The right pontoon on the single-engine Maule plane collapsed, said Paul Heaton, who was piloting the aircraft. “It was actually a very smooth landing. I'm thankful everyone got out.”

Trooper Scott Richardson of the state Highway Patrol said the plane was coming in for a water landing when it flipped and landed on its roof. “Nobody was hurt and everyone got out safely.”

Law enforcement, fire and emergency services set up  at a private subdivision with water access off Jack Brown Road in the Thelma area.

Richardson said the Federal Aviation Administration was contacted and the state Wildlife Resources Commission enforcement division and Halifax County Sheriff's Office assisted

Murphy started his law enforcement career with the Halifax County Sheriff's Office in 2007 and quickly moved up the ranks.

He started as a jail correctional officer, then a patrol deputy, uniform corporal, patrol sergeant, and finally to his last position as a detective sergeant in investigations.

Davis said Murphy resigned from the sheriff’s office earlier this month to join the police department full-time.

He will serve as a detective in the police department.

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In the above photos, from left: Davis with Bozard, Murphy and Wiggins.

Promotions

Davis also announced the following promotions:

Detective Dreher Bozard Jr. to captain.

Bozard has been with the police department since November. “He has proven to be a valuable asset to the department and the Enfield community. We wish Captain Bozard many successful years in his law enforcement career,” Davis said.

Sergeant McCullon Wiggins Jr. to lieutenant.

Wiggins started his law enforcement career in 2000 and was a captain with Durham Tech before starting with the Nash County Sheriff’s Office as a drug interdiction agent.

He started with the Enfield Police Department last July and “has been a great asset to the department,” Davis said.

At approximately 12:45 p.m., Officer Jamie Hardy was inside a business at the corner of Roanoke Avenue and Tenth Street when he noticed a disturbance in the roadway between two people operating vehicles.

Hardy saw one driver get out of their vehicle and make gestures to the other driver, who got out and approached the other.

Hardy got the drivers and vehicle out of the roadway to investigate.

During investigation Hardy discovered the parties were involved in a near-collision on West Tenth and episodes of road rage ensued until they got to East Tenth Street.

Hardy cited Bryan Eugene Finch, 48, of Roanoke Rapids, for expired registration.

He also arrested and charged Bryan Scott Debruhl, 25, and Mary Elizabeth Liverman, 16, both of Roanoke Rapids, after narcotics and a concealed gun were found inside the vehicle.

Debruhl was charged with possession of schedule VI, possession of drug paraphernalia, open container and carrying a concealed weapon.

Liverman was charged with possession of schedule VI and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Debruhl received a $700 bond and Liverman a $500 bond. Both have May 20 court dates.

Officer Scott Blythe assisted.

At approximately 9:45 p.m., Officer Chris Biggerstaff responded to a call about suspicious activity in the Walmart parking lot.

He located David Earl McClain, 49, of Roanoke Rapids, who matched the description given and learned he had several outstanding orders for arrest.

McClain was arrested on those outstanding orders and charged with resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer for giving a false name during the investigation.

He received a $4,000 bond and April 29 court date.

Lieutenant Bruce Norton assisted.

Sunday April 24, 2016

At approximately 12:30 a.m., Lieutenant Jeff Baggett was working an off-duty assignment at Applebee’s when there was a disturbance between a man and woman.

In an attempt to quell the problems, separate the two and get them to leave, he arrested and charged Jerome Marquette Jones, 25, of Roanoke Rapids, for disorderly conduct and trespassing.

Jones received a $1,500 bond and May 13 court date.

Officer Ryan Cross assisted.

At approximately 4 a.m., Biggerstaff responded to a disturbance call in the 1000 block of Vance Street.

The victim reported Zane Daniel Harvey, 43, of Roanoke Rapids, broke a window at the residence and left.

Officers previously responded to the residence several times earlier in the night and warned Harvey about trespassing.

Norton located him in the 1000 block of Franklin Street, where he was arrested and charged with intoxicated/disruptive, two counts injury to property, resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer and assault on a government official.

Harvey received a $750 bond and April 29 court date.

Officer Matt Hunsucker assisted.

At approximately 10 a.m., Master Officer Roy Ball arrested Fabia Fleming, 32, of Roanoke Rapids, on outstanding warrants for obtaining property by false pretense and identity theft.

The charges stem from an investigation by Investigator Chris Babb after the victim reported on January 29 they received an overdue power bill for an address where they never lived.

Fleming received a $2,500 bond and June 13 court date.

At approximately 12:45 p.m., Sergeant Daniel Jenkins responded to a larceny call at Belk.

Loss prevention reported Jonathan Pilgrim, 29, of Roanoke Rapids, and Devon Mayo, 21, of Pleasant Hill, concealed items while inside the store.

Jenkins cited them for shoplifting and they were released until their June 6 court dates.

Hardy assisted.

At approximately 3 p.m., Hardy responded to a larceny call at JustSave.

While on the way it was reported Jordan Alexander Scales, 19, and Charles Ryan Gage Hux, 18, ran from the store and into the woods behind the mall.

Officers set up a perimeter around the area and located them.

Hardy arrested and charged them with larceny and possession of stolen goods.

They received $500 bonds and May 20 court dates.

Lieutenant Perry Parks, Jenkins, Ball and Officer Greg Colson assisted.

At approximately 8:30 p.m., