No one was injured during the barracade.

Driver Hits Pedestrian in Steel Creek Accident

An accident involving a pedestrian occurred this morning in Steele Creek Wednesday morning just after 8:00.

A pedestrian was struck at the intersection of Youngblood Road and Zoar Road, which sent the victim to Carolinas Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.

CMPD has yet to release the identities of the pedestrian or the driver, which was ticketed for an unsafe movement.

This is roughly the 20th car accident involving a pedestrian in Charlotte this year.

CMPD Looking for Armed Robbery Suspect

Shots were fired during an armed robbery at the Captain D's restaurant on Freedom Drive Tuesday night.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are looking for the suspect, who robbed the restaurant near 9:30 in the evening. The robber fired the gun, but luckily no one was injured.

The suspect was wearing a black and red shirt, black pants, and a hat and backpack. He left the robbery in a vehicle driving in the direction on I-85.

If you have any information on this case, please call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.

UPDATE: 26 Year-Old Nursing Student Found in Hickory

UPDATE: Kristen was found in Hickory, NC, by authorities on Tuesday night. Though the cause of her disappearance is still unknown, her father has reported that she is now safely hospitalized.

Marshville Man Confesses to Double Murder in Union County

Bradrick Layne Wolfe, 47, has been charged with 2 counts of first-degree murder after confessing to shooting two men late Tuesday night. The identity of the 2 victims has yet to be released.

Wolfe, a resident of Marshville, was arrested after being pulled over on his Harley Davidson by a NC Highway Patrol Trooper in Anson County on City Pond Road.

A witness to the shootings had reported to authorities the description of the motorcycle after deputies were called to the residence. Once they arrived they found both victims lying in the driveway, dead on the scene.

Reports have said that the shootings, which took place on Lanesboro Road in Union County, stemmed from an argument.

Facing charges of murder, Wolfe is being jailed in Union County without bail.

District Attorney's Office Report: Domestic Violence Team Tries 4, 18 Plead Guilty

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Domestic Violence Team for the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office held court in Courtroom 5170 for the weeks of July 30, 2012, and August 13, 2012. The Superior Court Judge presiding for the week of July 30, 2012 was The Honorable Linwood O. Foust. The Superior Court Judge presiding for the week of August 13, 2012 was The Honorable William D. Parsons.

Ronald Mickel, 32, was charged with assault by strangulation and assault on a female. The defendant pled not guilty and was tried in front of a jury. The jury returned a verdict of guilty on the assault on a female and not guilty on the assault by strangulation. Mickel was sentenced by Judge Foust to 90 days in the county jail; that sentence was suspended pending his successful completion of 12 months of supervised probation.

John James, 49, was charged with assault on a female and communicating threats. The defendant pled not guilty and was tried in front of a jury. The jury returned a verdict of guilty on the assault on a female and not guilty on the communicating threats. James was sentenced by Judge Foust to 60 days in the county jail; that sentence was suspended pending his successful completion of 18 months of supervised probation.

Ruben Arciles, 34, was charged with assault on a female. The defendant pled not guilty and was tried in front of a jury. Judge Parsons presided over the trial. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty.

Franklin Henderson, 49, was charged with assault on a female. The defendant pled not guilty and was tried in front of a jury. Judge Parsons presided over the trial. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty.

Ellis Roberts, 39, pled guilty to child abuse when his case was call for trial. Roberts was sentenced by Judge Parsons to 75 days in the county jail; that sentence was suspended pending his successful completion of 24 months of supervised probation. The first 7 days of that sentence are to be served in the Mecklenburg County Jail.


17 defendants pled guilty before their cases were called for trial:

Benjamin Taylor, 22, pled guilty to felonious restraint and two counts of assault on a government official. Taylor was sentenced by Judge Foust to 19-32 months in prison. That sentence was suspended pending successful completion of 24 months of supervised probation. The first 120 days of that sentence are to be served in the Mecklenburg County Jail.

Andre Glover, 42, pled guilty to assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. Glover was sentenced by Judge Foust to 30-45 months in prison.

Anselmo Lopez, 33, pled guilty to assault on a female. Lopez was sentenced by Judge Foust to 75 days in the county jail; that sentence was suspended pending his successful completion of 18 months of supervised probation.

Briana McFadden, 20, pled guilty to assault with a deadly weapon. McFadden was sentenced by Judge Foust to 30 days in the county jail; that sentence was suspended pending her successful completion of 15 months of supervised probation.

Ceron Brown, 32, pled guilty to assault on a law enforcement officer inflicting serious injury and assault on a female. Brown was sentenced by Judge Parsons to 5-15 months in prison.

Cameron Stewart, 22, pled guilty to two counts of felony domestic violence protective order violation. Stewart was sentenced by Judge Parsons to 8-10 months in prison on one count; on the second count, he was sentenced to 10-12 months in prison and that sentence was suspended pending his successful completion of 36 months of supervised probation.

