Body Found in Boone Identified as Charlotte Teen

A 19 year-old native of Charlotte was found dead in a creek in Boone on Saturday morning. The man was identified as Tyler Bladlock, a sophomore at Appalachian State University. Bladlock was studying sustainable development.

A passer-by reported Bladlock's body lying in Kraut Creek. The creek is in Durhan park, which sits near the junction of U.S. 321 and Rivers Street. Investigators have not released whether or not there was evidence of foul play or how Bladlock died.

The investigation continues in the death of Tyler Bladlock. If you have any information about his death, call ASU police at (828) 262-2150.

CMPD Looking for Suspect in Saturday Morning Shooting

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are looking for the suspect in an east Charlotte shooting that took place at about 2:15 Saturday morning.

According to authorities, the suspect shot two victims on Cental Avenue before they tried to flee in their car. As the pair tried to get away, they crashed into a median on Eastway Drive. They were then taken to a local hospital by another motorist.

The investigation into this case is ongoing, and police are still looking for a suspect. If you have any information on this case, call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.

Victim of Pedestrian Hit-And-Run Dies, Driver Charged With Murder

The victim of a pedestrian-involved car accident in Charlotte died as a result of his unjuries on Saturday. Because of his death, the motorist that hit him is being charged with his murder.

Twenty-one year-old Stefano Kevin Jet is accused of  hitting 45 year-old John Hazel Evans at the intersection of Interstate 85 and West Sugar Creek Road just before midnight last Saturday night. Jet then fled the scene, sideswiping another car as he left the parking lot of a Circle K convenience store nearby.

Evans was transported to an area hospital after being discovered by police. Jet was arrested the following evening after an investigation determined him to be the primary suspect. A tip received by investigators led them to search a pond on Phil O'Neil Drive, where they found the Honda Jet was driving in the accident.

At the time of his arrest, Jet was charged with felony hit and run and driving while licensed revoked. Evans passed away early Saturday, and police were able to obtain a murder warrant that same morning.

The investigation is ongoing. If you have any information on this case, you are encouraged to call a homicide detective directly by calling (704) 432-TIPS. As always, you can provide information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.

Prostitution Sting Leads to Six Arrests

Albert Henderson

A sting operation in Charlotte produced six arrests for prostitution on Wednesday. Complaints from concerned citizens about prostitution-related robberies sparked the operation.

Both undercover and uniformed police officers took to the streets to identify the suspects in a sting of robberies and prostitution activity around the Eastway Drive and Frontenac Avenue areas located near Shamrock Drive.

Those arrested in the operation include 37 year-old Delmonica Cuthberson, 42 year-old Wendi Wolfe and Lisa Ayers, 20 year-old Chatal McFadden, and 21 year-old Michela Cornett. These women were charged on various prostitution-related solicitation and loitering charges. Twenty-two year-old Albert Henderson was charged with possession of firearm by felon.

Michela Cornett

Wendi Wolfe

Lisa Ayers

Denver Man Arrested for Bathroom Footage of Teenage Girl

Forty year-old Wilford Dwight Avery, II was arrested Friday after a 17 year-old girl told police he had footage of her while she was in her bathroom.

According to Lincoln County Sheriffs, the girl found the footage on a camera in Avery's tractor-trailer. When she discovered herself on the camera, she went to police.

Avery, of Denver, is charged with secretly peeping into a room occupied by a female, a felony. He is being jailed in Lincoln County under a $15,000 bond.

Charlotte Man Robs, Stabs Cab Driver, Steals & Crashes Taxi in SouthPark

Brian Chandler

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police arrested a 41 year-old man that allegedly robbed and stabbed an elderly cab driver before stealing his taxi on Friday morning.

At about 7:40 this morning, Brian Chandler stabbed a taxi driver in the head, face, neck, and arms in an attempt to rob the man. The incident occurred at the intersection of Park Road and Fairview Road in the SouthPark area. The taxi driver works for Carolina's Cab Company.

After the robbery, Chandler stole the cab and crashed it into a telephone pole nearby. He fled on foot after the crash to an apartment complex close to the accident. At the apartment, Chandler cut off the electronic monitoring device he was wearing for domestic violence charges he recently incurred. Police arrested him at the complex shortly thereafter.

The cab driver ,Gary Hinson, was taken to Carolinas Medical Center and is expected to recover. Chandler was also taken to CMC for injuries he sustained during the car crash and is also expected to recover.

Chandler is jailed in Mecklenburg County and charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a deadly weapon, vehicle theft, and interfering with an electronic monitoring device.

Ambulance Driver Charged For EMT's Death

An emergency medical technician was charged with  for the wreck that killed his co-worker, 43 year-old Belinda "Gale" Rivers on Tuesday morning.

The two EMT's work for Sandhills Ambulance Service, based in South Carolina. They had just taken a patient to Carolinas Medical Center and were en route back to SC when the driver, Jonathan Cory Brown, ran a red light. That caused the ambulance to collide with a tractor-trailer, killing Rivers, who was in the passenger seat.

The accident happened at about 11:00 Tuesday morning at the intersection of U.S. 74 and Venus Street in Union County. Brown was injured in the wreck, but it's not clear to what extent. He was taken to Carolinas Medical Center and is expected to recover.

Brown is charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle. He has a court date in Union County scheduled for December 6.

DA: Habitual Felon Team Convicts 3 During Trial Week

The DA’s Habitual Felon Team called three cases for trial the week of September 27th, 2012. Two of the three trials involved habitual felons. The trials were held in courtrooms 5150 and 5370.

Robert Griffin

Robert Griffin, 26, was tried for 1) felony breaking or entering, 2) felony larceny and 3) possession of stolen goods.  The jury found Carter guilty of felony larceny and possession of stolen goods and not guilty of breaking or entering. The Honorable Eric L. Levinson, Superior Court Judge, sentenced Griffin to 8-19 months in prison. Griffin was previously convicted of multiple drug felonies including possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine.

Adarres Thompson

Adarres Thompson, 26, was tried for 1) possession with the intent to sell or deliver marijuana and 2) being a habitual felon. A mistrial was declared after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. Thompson withdrew his previous plea of not guilty and entered a guilty plea to possession with the intent to sell or deliver marijuana. The Honorable Richard D. Boner, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge, sentenced Thompson to 11-14 months in prison.

Donte McWaine, 33, was tried for 1) possession of cocaine, 2) resisting a public officer and 3) being a habitual felon.  A mistrial was declared after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.

When his case was called for trial, Antonio Glenn, 32, pled guilty to 1) robbery with a dangerous weapon, 2) Possession of a firearm by a felon and 3) being a habitual felon. Judge Boner sentenced Glenn to 60-81 months in prison.  Glenn’s prior convictions include possession with the intent to sell or deliver cocaine

Authorities Capture Escaped NC Prisoner

The NC Department of Public Safety announced today that Alcohol Law Enforcement agents, together with officers with the Department of Corrections, captured an escaped prisoner in Halifax County.

Fifty-one year-old James Ladd escaped from a prison farm outside Tillery Prison on Sunday. His abandoned tractor was discovered before noon. After four days on the loose, agents captured Ladd near the prison farm where he escaped.

Ladd was imprisoned for the shooting deaths of two Yadkin County men in 1981. He was serving three consecutive life sentences at Tillery Prison, which is a minimum security prison. No other details were immediately available.

DA: Property Team Convicts 48 Defendants, Sends Two Sex Offenders to Prison

CHARLOTTE, N.C. –   Forty-eight defendants pled guilty to property crimes in Mecklenburg County
Superior Court from Monday, September 17 through Friday, September 21, 2012.  The defendants entered their pleas in courtroom 5350 before The Honorable James W. Morgan, Superior Court Judge.  The convictions were for crimes that included  failing to register as a sex offender, second degree burglary, felony breaking or entering, felony larceny, larceny of a firearm, breaking or entering a motor vehicle, obtaining property by false pretense, embezzlement and financial transaction card theft.

Among those convicted were the following:

Roderick Antoine Alexander, 45, pled guilty to failing to register as a sex offender.  Judge Morgan sentenced Alexander to 26-41 months in prison.  He was previously convicted of second degree rape in 1993, and of failing to register as a sex offender in 2010.
Preston Applewhite, 29, pled guilty to failing to register as a sex offender.  Judge Morgan sentenced Alexander to 20-33 months in prison.  He was previously convicted of attempted second degree rape in 2001.
Jaquell Villegas, 17, pled guilty to second degree burglary, felony larceny of a motor vehicle, breaking or entering a motor vehicle, and misdemeanor larceny.  Judge Morgan sentenced Vellegas to 10-21 months in prison.

Jaquell Villegas

Preston Applewhite

Roderick Antoine Alexander

Missing NC Girl Found Safe in Florida

The manhunt for 12 year-old Abigale Faith Lefevers ended Wednesday evening as she was discovered safe and sound in Hallandale Beach, Florida. Hallandale Beach is just south of Hollywood and over 800 miles from her home. Lefevers' alleged captor, 38 year-old Timothy Newman, was apprehended in the process. Police credit information received from public tips to the breakthrough discovery.

An Amber Alert and information about Lefevers' disappearance was circulated in Georgia, and authorities say the tips came pouring in for two days. After authorities received information that the two were in the Coral Gables, Florida area, they circulated information there, too.

The big break came when an off-duty police officer recognized the  red Chrysler Sebring the pair were driving after receiving information on his cell phone. He quickly informed on-duty officers and the stop was made.

Authorities say Lefevers is fine aside from being slightly frazzled from the past few days. She had been missing since Monday when police found her, but had been texting Newman in the past few weeks. Efforts are being made to transport her back to North Carolina.


This isn't Newman's first encounter with the law. He served over 12 months in prison after being convicted of two count of sexual offense. Those charges involved a 14 year-old girl in Stokes County, NC. Newman was released on parole in October of 2005 for those charges, but his parole was revoked in 2010. He served eight months before his released from prison in March of 2011.

Newman now faces multiple charges, which are pending.

Overnight Shooting Leaves Charlotte Man Dead

Johnny Peay

An overnight shooting left a Charlotte man dead and police looking for his killer. CMPD received a call of shots fired on Garibaldi Avenue shortly after 4:00 Thursday morning.

Authorities confirmed the victim as 24 year-old Johnny Peay, who died at Carolinas Medical Center after being shot in the back while exiting his vehicle.

The suspect is described as a black male standing 6' tall, possible with a dark complexion. He also wore glasses and was seen leaving the crime scene in a four-door silver vehicle. Police say they have no reason to classify this as a random act of violence and suspect Peay knew his killer.

If you have any information on this case, you are encouraged to call a Homicide Unit detective at (704) 432-TIPS or call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.


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Cherryville Man Sentenced to 20+ Years For Statutory Rape

Larry Alvis Crowder

Forty-one year-old Larry Alvis Crowder pleaded guilty to four counts of statutory rape and three counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor on Monday. Crowder, a native of Cherryville in Gaston County, picked up a 14 year-old girl from her home after she had a fight with her mother on January 28, 2011. That's when he drove her to a Cabarrus County hotel and engaged in sexual acts with her.

Crowder was arrested hours later in Rock Hill after the girl's mother called police and an amber alert was issued. Crowder had made sexual advances towards the girl from May to December of 2010.

Crowder pleaded guilty as part of a plea bargain in which charges from other counties involving the same incident were dropped. He was sentenced to 20 to 24 years in prison and will be monitored via satellite for the rest of his life.

Iredell Sheriffs Charge 2 Men With 25 Local Burglaries

Stephen Buchanan

Iredell County Sheriffs charged two men in connection with a large string of robberies throughout the southern part of the county.

Thirty-seven year-old Matthew Little and 27 year-old Stephen Buchanan have been linked to 25 thefts in the areas of Mooresville and Troutman.

Little was arrested on August 16 after acting as an accomplice to Buchanan in a larceny and breaking and entering in Troutman. Buchanan was shot during the burglary and was still at the scene when police arrived. He was taken by air to Carolinas Medical Center where he received treatment before his subsequent release and arrest.