Marc Mahaffee, 37, pled guilty to assault on a female. Mahafffee was sentenced by Judge Parsons to 75 days in the county jail; that sentence was suspended pending his successful completion of 24 months of supervised probation.

Lamac Nelson, 23, pled guilty to assault with a deadly weapon and assault by pointing a gun. Nelson was sentenced by Judge Parsons to 150 days in the county jail; that sentence was suspended pending his successful completion of 18 months of supervised probation.

Lonnie Cherry, 32, pled guilty to assault with a deadly weapon intent to kill inflicting serious injury. Cherry was sentenced by Judge Foust to 67-93 months in prison.

Terry Johnson, 31, pled guilty to resisting a public officer, possession of schedule four controlled substance, and possession of marijuana. Johnson was sentenced by Judge Foust to 120 days in the county jail; that sentence was suspended pending his successful completion of 18 months of supervised probation.

Thomas Tracey, 34, pled guilty to assault on a female. Tracey was sentenced by Judge Foust to 90 days in the county jail; that sentence was suspended pending his successful completion of 18 months of supervised probation.

Michael Morgan, 34, pled guilty to aggravated affray. Morgan was sentenced by Judge Foust to 60 days in the county jail; that sentence was suspended pending his successful completion of 18 months of supervised probation.

Gerardo Gomez, 37, pled guilty to simple assault. Gomez was sentenced by Judge Foust to 81 days in the county jail.

Phillip Gilmer, 34, pled guilty to assault on a female and interference with emergency communication. Gilmer was sentenced by Judge Parsons to 75 days in the county jail; that sentence was suspended pending his successful completion of 24 months of supervised probation.

Kendall Surles, 18, pled guilty to injury to personal property and two counts of resisting a public officer. Surles was sentenced by Judge Parsons to 180 days in the county jail; that sentence was suspended pending his successful completion of 24 months of supervised probation.

James Ratlif, 21, pled guilty to assault by strangulation and common law robbery. Ratliff was sentenced by Judge Foust to 12-14 months in prison.

Joshua Wilcox, 38, pled guilty to assault on a female. Wilcox was sentenced by Judge Foust to 90 days in the county jail; that sentence was suspended pending his successful completion of 18 months of supervised probation.

Mother Charged With Neglect, Infant Son in Critical Condition

20 year-old Jessenia Gissel Matute has been charged with child neglect after her year-old son is in critical condition. Police say that they are investigating the case but that the Department of Social Services is also involved.

The mother of the boy called police just after 5:00 Monday afternoon. She claims to have left the child in the bathroom alone to return and discover him unresponsive, where she dialed police and attempted CPR on her son.

When police arrived at the residence, located on Firelight Lane's 5300 block, they found the child awake, but he was not responding. He is currently receiving treatment in Charlotte's Presbyterian Hospital.

Catawba County Sheriffs Use Dogs in Search for Missing Man

Authorities in Catawba County are searching for Ken Mohler, 70, who has been missing since last Friday morning. As of Tuesday morning, sheriffs are now using cadaver dogs to search for the missing man, who was last heard from via a text message telling his wife that he was en route home.

Mohler had went to his place of employment, Gregory Wood Products, late Thursday night to fix a pipe that was leaking. The building is located west of Newton. His boss received a call early Friday morning where Mohler informed him that the leak had been repaired. Shortly after was when he sent the text to his spouse, but Mohler has not been seen since then.

Police say Mohler's cellular phone and the keys to his vehicle were both found in the vicinity of his truck, along with indicators that a struggle had taken place.

There is some evidence that suggests that when he arrived at his work to fix the leak, Mohler discovered thieves stealing equipment.

The search is in progress as of Tuesday morning.

Burke County Man Arrested for Armed Robbery

Xiong Moua was arrested by Burke County police Monday night when he arrived at his job, a chicken plant.

Authorities there say Moua was recorded on film robbing a convenience store Sunday. During the robbery, Moua held a knife to the throat of the store's cashier, who then fired a gun three times attempting to shoot the robber.

Though he may face more charges, Moua is currently being charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon.

Use of Deadly Force Was Legal, Says Mecklenburg DA

Andrew Murray, the District Attorney for Mecklenburg County, submitted a letter to Chief of Police Rodney Monroe on Monday stating that CMPD officer A.J. Holzhauer was within the law when he used deadly force while arresting a Charlotte man last month.

Michale Deangelo Laney, 28, was killed on July 2nd when Charlotte-Mecklenburg police were attempting to arrest him. Officer Shields attempted to pull Laney over while he was riding his red scooter. CMPD had been looking for the suspect of a shooting / attempted robbery on the 25th of June, in which the suspect was riding a scooter with the same description. Laney did not pull over but attempted to flee on the scooter.