Matthew Little

Catching Buchanan in the act of burglary was a pivotal development in the case to find the men responsible for the thefts. Little had left Buchanan at the scene but was later caught nearby by deputies. After obtaining a search warrant, Sheriffs found stolen property in the car the men were operating. The stolen property tied the two men to the slew of other robberies.

Both men are being jailed in Iredell County while they await trial. Buchanan is being held under a $605,000 secured bond, while Little is being held under a $300,000 secured bond.

Attempted Killer on Loose in Statesville

A Statesville man is on the run from authorities after he tried to kill his wife Monday night. According to police, Cisneros Morales opened fire on his spouse, Guadalupe Tornez Casiano Morales, while she was on her lunch break at work.

Guadalupe was in the parking lot of Iredell Fiber when she was hit by gunfire multiple times. She is expected to make a recovery after being transported to an area hospital. A motive behind the shooting has not yet been released.

Cisneros Morales is on the loose and police say he is armed and dangerous. He is wanted for attempted murder. If you have any information on this case, you are encouraged to call the Statesville Police Department at (704) 878-3406.



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Amber Alert: Missing NC Girl & Captor May Be in Myrtle Beach

As the investigation continues into the case of a missing 12 year-old girl, authorities in Carteret County, NC believe she may be in Myrtle Beach with her captor, a registered sex offender. An amber alert displays messages about Abigale Lefevers across the freeways of North Carolina. Detectives have reason to believe she is with 38 year-old Timothy Newman, who may be in or around the Myrtle Beach marinas or on a boat in the area.

When Lefevers was last seen by her father on Sunday evening she was carrying a pink backpack and wearing black Nike tennis shoes. She stands 5'4" tall and weighs about 90 pounds with brown eyes and hair.

Timothy Newman weighs around 210 pounds and stands 5'8" tall with brown hair and eyes. Police think he may be driving his vehicle, a red 1998 Chrysler Sebring with NC license plate AKT-6534.

Anyone that has inforamtion on this case is asked to contact the Carteret County Sheriffs Office by calling (252) 504-4800. You can also dial *HP or 911.

Pastor of Hickory Church Arrested for Indecent Liberties

William Bradley Moss

William Bradley Moss, the pastor of a Hickory church, was arrested yesterday on charges of indecent liberties with a child. Moss was arrested at his Newton home shortly after 5:00 Monday evening . He is the pastor of Victory Empowerment Center International of Hickory.

Authorities started the investigation in July after the mother of the victim notified police of a possible sex offense. Detectives determined that the sexual assault took place in Newton, though Moss met the victim at the church he pastors.

Moss is currently jailed in Catawba County under a bond of $100,000 and faces his first court appearance Wednesday.

Lancaster County Traffic Stop Results in Drug Bust

Lepoleon Hall

A Lancaster County traffic stop resulted in a large drug arrest last Thursday, according to the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office. The checkpoint was set up on Zion Road near Highway 200.

Thirty-five year-old Lepoleon Hall was arrested after officers found a pound of marijuana, a loaded handgun, and approximately 277 grams of cocaine. Authorities searched Hall after he was caught driving on a suspended license for the second time.

Hall was charged with trafficking cocaine, intent to distribute marijuana, unlawful carrying of a handgun, and 2nd offense driving under suspension. He was transporting drugs with a total street value of around $28,500.
Hall is currently jailed in Lancaster County without bond.

2 Overnight Shootings Leave 3 Shot in Charlotte

Three people were shot Monday night in two unrelated Charlotte shootings, leaving police searching for the suspects.

Two people were shot in the first incident, which occurred on Ellendale Drive, not far from the intersection of  West Tyvola Road and Nations Ford Road. One of the victims sustained life-threatening injuries.

Later that night, someone was shot at an apartment on Saratoga Drive. That is right behind Thomasboro Elementary, near Bradford Drive. That victim is expected to recover.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are still searching for the gunmen behind these crimes. If you have any information about these incidents, call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.
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12 Year-Old Girl Abducted From NC Coast

Abigale Lefevers
(Photo courtesy of Carteret County Sheriff's Office)

A 12 year-old girl is missing from Carteret County, which is on the coast of North Carolina east of New Bern. Deputies there announced that Abigale Lefevers was abducted by 38 year-old Timothy Newman.

Lefevers was last seen with Newman at around 1:40 Tuesday morning heading south on U.S. 17 towards South Carolina. The pair were traveling in Newman's 1998 red Chrysler Sebring, NC license plate AKT-6534.

Timothy Newman

Abigale is described as weighing about 90 pounds and 5'4" tall. She has blue eyes and brown hair. Her abductor stands 5'8" and weighs 210 pounds. He was brown hair and eyes.

Authorities has asked anyone with information on the whereabouts of Abigale Lefevers to call the Carteret County Sheriff's Office at (252) 504-4800.

Newman's Chrysler Sebring 
(Photo courtesy of Carteret County Sheriff's Office) 

"Operation Wax House" Takes Down Charlotte Mortgage Fraud Cell

The FBI's Charlotte Division, together with the Criminal Investigation department of the IRS, are conducting an ongoing investigation into mortgage fraud and bank bribery in Charlotte. The investigation is known as "Operation Wax House" and targets Mecklenburg and Union Counties. Nine new defendants have been indicted on federal charges of fraud and conspiracy.

An indictment was unsealed on Monday that revealed six defendants were charged with money laundering, conspiracy, mortgage fraud conspiracy, bank bribery conspiracy, and wire fraud charges on September 19. Additionally, three other defendants were separately charged by information provided through the plea agreements of others.

The group is accused of taking part in a mortgage fraud cell that was operating in the Charlotte region. The scheme involved builders, promoters, lawyers, buyers, mortgage brokers, and real estate agents. The scheme essentially worked by granting a mortgage based on an inflated home price given by the builder. The involved parties then split the difference between the actual price and the inflated price once the home was sold.

The latest defendants charged in the investigation are:

33 year-old Chris T. Berlin of Sumpter, SC
42 year-old James E. Fink of Waxhaw, NC
41 year-old Jimmy Hitchcock of Raleigh, NC
39 year-old Mitzi Jackson of Charlotte, NC
45 year-old Michelle V. Mallard / Michelle V. Crawford of Montgomery, AL
38 year-old Coley Scagliarini of Charlotte, NC

The following defendants have agreed to plead guilty to their charges:

31 year-old Arketa Banks of Sylva, NC
38 year-old Jeffrey Viegas of Charlotte, NC
44 year-old Bonnette Bradley of Charlotte, NC

In all, Operation Wax House has now charged 50 people in connection to the investigation, which is part of an initiative created by President Obama which included the creation of the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force in 2009. The task force is in place to to fight back against financial criminals across the United States.

CMPD to Receive Over $100K For New Equipment

During a meeting on Monday evening, City Council approved over $100,000 to go to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for new gear.

Equipment covered under the approval includes rifle plates and tactical vests. Also approved in Monday's meeting is over $560,000 to go towards the maintenance of helicopters as well as helicopter training.

Some time in October, CMPD plans to release information about what was purchased with the $50 million that the city received for the Democratic National Convention. They will also release what the police department was able to keep and what they had to return.

2 Men Plead Guilty to Embezzling From Asheville Airport

Alex Nelson

 Yesterday in Asheville two former officials from Regional Airport pleaded guilty in District Court to charges of embezzlement and public corruption. The airport's former administrator, Alex Nelson, and the former operations manager, Bradley Adkins, are accused of stealing over $100,000 from the airport.

Both Nelson and Adkins were released from jail on conditional $25,000 bonds, as they are not considered a  public danger or flight risk. Court reports show that the two men took checks that were made to the airport and sent them to bank accounts that they controlled. As much as $120,000 could be missing.

Nelson stands to do up to 35 years in prison, as he was also charged with money laundering. Adkins could face up to 15 years.

Bradley Adkins

Adkins has stated that he is innocent but entered a guilty plea for the best interests of his family. As part of a judgement, Nelson will forfeit many of his possessions, including his home, two cars, and a boat. Adkins will pay $85,000 back.

It's not clear at this time if anyone else will be charged in the case, but Nelson and Adkins both agreed to assist the prosecution and testify if necessary. Nelson and Adkins, who were raised by the same mother, will return to court for their sentencing later this year.

Six Suspects Arrested In CMPD Robbery Sting

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police have announced six arrests that come as the culmination of a robbery sting that took place on Thursday. Police cited 28 charges to the men for the robberies of eight Charlotte convenience stores from July 26 to September 20.

The breakthrough came after a robbery at the Shell gas station located at 2519 Beatties Ford Road. A K-9 dog located the robbery suspect a house on Ablewood Road. Police found six men at that residence, four of which were charged in connection with two robberies that occurred Thursday; one was the robbery on Beatties Ford Road, another was at the Circle K on North Graham Street.

Those charged include two 17 year-olds - Anfernee Nash and Sanchez Nicholson; three 19 year-olds - Jacobe Lavonne Walker, Dondrae Lamar Stewart, and Xavier Mills; and 20 year-old Desmond Stone.

The men are accused of taking part in the following robberies:

• The July 26 and September 12 robberies of the 7-11 at 5455 Brookshire Boulevard
• The September 6 robbery at an ATM on Hovis Road
• The September 9 robbery of the Food Mart at 309 Bradford Drive 
• The September 16 robbery of the Busy Mini Mart at 114 South Hoskins Road



Desmond Stone

• The September 19 robbery of the Sunoco convenience store at 3814 
• Brookshire Boulevard

Anfernee Nash

Sanchez Nicholson

Jacobe Lavonne Walker

Xavier Mills

Dondrae Lamar Stewart

Authorities Searching for Escaped NC Prisoner

Law enforcement are on the lookout for 51 year-old James Ladd, Jr., who escaped from prison on Sunday morning. Ladd was operating a tractor on a prisoner farm in Halifax County.

Ladd was being held at Tillery Correctional Center, a minimum security prison, where he was serving three consecutive life sentences for the murder of two Yadkin County men in 1981.

Officials say the tractor Ladd was operating was discovered some time before 12:00 noon, but the convict was nowhere to be found. He is thought to have escaped at around 10:00 Sunday morning.

Authorities are trying to locate the escaped prisoner using search teams and K-9 dogs. At the time of his escape, Ladd was wearing prison-issue green pants and a white tee shirt. Authorities say Ladd has probably changed his apparel since his departure.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of James Ladd, Jr. is asked to call the Tillery Correctional Center at (252) 826-4165. You can also contact CMPD at 704-336-6000.

Mother Crashes into CATS Bus While on Drugs, Infant Son Ejected

On Friday afternoon, a woman was driving her car while under the influence of drugs and caused a car crash that ejected her 2 year-old son from the car.

According to CMPD, Meeyung Park was driving her 2001 Chrysler 300M north on South Tryon Street. At about 3:30 Friday afternoon, Park hit another car before running into a stopped CATS bus and then hitting the median. The accident occurred ner South Tryon's intersection with Kingman Drive, which is near I-77's interchange with Billy Graham Parkway.

During the accident, Park's son, Anthony Lucente, was ejected from the vehicle's back seat and sustained serious injuries. Lucente was in stable condition and is expected to recover. Along with Lucente, his mother and grandmother were transported to Carolinas Medical Center.

At the time of the crash, the CATS bus had seven passengers, one of which was taken to a local hospital. After an initial investigation, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police determined that the child was not property fastened in his car seat. Police also determined that drugs and speed were factors in the accident.

Park is being charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, two felony counts of serious injury by vehicle, a child restraint violation, and failure to reduce speed.

The investigation into this accident is ongoing, and police have asked anyone with information on this incident to contact Detective R.C. Gormican directly by calling (704) 432-2169.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective R.C. Gormican at 704-432-2169.

CMPD on Lookout for Suspect in University-Area Robbery

Zohaib Khan

Authorities in Charlotte are trying to locate the suspect in an armed robbery in the University area that took place on August 26. Twenty year-old Zohaib Khan is accused of using a pistol to rob an 18 year-old man during a drug deal.