The chase ended at a home on Crestview Drive, where he was shot in the head while struggling to get away after the two officers on scene determined Laney was armed with a loaded handgun in his waistband, which he was attempting to reach.

The District Attorney's letter states that because Officer Shields feared for his life and that of his fellow police officer, that his use of deadly force was legal.

After the incident, the victim of the shooting / robbery on June 25 confirmed that Laney was in fact the man that had committed the crime. The written and verbal stories of both officers Shields and Holzhauer as well as Laney's girlfriend, Sara Ramey, were all consistent with each other and corroborated with evidence that the officers only shot Laney as a last resort and out of fear for their lives.

The letter from the District Attorney concluded by stating that Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Departement would not press charges against officers Shields or Holzhauer.

67 Year-Old Man From Iredell County Charged With Sex Crimes

John Allen McMillian, 67, has been charged with 17 counts of indecent liberties with a child. McMillian, a native of Olin, was apprehended on Friday. His first appearance in court was today.

McMillian was charged after a relative was examined at an area hospital, prompting an investigator from the Department of Social Services contacted authorities in Iredell County. The victim is 5 years old.

Authorities also said another possible victim has come forward in this case. That person allegedly had multiple incidents with McMillian between 1994 and 1995.

Not Guilty Verdict For Occupy Charlotte Protesters

Jason Dow, Scottie Wingfield and Laura Brooks can breathe a sigh of relief now, after they were acquitted on charges of resisting arrest and obstructing officers after their January arrests. They were arrested during a protest which involved camping outside of the old City Hall. The Occupy Charlotte movement had been there since October.

These three, as well as other protesters, were arrested because of a city ordinance that prohibits sleeping in tents or preparing to sleep on property that belongs to the city.

Although the Occupy Charlotte members didn't agree with the laws, they adhered to them by removing all of their personal belongings from their tents and refrained from sleeping in them. They directed their focus on making art on the mesh-covered tents to voice their concerns.

Throughout the entire incident, CMPD maintained a positive relationship with the occupiers. One member of Occupy Charlotte stated that the anti-camping ordinances were poorly written and therefore hard to enforce. Nevertheless, city attorney Bob Hageman made a statement saying that the ordinances are still ion effect, even though the three occupiers were found acquitted.

Suspect Slices Electronic Monitor, CMPD on Lookout

Charlotte's Violent Criminal Apprehension Team is on the lookout for Keith Allen Murray, 51. Police say Murray cut off his electronic monitoring bracelet Sunday after being released from jail on bond. He had been charged with larceny and breaking and entering, but now faces charges of interfering with an electronic monitoring device.

This is the 22nd case of someone that was monitored by CMPD cutting off their electronic monitor in 2012. That number is 23% higher that last year, which had 17 cases by this time 2011.

Keith Murray was last seen near the intersection of North Tryon Street and Tom Hunter Road. That's where authorities say he sliced through his monitor. He is 5'11" and 190 pounds. He has white hair and beard.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Murray, call or text the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team at 704-336-VCAT (8228).

2 Suspects Break In Barclay Swim Club For 2nd Time This Summer

CMPD are looking for two suspects in a break-in and are asking for public assistance in identifying them. Authorities say two people broke into the Barclay Downs Swim and Racquet Club on Inverness Road around 2:00 Thursday morning and stole a credit card and $300 cash. The club is in the Barclay Downs community near SouthPark Mall.

Police were called after it was discovered and are investigating whether the same two suspects were the ones that broke into the same club last month. In that case, two people broke in some time between the night of July 2nd and the morning of July 3rd. Cash, an iPod, and candy were stolen after someone broke into the refreshment stand.

Surveillance photos depicting the suspects has been released by CMPD. If you have any information about this case, please call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.

 

Charlotte Shoplifting on the Rise this Summer

Statistics show that shoplifting in Charlotte has risen by about 20% this summer. Certain areas of Charlotte have seen shoplifting increase by as much as four times, with the Steele Creek area reporting 48 cases since July 1st. Each month, shoplifting costs Charlotte businesses tens of thousands of dollars. To combat the problem, different divisions of law enforcement are working together.

Police in South Charlotte are now making visits to retail stores in the area. They look over surveillance footage and mug shots with the store's managers. They can also warn managers of suspects that have stolen from other stores in the area.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police made 450 shoplifting-related arrests in 2011 and anticipate to make even more this year. They say that the majority of shoplifting is done by an organized crime ring, which has led to the  development of a new unit targeted at repeat offenders. CMPD says that they are making more arrests than they have ever made in the past.

Mt Holly Woman Arrested for Animal Cruelty

Tracy Michelle Knight, a 30 year-old from Mt Holly, was arrested in connection with cruel animal treatment which manifested in incidents on June 24 and July 28. She is accused of neglecting three dogs, a chihuahua, pit bull, and a shepherd mix. Reports say she failed to provide the dogs with basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter.