The victim admitted that he had traveled to the Piedmont of Ivy Meadow apartments to buy drugs from Khan. The apartments are off of Old Concord Road near its intersection with East W.T. Harris Boulevard.

CMPD has released a photo of Khan from 2010 and announced that he could be in the areas of Charlotte, Kannapolis, or Concord. Khan is described as being 5'7" tall and weighing around 150 pounds. If you have any information as to Khan's whereabouts, you are encouraged to call CMPD's Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) at (703) 336-8228.

Overnight Traffic Stop Produces 16 DWI's

Sixteen people were arrested for driving while intoxicated after Charlotte-Mecklenburg police conducted a traffic checkpoint Saturday night. The checkpoint was held on Park Road close to it's intersection with Kenilworth Avenue and Scott Avenue in south Charlotte.

Of the sixteen DWI arrests, four were under the legal drinking age of 21. There were also two drug charges and one stolen firearm charge. Fourteen people were caught driving with no license, while five were driving on a revoked license. In all, 58 charges were issued.

Checkpoints like this are critical to maintaining the integrity of our driving safety in the Charlotte area.

Officer-Involved Shooting in Kannapolis Leaves Police Asking for Witnesses

The North Carolina SBI is taking over an investigation into an officer-involved shooting that
occurred Sunday in Kannapolis.

Authorities say they responded to a call at a home on Leazer Street at about 2:30 Sunday morning. When Kannapolis police officers arrived at the home, they discovered a woman suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound.

Officers were able to locate the shooting suspect at his home on North Main Street, where an altercation took place between a police officer and the suspect. During the struggle, an officer shot the suspect, who also has life-threatening injuries.

Now Kannapolis police are asking for two witnesses to come forward. Authorities there believe that two motorists witnessed the shooting involving the police officer. No other names or details have been released at this time.

If you have any information about this case, call Kannapolis Crime Stoppers at (704) 932-7463.

Would-Be Bank Robber Leaves Before Collecting

Surveillance footage courtesy of the FBI.

The BB&T bank on Albemarle Road was almost robbed on Friday after the suspect left the bank before he took any money.

According to authorities, a man entered the bank while wearing a white painter's mask shortly after 2:00 Friday afternoon. He passed to a teller a note demanding cash, but left before he collected.

The suspect is described as a black male wearing a gold and white colored sweatsuit, a grey hat, and a painter's mask.

Authorities are trying to determine if this robbery is connected to a robbery at the same bank on August 29, which occurred under similar circumstances.

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


   

Mecklenburg Shooting Leaves One Dead in Street

One person was killed in a Charlotte-area street on Saturday night, leaving authorities searching for his killer. CMPD received a call of shots fired in the 8600 block of Lawyers road just after 10:00 Saturday night. Responding officers discovered the victim, who was pronounced dead on the scene by Mint Hill paramedics.

The identity of the victim has not been released, but police say he was riding in a vehicle with others. The other people in the car had fled the scene on foot. A separate vehicle was involved but also left the scene.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police canvassed the area for clues, along with CMPD's Gang Unit. If you have any information about this incident, you are encouraged to contact detectives by calling (704) 432-TIPS. As always, you can contact Crime Stoppers by calling (704) 334-1600.

Shelby Shooting Leaves 1 Dead, Another in Hospital

Shelby police officers responded to a call of shots fired at 809 McGowan Road on Thursday night. When they arrived, they found the two victims had been shot.

Fifty-four year-old John Albert Cummings was dead on the scene while Ronnie Lee Pearson, 54, was suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. According to police, Pearson had been involved in a dispute with 49 year-old Sherman Timothy Lee at the house on McGowan Road, when Lee shot Cummings and Pearson. Pearson was taken to Cleveland Regional Medical Center and is expected to recover.

Lee, a resident of Shelby, was arrested and charged with murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Also charged with murder is 49 year-old David Williams, whom police say acted as an accomplice to Lee. Williams and Lee are both jailed in Cleveland County without bond while they await trial.

DA's Office: Crimes Against Persons Team Convicts Sex Offenders, Armed Robbers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. –   Forty-four (44) defendants pled guilty in Mecklenburg County Superior Court
before The Honorable Yvonne Mims Evans, Superior Court Judge.  The defendants entered their guilty pleas in courtroom 5350 from Monday, September 10, through Friday, September 14, 2012.  Among them were:

Marcus Kennedy, 32, pled guilty to one count of attempted first degree rape.  Kennedy was sentenced to 225-275 months in prison.
Maurice Bellamy, 38, pled guilty to one count of attempted statutory rape.  Bellamy was sentenced to 126-161 months in prison.
Randolph McCain, 32, pled guilty to common law robbery and admitted his status as an habitual felon.  McCain was sentenced to 116-149 months in prison.
Pesean White, 18, pled guilty to 1) robbery with a dangerous weapon and 2) conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon.   White was sentenced to 64-89 months in prison.
Franklin Oxner, 17, pled guilty to 1) three counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, 2) two counts of conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, 3) first degree burglary and 4) second degree kidnapping.  Oxner was sentenced to 64-89 months in prison.
Donovan Johnson, 21, pled guilty to 1) three counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, 2) attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, 3) conspiracy to commit first degree burglary and 4) conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon.  Johnson was sentenced to 51-71 months in prison, followed by a sentence 20-33 months. The sentence of 20-33 months will be suspended pending his successful completion of 30 months of supervised probation.
Jornell Bess, 17, pled guilty to four counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon.  Bess was sentenced to 60-84 months in prison.
Andrew English, 46, pled guilty to two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon.  English was sentenced to 51-74 months in prison.
Michael Cornell, 17, pled guilty to 1) robbery with a dangerous weapon and 2) conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon.  Cornell was sentenced to 45-66 months in prison.
Dequavious Young, 17, pled guilty to robbery with a dangerous weapon.  Young was sentenced to 45-63 months in prison.
Antonio Sullivan, 37, pled guilty to 1) felony incest and 2) sexual battery.  Sullivan was sentenced to 21-35 months in prison followed by 150 days in prison.
Ramiro Valdivia, 41, pled guilty to taking indecent liberties with a child.  Valdivia was sentenced to 18-22 months in prison.
Kenneth Rumph, 49, pled guilty to 1) two counts of common law robbery and 2) attempted common law robbery.  Rumph was sentenced to 16-29 months in prison.
Nedim Boric, 21, pled guilty to accessory after the fact to robbery with a dangerous weapon. Boric was sentenced to 15-18 months in prison.
Joel Ramirez, 24, pled guilty to taking indecent liberties with a child.  Ramirez was sentenced to 15-27 months in prison.
Alexander Hernandez, 23, pled guilty to taking indecent liberties with a child.  Hernandez was sentenced to 14-17 months in prison.
Adrian Costeno-Sanchez, 23, pled guilty to taking indecent liberties with a child.  Costeno-Sanchez was sentenced to 13-25 months in prison.

Note:  Almost all guilty pleas entered in criminal administrative court are the result of an agreed upon plea arrangement between the State and the defendant, which is then approved by the sentencing judge.  For more information about why most cases must be resolved by plea negotiation instead of jury trial, please visit the “Understanding Criminal Court” section of the DA’s website at www.charmeckda.com. 

Gastonia Woman Assaults Two Minors in One Day

Toni Meeks

Gastonia police have arrested local resident Toni Nicole Meeks, 39, for two incidents that occurred Thursday.

The first incident occurred at 2760 Meade Avenue. That case involved Meeks using a stun gun on an 11 year-old boy. According to reports, Meeks used the tazer on the boy by shocking him in the neck. Though the boy was transported to an area hospital for burns he sustained, he is expected to recover. Gastonia police charged Meeks assault on a child under 12 and assault with a deadly weapon for that incident.

That same day, Meeks is accused of trying to punch a 17 year-old girl just down the street from the first case. That incident landed Meeks a simple assault charge. After her arrest, Meeks was jailed under a $9,000 bond for the assault with a deadly weapon case and a $1,000 bond for simple assault. Authorities are not certain if the two cases are connected.

Stabbing Suspect Killed by High Point Police

The North Carolina Stat Bureau of Investigation is opening an investigation into an incident in which High Point police officers fatally shot a man who threatened them with a knife.

Police officers responded to a call involving a woman who had been stabbed early Thursday morning. When officers arrived, the suspect, identified as David Danny Ferguson, refused to drop the knife he was wielding. When the Ferguson advanced towards the officers, two of them opened fire on him.

The stabbing victim escaped with non life-threatening injuries, while police officers were unharmed. The names of the two officers that shot Ferguson have not been make public at this time. Authorities say the two are on administrative leave, as is common practice for police officers after discharging a weapon.

DA's Office: Defendant Tried and Convicted for Abusing 3 Year-Old Child

Timothy John Long

CHARLOTTE, N.C. –  Timothy John Long, 28, was found guilty of felony child abuse after a jury trial this week. The trial began on Monday, September 17, in courtroom 5130 of the Mecklenburg County Courthouse before The Honorable R. Allen Baddour, Jr., Superior Court Judge.

On August 12, 2010, Long assaulted a three-year-old child for whom he was supposed to be caring. The child, who had a developmental disability, was admitted to Levine Children’s Hospital with a skull fracture.
The jury returned the guilty verdict late Wednesday afternoon. Judge Baddour sentenced Long to the maximum term allowed by North Carolina law: 31-47 months in prison.

Couple Arrested for Burglarizing Home While Family Buried Infant Son

Jessica Williams

Police in Rowan County have arrested the neighbors of the Munn family for breaking into the family's home while they were attending their one year-old son's funeral on September 11. When they returned home, Parker's parents found that over $4,000 worth of property had been stolen.

Jessica Williams and Bobby Milam were arrested Thursday after police received a tip that the two had sold jewelry to a dealer in the area. That jewelry turned out to belong to Parker's mother. When investigators searched the neighbors' home, they found property belonging to the victims as well as the burnt remains of Parker's birth certificate book.

Bobby Milam

Williams and Milam were charged with larceny, breaking and entering, and obtaining property by false pretenses. They may also face charges of burning personal property.

Thomasville Police Officer Crashes Cruiser into Local High School

In a strange twist of events, an officer with the Thomasville Police Department crashed his cruiser into an area high school at 29 miles per hour. The officer reported that he veered off-road to prevent hitting a dog that was in the way.

Though multiple surveillance videos show the accident, no dog appears on film. The officer behind the wheel of that crash is required to patrol on foot and perform desk duties until he finishes a low-speed driving course.

Thursday Night Traffic Stop Produces 11 Arrests, 117 Citations

Eleven people were put behind bars Thursday night as the result of a DWI checkpoint set up by Charlotte-Mecklenburg police. Of those 11 people, five were charged with driving while intoxicated.

The checkpoint started at 11:00 Thursday night on the 5200 block of North Sharon Amity Road, near its junction with East W.T. Harris Boulevard. It continued until about 3:00 Friday morning. CMPD handed out 117 citations as a result of the traffic stop, including 32 for driving while license revoked and 28 for driving without a license.

In addition to the DWI's and driving charges, there were two open container charges and five drug charges.

Dog Walking Burglar Now Faces Animal Cruelty Charges

Charges are racking up for 21 year-old Jordan Frye. Frye is the owner of the dog walking service Queen City Dog Service. He was arrested Tuesday on burglary charges for stealing expensive items from his clients' homes while they were away. Because he had earned the trust of his clients, Frye had keys and alarm codes to enter their homes. He admitted to authorities that he had taken 83 items, including jewelry and electronics, from his clients' homes from May to September.

Frye is now being charged with animal cruelty after a search of his home produced a mistreated puppy that quickly died thereafter. According to investigators, 8 month-old Cupcake was found with urine and feces all over her. Frye had been watching the dog over a period of two weeks. Cupcake's owner, who had used Queen City Dog Service for a period of months, was shocked to find out how her dog had been treated.

Frye's charges now include cruelty to animals and several counts of felony larceny and felony possession of stolen goods.