One of the dogs, the pit bull named Jake, required veterinary attention due to extreme sores and malnutrition.

Whether or not Knight has a lawyer is unknown.

Charlotte Streets Increasingly Dangerous For Pedestrians

The death of 28 year old Rhonda Williamson makes the 17th pedestrian fatality in Charlotte this year. She was hit Saturday by 21 year-old Ilse Joanna Perez and died Wednesday. Perez was charged with involuntary manslaughter, hit and run, and driving while intoxicated.

Police say jaywalking was one of the most frequent factors in wrecks involving pedestrians, along with a lack of sidewalks and distracted motorists. Crashed involving pedestrians have increased over the past few years. In 2005, 454 pedestrians were hit my vehicles, 70 less times than 2011's 522 accidents. The states leader in pedestrian casualties, Mecklenburg County, saw 24 pedestrian deaths in 2011, a record for the county. If trends continue, we will surpass that record this year.

Mecklenburg saw over 3,500 wrecks involving pedestrians from 2005 - 2011. Of those, 130 were killed and 41 were reported by the Mint Hill Police Department.

City Council currently allocated $7.5 million each year in sidewalk projects. Charlotte currently has 8 programs established for sidewalk projects. An investigation is conducted after every wreck by the city to look for ways to improve safety at any given location.

A spokeswoman for the Charlotte Department of Transportation encouraged citizens to let the city know where safety improvements need to be made. By filing a petition with the CDOT, citizens can make a request for any kind up safety improvement.

Man Breaks Into Mooresville Home, is Shot by Police

Mooresville police shot a man Wednesday night after he was committing a robbery at a home on North Broad Street.

The suspect, whose name police have not released, was taken to Carolinas Medical Center where he is in stable condition.

The North Carolina SBI is also investigating this case.

Catawba County Man Found Guilty of Sex Crimes

Hickory native James Allen Minyard, 47, was found guilty of a host of sexual charges. He was convicted of 5 counts of indecent liberties with a child and felony attempted first degree sex offense with a child under age 13. In addition to those charges, Minyard was designated a habitual felon.

He was arrested by Burke County sheriffs in 2009 after reports that a child in his care was being assaulted sexually by Minyard. The victim is Minyard's ex-girlfriend's son, according to the Hickory Daily Record. Police say the abuse took place several times from March to August of 2009.

Minyard received a sentence of 225-279 months in prison and has denied his guilt.

3 People Charged in Gastonia Shooting of Mother & Son

Three people have been arrested and charged in relation to a Gastonia shooting that took place at about 11:00 Tuesday night. The incident took place at a residence on Laurel Woods Drive, where a mother and her son were shot after they stepped out of their home.

Jason Scates

Kyle Matthew Stewart, 26 of Gastonia, was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon along with other charges. Stewart is being held under a $250,000 bond.

Also charged with attempted first-degree murder is Jason Daniel Scates. The 28 year-old Bessemer City native was also charged with conspiracy to commit a felony.

Twenty year-old Ashley Nicole Benfield, a native of Bessemer City, was likewise charged with attempted first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit a felony.

Taris Dial was shot in the head, torso, back, and legs with a shotgun. His mother, Lora Dial Guinn, was hit in the ankle. Both of the victims have been treated and released from the hospital

UPDATE: Hit-and-Run Driver Identified in Myers Park Statue Case

Cody Pierce has been arrested for hitting the iconic Myers Park statue. According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police, Pierce was driving on a revoked license when he hit the statue, pushing its stone base about 4 feet.

Pierce is scheduled to appear in court today. He allegedly hit the statue of Charlottean Hugh McManaway Thursday night around 10:00.


The statue, which depicts Hugh McManaway, is located at the intersection of Providence Road and Queens Road. Police say the Pierce never stopped.

McManaway was a popular local man that came from a prominent family whose home was near the location of the statue on Queens Road. Residents of Myers park dedicated the statue in 1989 after McManaway's death.

Older residents have fond memories of McManaway directing traffic at the intersection wearing a hat and raincoad, as he is depicted in the statue.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call CMPD at (704) 336-6000.

District Attorney's Office News Report

Four drug defendants have jury trials; others plead guilty

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The DA’s Drug Prosecution Team prosecuted 14 defendants the week of August 6, 2012, through August 10, 2012, in Mecklenburg County Superior Court. Trials and motions were held in courtroom 5150 before The Honorable Linwood O. Foust, Superior Court Judge, and in courtroom 5130 before The Honorable Anna M. Wagoner, Superior Court Judge.

Shaneff Little, 35, was tried for one count of possession of cocaine. The jury returned a verdict of guilty. Judge Wagoner sentenced Little to 6-8 months in prison; that sentence was suspended pending Little’s successful completion of 30 months of supervised probation.

David Cook, 33, was tried for 1) possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana and 2) felony possession of marijuana. The jury returned a verdict of guilty on felony possession of marijuana and not guilty on possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana. Judge Foust sentenced Cook to 4-5 months in prison; that sentence was suspended pending his successful completion of 18 months of supervised probation.

Roxine Hassan, 21, was tried for 1) sale of marijuana and 2) possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty on sale of marijuana and was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana. Judge Wagoner declared a mistrial on the charge of possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana.

Dewayne Hemphill, 22, was tried for possession of cocaine. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty.

Kevin Duffy, 33, filed a motion to suppress evidence seized by law enforcement, alleging violations of his legal rights. After hearing testimony and arguments from the defense and the Assistant District Attorney, Judge Foust granted Duffy’s motion.

Claude McClinton, 32, filed a motion to suppress evidence seized by law enforcement, alleging violations of his legal rights. After hearing testimony and arguments from the defense and the Assistant District Attorney, Judge Wagoner granted McClinton’s motion. As a result, the State dismissed the case.

Clifford Martin, 32, filed a motion to suppress evidence seized by law enforcement, alleging violations of his legal rights. After hearing testimony and arguments from the defense and the Assistant District Attorney, Judge Foust granted Martin’s motion. As a result, the State
dismissed the case.

Keith Griffin, 35, filed a motion to suppress evidence seized by law enforcement, alleging violations of his legal rights. After hearing testimony and arguments from the defense and the Assistant District Attorney, Judge Foust granted Griffin’s motion.

Levi Toney, 27, filed a motion to suppress identification, alleging violations of his legal rights. After hearing testimony and arguments from the defense and the Assistant District Attorney, Judge Foust denied Toney’s motion. At the conclusion of the motion, the defendant requested a continuance, which was granted by Judge Foust. The case will proceed to trial at a later date.

Lamarcus Seabrooks, 26, filed a motion to suppress evidence seized by law enforcement, alleging violations of his legal rights. After hearing testimony and arguments from the defense and the Assistant District Attorney, Judge Wagoner denied Seabrooks’s motion. The defendant then pled guilty as charged to 1) possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana, 2) felony possession of marijuana and 3) possession of drug paraphernalia. Judge Wagoner sentenced Seabrooks to two consecutive sentences of 5-6 months in prison; those sentences were suspended pending his successful completion of 30 months of supervised probation.

Four defendants pled guilty when their cases were called for trial:

Gilberto Gabino, 33, pled guilty to one count of trafficking in cocaine. Judge Wagoner sentenced Gabino to 35-42 months in prison.

Antonio Massey, 26, pled guilty to 1) possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine, 2)assault on government official and 3) resisting a public officer. Judge Foust sentenced Massey to 5-6 months in prison.

Kimberly Dubose, 32, pled guilty to 1) three counts of sale of cocaine, 2) four counts of delivery of cocaine and 3) four counts of possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine. Judge Wagoner sentenced Dubose to 3 sentences of 13-16 months in prison; those sentences were suspended pending Dubose’s successful completion of 36 months of probation. As a condition of probation, Dubose must serve 90 days in the county jail.

Cedric McCray, 31, pled guilty to possession of cocaine. Judge Wagoner sentenced him to 6-8 months in prison. That sentence was suspended pending his successful completion of 24 months of supervised probation. As one of his conditions of probation, McCray must complete the DART program.

Lenoir Native Sentenced for String of Armed Robberies

Douglas Durant Lipford, a 38 year-old Lenoir native, was sentenced to serve between 178 and 250 months in prison for two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon.

The charges stem from the robberies of several Lenoir businesses in 2010 including Westgate Cinemas, 2 Subways restaurants, Domino's Pizza, Crossroads Restaurant, and TCBY.


Lipford was aided by two accomplices during the robberies.

Couple Arrested For Running Meth Lab With Children in Home

Thomas Wyatt, 37, and Julia Hvostel, 27, both of Jefferson, have been arrested on drug charges after Ashe County Sheriff's had reason to believe the couple were operating a meth lab in their home with their two small children.

They have been charged with manufacturing a control substance and maintaining a dwelling for sale and delivery of a controlled substance.

Their children were taken to Ashe Memorial Hospital before being released to the Department of Social Services.

Hvostel, the mother of the children, is being jailed under a $55,000 bond. Wyatt is the stepfather of the two children and is being jailed under a $50,000 bond. The couple still face pending charges pertaining to their children.

UPDATE: Indian Trail Home Raided by Feds

UPDATE: We have learned that the motive for Thursday's search was related to a money-laundering / fraud scheme involving counterfeit airbags. Agents seized more than 1,600 counterfeit airbags, which authorities say there is a huge illegal market for.


Included in the swarm of agents were agents with Homeland Security. The raid is the culmination of an investigation across Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina.

Igor Borodin, 26, was apprehended by Homeland Security. Reports say Borodin kept a secret room which contained fake car parts. He had just lived in the home 2 - 3 months.