Troopers Find Drugs, Cash in Granite Falls Motorcycle Wreckage

Last week, CrimeInCharlotte.com released a report about a motorcycle wreck which killed two people in Granite Falls.

Investigators have now disclosed that a hidden compartment was found on the wrecked motorcycle. In the compartment was a quantity of methamphetamine, $1,700 cash, and two scales.

John Franklin, 35, and Allison Nixon, 22, were both killed when the motorcycle they were riding struck an SUV while  riding in excess of 100 mph. Franklin was a key witness for the prosecution in a case against Jeremy Mayfield, a former NASCAR driver.

According to the NC Highway Patrol, the money from the hidden compartment has been turned over to the state in order to pay taxes on the methamphetamine that was found.

Possible Road Rage Leads to Hit-and-Run, Leaves 21 Year-Old in Critical Condition

The daughter of an Indian Trail councilwoman is in critical condition after a hit-and-run accident on Wednesday that NC Troopers say may have been the result of road rage.

Twenty-one year-old Christina Morris was spun off the road after an SUV clipped her car at about 2:00 Wednesday afternoon. The wreck happened as Morris attempted to make a pass in the right lane of I-485 near Providence Road.

The SUV that wrecked Morris continued traveling down the I-485 Inner Loop and never stopped. Christina's mother is Indian Trail Councilwoman Darlene Morris Luther. Morris is listed in critical condition with collapsed lungs and broken bones.

The SUV that caused the accident is a silver or light gray color any may have damage to the front passenger side. If you have any information on this case, call the NC Highway Patrol at (704) 547-0042.

Former Panthers Running Back Stephen Davis Arrested in SC

Thirty-eight year-old Stephen Davis, formerly a starting running back for the Carolina Panthers, was arrested on Wednesday for operating his Columbia nightclub without paying taxes or having a retail license.

Davis owns the PURE Lounge on Berryhill Road in Columbia. In July, the South Carolina Department of Revenue revoked the PURE Lounge's license, but Davis continued to operate the nightclub anyway.

Davis was charged with operating a retail business without a license and two counts of writing fraudulent checks. s was being held at the Lexington County Detention Center. He was still incarcerated as of Thursday morning.

From 1996 to 2006, Davis played professional football for Carolina, Washington, and St. Louis. He is a three-time Pro Bowler in the NFL and a native of Spartanburg, SC.

If convicted, Davis faces fines of up to $200 and up to 30 days in prison.

Monroe Jewelry Thief Identified by Facebook Followers

The owner of a Monroe jewelry store used Facebook as a means to identify a thief who stole hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise from the store on Wednesday.

When Renn Farmer, the owner of The Renn's Nest in Monroe, realized that the jewelry had been stolen, she reviewed the footage from her in-store cameras. An older woman was recorded on surveillance footage stealing watches, rings, and bracelets and stashing them in her purse. Within the an hour and a half, the woman had stolen about $500 worth of jewelry.

Because Farmer did not know the thief, she decided to ask for help from her store's Facebook followers, which total over 3,700 people. Farmer posted a picture of the woman on the store's Facebook page. Within a matter of minutes, she was receiving phone calls that identified the woman as 69 year-old Josephine Murdock.

That's where the story takes an unexpected turn. Farmer called Josephine Murdock and informed her that she was recorded on video stealing the merchandise. Murdock then came back to The Renn's Nest and gave Farmer $500 in cash for the stolen goods. Feeling sympathy for Murdock, Farmer banned her from the store but said she would not press charges against her.

As a reward for helping, The Renn's Nest will offer it's Facebook followers a free necklace bead.  

CMPD Search for Suspect in Overnight Convenience Store Robbery

The Circle K gas station on North Graham Street, just south of the Brookshire Freeway, was robbed at around 2:15 Thursday morning. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are looking for the suspect, who waked into the store armed with a gun while wearing a mask or other face covering. The man fled the scene on foot after demanding money from the cashier.

Police canvassed the area with K-9 dogs, but were not able to locate the suspect. The convenience store is located . The robber is described as black male with an average frame and height. The suspect was wearing dark jeans and a black jacket.

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

DA’s Drug Prosecution Team Convicts Six Defendants

The Drug Prosecution Team prosecuted eight defendants the week of September 10, 2012, through September 14, 2012, in Mecklenburg County Superior Court in courtroom 5150 before The Honorable Linwood O. Foust, Superior Court Judge, and in courtroom 5370 before The Honorable F. Lane Williamson, Superior Court Judge.

Tamarlo Hall, 30, was tried for 1) sale of cocaine, 2) possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine and
3) possession of drug paraphernalia. The jury returned a verdict of guilty on all charges. Judge Williamson sentenced Hall to 15-18 months in prison; that sentence was suspended pending his successful completion of 24 months supervised probation. As a condition of probation, Hall must serve 4 months in the county jail.  Hall then pled guilty to the separate offenses of 1) possession of cocaine, 2) possession of drug paraphernalia and 3) misdemeanor possession of marijuana. Judge Williamson sentenced Hall to 6-8 months in prison. That sentence was suspended pending Hall’s successful completion of 24 months of supervised probation. As one of his conditions of probation, Hall must serve 60 days in the county jail.

Trayon Glover, 24, was tried for 1) sale of marijuana, 2) delivery of marijuana and 3) possession of marijuana with intent to sell or deliver marijuana  The jury returned a verdict of not guilty on all charges.

Donnell Drakeford, 37, was tried for 1) felony possession of cocaine, 2) possession of drug paraphernalia and 3) misdemeanor possession of marijuana. Judge Williamson declared a mistrial when the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.  As a result, the charges were dismissed.

As noted in a separate news release last week, Sunny Chukwu was tried and convicted for heroin trafficking and sentenced by Judge Foust to a minimum of 18 years in prison.

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

Sylvester Carrington, 32, pled guilty to delivery of marijuana. Judge Foust sentenced Carrington to 7-9 months in prison.