UPDATE: Hit-and-Run Victim Identified

UPDATE: The victim in this incident has been identified as 23 year-old Jeffrey Hardin of Mint Hill. According to police, Hardin was traveling on foot heading eastbound on Lebanon Road. Reports say he was walking against the flow of traffic when he was hit by a speeding vehicle.


A hit-and-run accident left a Mint Hill pedestrian dead at around 2:45 Thursday morning at the 6300 block of Lebanon Road. Mint Hill police found Hardin lying in the road where he was later pronounced dead. The suspected vehicle in the accident, a stolen van, was found on fire on Albemarle Road shortly after.

The accident occurred near the entrance to Pine Lake Country Club between Matthews-Mint Hill Road and Margaret Wallace Road.

CMPD is investigating whether the burning van on Albemarle Road was could be the same one used in the killing on Lebanon Road.

The suspected vehicle was reported stolen from a Wal-Mart that same morning.

Mint Hill police have asked citizens to look out for a vehicle that has damage to the front end. They have asked anyone with information on this incident to call them at (704)545-1085

Charlotte Gears Up For DNC

In preparation for this year's Democratic National Convention, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are planning to increase the number of jail staff by nearly a third and as much as double the number of on-duty magistrates. These precautions come in expectation of a surge in arrests during the convention.

Up to 10,000 protesters are expected to be active in Charlotte, according to authorities. Protesters have planned a march on September 2 which could be the biggest in the history of the city.

Because of work being dong at the arrest center uptown, anyone arrested during the DNC will be taken to the center at Spector Drive in North Charlotte. The uptown center is predicted to be operational early next year.

Although the Mecklenburg County Courthouse will be open during the DNC, it will not be holding criminal trials. Mecklenburg's four civil magistrates will aid the 28 criminal magistrates at the Spector Drive arrest processing location.

During the week of the convention, both police officers and magistrates will not be able to take days off. Because police will be focusing on personal injury and damage to property, they are expected to have a "high tolerance" for arrests and may issue citations instead of arrests for many cases. This is so police can remain at their post rather than spending the time to arrest and process a suspect, which normally takes around two hours.

If needed, a spokesman for CMPD says there is more than adequate space to jail those who are arrested.

Gastonia Police Seek Suspect in Shooting

Gastonia Police are looking for the suspect in a shooting which injured two people on Laurel Woods Drive around 11:00 Tuesday night.

Two victims were shot with a shotgun and taken to Gaston Memorial Hospital for treatment where they are expected to recover.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Gaston County police at 704-866-3300.

2 Injured After Premeditated I-485 Drag Race

Two people are injured and one arrested after a premeditated drag race led to a crash on I-485 last night. The vehicles involved were a white Mercedes-Benz and a minivan.

According to the N.C. Highway Patrol, the vehicles were traveling approximately 120 miles per hour when one of them, a minivan, flipped and caught on fire. Luckily, neither the driver nor the passenger or the minivan was seriously injured.

The minivan crashed on the ramp that runs from I-485's inner loop to the northbound lane of I-77. Authorities say the race stemmed from an argument at Ballantyne's Fox and Hound bar about which of the two vehicles was faster.

A N.C. State Trooper was assisting a motorist on the outer loop of I-485 when he saw the vehicles racing down the opposite lane of the interstate. That trooper found the wrecked minivan when he attempted to pursue the race. Eyewitness reports say that the minivan exploded on impact, creating a large fireball.

The minivan's driver faces charges including pre-arranged speed competition, travelling over 100 miles an hour in a 65 mile an hour zone, and driving while intoxicated. The other vehicle was not affected by the crash and never stopped.

CMPD Employs Latest Technology to Fight Crime

As of Monday, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police have implemented a new form of crime-fighting technology.

The system, called ShotSpotter, uses sensors placed on uptown buildings to pinpoint to precise location of shots fired within the city. According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police, the system can detect gunshots within a one mile radius and can be easily transported to other locations. ShotSpotter can not only determine where shots were fired, but also what kind of shots were fired as well as determine the difference between gunfire and firecrackers and other similar sounds.

Three to four sensors are placed within the I-277 loop, aimed at keeping Charlotte streets as safe as possible during the DNC, which takes place September 3-6.

City Council voted unanimously in July to try the new program. Charlotte will spend $50,000 to test the system for 1 year.

UPDATE: 16 Year-Old Charged With Death of Charlotte Teenager

Police have charged Damien Wright, 16, with first-degree murder for the  shooting death of 13 year-old Khalil Malik Cousart. A motive has yet to be released, but police say the victim knew his accused killer.

A teenager was killed early Tuesday morning / Wednesday night near Parkway Avenue and Tuckaseegee Road. According to investigators, a passing motorist in the area was stopped by a young male about 1:00 AM. The male alerted the motorist to the victim, who called police.

When police arrived they found Cousart had been shot in the chest at lease once. Investigators found 2 shell casings at the scene, while neighbors claimed they heard a minimum of five gunshots. Cousart was rushed to Carolinas Medical Center where he later died. The young man that flagged down the motorist fled the scene before police arrived. Wright is jailed held in Mecklenburg County without bond.

This is the fourth case this year of a teenager shot and killed in Charlotte.

If you have additional information about this incident, please call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600 or CMPD Detectives at (704) 432-TIPS.

UPDATE: Leah Walton Convicted of Manslaughter, Sentenced Jail Time

UPDATE: Walton was sentenced today to 31-47 months in jail and ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution. $18,000 will go to cover the medical costs of Lisa McIe, the surviving victim of the accident while $12,000 will go to the family of Susan Karabulut, who was killed in the crash. In addition to the restitution and jail time, Walton was ordered to forfeit her car.

In a case that has made Charlotte headlines for years, Leah Anne Walton, 23,  was convicted Monday of involuntary manslaughter and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injuries. She will be sentenced today and faces as much as 5 years and 11 months in prison for running over two nurses sitting on the sidewalk of Craig Avenue, killing one of them.

Susan Karabulut was killed after Walton's 2001 Volkswagen Beetle crossed center, hitting Karabulut and fellow nurse Lisa Mcle.

Walton was also convicted of driving without liability insurance, possession of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. By entering a not-guilty plea, Walton turned down a plea deal which could have possibly given her probation or jail time.

UPDATE: Providence Road Reopened After Fatal Collision

UPDATE: Providence Road has been reopened for traffic after NC Highway Patrol conducted a two-hour investigation of the scene.

Unconfirmed witness reports say a car and van were involved in a head-on collision, killing the northbound driver.

UPDATE: 16 Year-Old Charged With Death of Charlotte Teenager

UPDATE: The victim in this case has been identified as 13 year-old Khalil Malik Cousart. Police have charged Damien Wright, 16, with his murder. A motive has yet to be released, but police say the victim knew his accused killer.

This is the fourth case this year of a teenager shot and killed in Charlotte.

A teenager was killed last night near Parkway Avenue and Tuckaseegee Road. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are working to identify the victim, who they determined to be 12-15 years old. According to investigators, a passing motorist in the area was stopped by a young male about 1:00 AM. The male alerted the motorist to the victim, who called police. When police arrived they found the victim had been shot in the chest at lease once. Investigators found 2 shell casings at the scene, while neighbors claimed they heard a minimum of five gunshots. The victim was taken to Carolinas Medical Center where he later died. The young man that flagged down the motorist fled the scene before police arrived.


Police say the victim wasn't carrying identification and have not released a suspect or motive. Police also referred to the investigation as a death investigation, not a homicide.

If you have information about this incident, please call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600 or CMPD Detectives at (704) 432-TIPS.

CMPD Works to Keep Charlotte's Sikh Community Safe

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Monroe met with members of a Sikh congregation today at their temple in North Charlotte. Police are working to keep Charlotte's Sikh community safe after six worshipers were killed at a temple in Wisconsin last week.

Leaders within the group say they have been unfairly targeted since 9/11, mistaken for Islamic groups because of their appearance.

One of the steps the Sikh community is taking is to send a pledge against hate-crime to the President. This is designed to combat the violence committed against the religion.

With over 20 million followers worldwide, the Sikh religion is the 5th largest in the world. According to Sikhs.org, the religion promotes "Devotion and remembrance of God at all times" and "equality of mankind" among its teachings.

Police Use Smartphone App to Fight Crime

A new iPhone app allows New York City residents to notify police of crime and activity in their area.

The Brooklyn Quality of Life app works as a 2-way communication tool. Residents can send pictures or reports of crime as well as receive alerts on crime in the area. The information sent in from citizens is then screened by retired detectives to ensure anonymity of the informants. The screened information is then sent to police via a secured Facebook page.

Eric Adams, a New York State Senator and former police officer, initiated the design of the application. He worked together with Mobile App Depot, a designer of mobile apps for small businesses, who created the app for free as a public service.

The NYPD has not started working with the app yet and was not notified of its creation. Senator Adams says he will send the department an explanatory letter soon.

Brooklyn Quality of Life is supported by iPhone and Android operating systems. Android users can use the app now, while iPhone users will be able to use it in the coming weeks.

Huntersville Post Office Declared Safe After Bomb Squad Investigates Suspicious Package

CMPD have issued the all-clear after a suspicious package was discovered near a Huntersville post office on Gilead Road just after noon today.

The post office was evacuated as the bomb squad investigated the scene. Local roads were also closed out of safety concerns. After about an hour, the bomb squad determined that there were no explosives in the package. Area roads were again opened and people were allowed to re-enter the post office.

Cornelius Considers Imposing Fine for False Police Calls

Cornelius police are considering a new alarm ordinance after almost 90% of police calls in 2012 have turned out to be false alarms.