Jordon Forston, 23, pled guilty to felony possession of marijuana. Judge Williamson sentenced Forston
to 5-6 months in prison; that sentence was suspended pending his successful completion of 18 months of
supervised probation. As one of his conditions of probation, Forston must serve 20 days in the county
jail.

Avery Brown, 20, pled guilty to felony possession of marijuana. Judge Williamson sentenced him to 3-4 months in prison; that sentence was suspended upon his successful completion of 18 months of supervised probation.

Michael Garcia, 22, pled guilty to 1) felony possession of cocaine and 2) possession of drug paraphernalia.  Judge Foust sentenced him to 5-6 months in prison; that sentence was suspended pending his successful completion of 24 months of supervised probation. As one of his conditions of probation, Garcia must serve 30 days in the county jail.

DA's Office - Felony Probation Violations: Report for September 10-13

The following is a summary of the felony probation violation cases scheduled during the week of September 10, 2012.  The cases were heard by The Honorable Eric L. Levinson, Superior Court Judge, in Courtroom 5170 of the Mecklenburg County Courthouse.

• One hundred seventy-nine (179) defendants came before the court.
• 8 were scheduled for a probable cause hearing after a recent arrest for a probation violation
• 51 had their hearing date continued after a motion by the State or Defendant
• 44 were on for a review set by a previous judge, had an order for arrest issued for failing to appear, or fell within another miscellaneous category
• 74 admitted violating probation
• 2 denied violating probation, had a hearing and were found in violation by the judge
• 0 denied violating probation, had a hearing and were not found to be in violation by the judge
• 31 had their probation terminated by the judge
• 5 were sentenced to a 90 day period of confinement (but revocation was not permitted pursuant to N.C.G.S. 15A-1344(d2))
• 11 were revoked from probation by the judge (if probation is revoked, the defendant is sent to prison to serve the previously suspended prison sentence)
• 29 were not revoked from probation by the judge; instead, they were continued on supervised probation under the same or additional conditions

Notes about Probation Violations: 

Generally, felony probation violation cases are scheduled every other week in courtroom 5170; the cases are heard Monday through Thursday.  Each Friday of these weeks the courtroom is used for felony guilty pleas or to hear motions for appropriate relief as allowed pursuant to N.C.G.S. 15A-1411 through -1422.    

In response to a felony probation violation, a defendant may admit or deny the violation(s). If the defendant admits the violation(s) and the violation(s) are for anything other than committing a new offense or absconding supervision the judge cannot revoke probation and activate the suspended sentence; he/she may only sentence the defendant to a 90-day period of confinement pursuant to N.C.G.S. 15A-1344(d2).  However, if the defendant has already been sentenced to two such periods of confinement or if the defendant admits to being an absconder or to committing a new offense, the presiding judge can revoke the defendant’s probation. In lieu of periods of confinement or revocation, the judge may choose to continue the defendant on supervised probation under the 
same or additional terms, or to terminate (end) the supervision. If a defendant denies the violation(s), a hearing is held in which the probation officer usually testifies. If the defendant is found by the judge to be in willful violation of his/her terms of probation, the judge will take one of the same actions described above that he/she would be permitted to take if the defendant had admitted to the violation(s).

The DA’s Office does not have the power to dismiss, or negotiate the outcome of, a probation violation.  A previous sentencing judge has issued an Order placing the defendant on probation and all violations of that term of probation are alleged by the probation officer and brought before a judge to determine whether a violation exists and, if so, what action should be taken against the defendant for the violation.

In addition to the probation violation hearings, on Monday of every week, hearings are held to determine whether probable cause exists to detain defendants that have been recently arrested for a probation violation.  If probable cause is found, a violation hearing is set for the next available date.  If, in lieu of waiting for a violation hearing date, the defendant chooses to immediately admit violation and request activation of his/her sentence, and if such request is lawful, he/she may do so.

Rowan Home Burglarized While Family Buries Infant Son

Rowan County investigators are looking for the suspect in a local home invasion and burglary. The home of Nicholas Munn and Jessical Kepley was broken into while the couple were attending the funeral of their infant son, Parker Munn.

Parker died in a drowning accident on September 11 at the home of a neighbor. He was 1 year old. When his parents returned from the funeral, they discovered that $4,000 work of jewelry and electronics had been stolen from their home on Rockwood Avenue.

If you have any information on this incident, call Rowan County Crime Stoppers at (866) 639-5245.

CMPD Arrests Armed Robbery Suspect

Forty year-old Michael Antoine Wright was arrested by Charlotte-Mecklenburg police after he reportedly robbed a sweepstakes center at 5300 Old Pineville Road..

Wright walked into the Pot O Gold Sweepstakes Center at about 9:30 Monday night and robbed the clerk at gunpoint before forcing him into a bathroom. After collecting evidence, investigators arrested Wright without incident at his Wingate Avenue home.

Wright is charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon and first-degree kidnapping.

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

CMPD Opens New Steele Creek Office

A new police station is opening Wednesday in Mecklenburg's Steele Creek Division. CMPD is holding an opening ceremony at the new location at 2:30 this afternoon. Police chief Monroe is scheduled to appear along with other county and city officials.

The station is located at South Tryon Street and Westinghouse Boulevard and has the capacity for 155 police officers. Steele Creek Division's Shopton Road offices will be replaced by the new location, which is around 12,000 square feet.

Locals hope the new office location will deter criminals in that area. Year-to-date, the Steele Creek Division has been home to 249 violent crimes and 1863 property crimes, a 0.7% increase from this time last year.

CMPD Arrests 2 Teens in Connection With Armed Robbery

Two teenagers were arrested by Charlotte-Mecklenburg police on Monday after they allegedly robbed a man at gunpoint.

Eighteen year-old Quentin Stowe and 16 year-old Rasheed Massey were charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon. Authorities say the two robbed a man outside of a convenience store on the 5000 block of Statesville Road around 5:00 Monday evening. The suspects left the crime scene on foot. A short time later, police apprehended the two men at one of their homes on Prarie Valley Drive following a pursuit.

The suspects were positively identified by the victim and charged with the crime. Police officers located the gun used in the robbery during the arrest.

Quentin Stowe

Rasheed Massey