Leaders in the town are looking into passing an ordinance that would issue a fine when a location makes a certain number of false alarms, though the fine amount and number of false alarms has yet to be determined.

The ordinance is presented in a effort to maximize efficiency for Cornelius Police, who spend an average of a half-hour per call to respond and determine its authenticity.  False alarms bog down the department and reduce the manpower available for real crimes. Approximately 30 our of this year's 30,000 alarm calls have been legitimate, according to Cornelius Commissioner Chuck Travis.

By freeing up the force from false alarms, it increases chances of success during a real alarm, which Cornelius police are trying to improve with the town's recent wave of break-ins.

Also in an effort increase efficiency, Cornelius has budgeted for license plate scanners to be installed in patrol cars and several traffic cameras to be installed in town. The traffic camera will have the ability to search for a suspect when needed and the license plate scanners allow police to increase productivity by drastically reducing the amount of time it takes to read a license plate.

1977 Harley Stolen in Storage Unit Burglary

Police are on the lookout after a 1977 Harley Davidson Sportster was stolen from the owners' storage unit on Friday, August 10th.

Misty Stover reported the motorcycle stolen after they noticed that their storage unit was broken into as they drove by. The storage facility's fence had been cut to allow the burglars to remove the stolen goods. To remove the vintage motorcycle, the burglars pried the storage unit's door just enough to drag the bike out.

The motorcycle was hand-built by Stover's husband Mike and was a cherished item. Thieves had broken into nearly every unit on the facility. Besides the motorcycle, the robbers took the Stover's power tools and equipment, aside from items belonging to others. The stolen items are valued at several thousand dollars. The complex had no security cameras to capture the crime.

The serial number for the bike is 3A18952H7. This number appears on both the engine and the bike's frame.

If you have any information on this incident, please call Gaston County police at 704-866-3300.

Live Feed of CMPD and Charlotte Fire Scanners now available

Crime in Charlotte (.com) now offers users the option to monitor live feeds of both Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and Charlotte Fire Department Scanners.  Please click on "Feeds" link in the menu bar to enjoy this new service.  Thank you for your support of our website.

Couple Arrested for University-Area Robberies

A Charlotte couple is behind bars after a series of similar robberies at the Shoppes at University Place on  July 28 and August 3. According to reports, the couple robbed bystanders at this location on both dates, taking purses, jewelry, and other items. The robbers forced the victims to withdraw money from an ATM during the July robbery, while they fled after being denied the PIN number to the victim's debit card during the August robbery.

Tommy Leon Moses, 28, and Latoya Bianca Howie, 24, both of Charlotte, were arrested on August 6th and 9th, respectively. Police found implicating evidence inside the couple's apartment. They have been charged with four counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, four counts of kidnapping, and conspiracy. Moses was also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Moses and Howie are both jailed in Mecklenburg County.

Accused Killer of Monroe Teen Goes to Trial

Michael Johnson, 28, is scheduled to appear in court today for the alleged killing of 16 year-old Phylicia Barnes in December of 2010. Barnes was visiting a sister in the Baltimore area when she went missing. Months later her body was discovered in the Susquehanna River, where area police labeled her death a homicide.

Johnson was charged for the murder in April and pled not-guilty on June 19. He is accused of suffocating Barnes and transporting her body in a 35 gallon tub. The investigation uncovered over 500 texts and phone calls between the two during the summer before the murder.

Though it is unclear if the trial will be delayed by Johnson's attorneys, they claim that prosecutors have no evidence against him.

Barnes was a senior at Monroe's Union Academy.

Union County Search Produces Drugs & Guns

In the peak of a several month-long investigation, Union County Sherriff's Office carried out search warrants Thursday which arrested several men on various drug charges.

Officers searched a residence at 3832 Winchester Road and arrested Marvin Louis Miller, 59, on a host of charges including possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Felony Maintain Dwelling to Store and Sell Controlled Substances, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

The investigation was sparked by complaints from citizens of drug activity at the residence, which has a history of various complaints, ranging from drugs and stolen goods to animal complaints. Miller is currently jailed in  Union County under $100,000 bond and has a court date scheduled for October 9.

Also present during the search was Wingate resident Jessica Ann Newton, 24. She was arrested for charges unrelated to the search warrant.

Police in Stallings along with the Union County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team also carried out a search warrant in relation to drug complaints. Officers searched 3909 Privette Road in Stallings  Thursday afternoon and arrested 31 year old Tenslow Duron Lee Friday. Lee was charged with possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine, sell cocaine, and deliver cocaine. The search at Lee's residence found crack cocaine as well as drug paraphernalia. He is also jailed in Union County under a $20,000 bond with an October 9 court date.

Also arrested in the search was 35 year old Anthony Ray Lee, a resident of Stallings. He was arrested on charges unrelated to the search warrant.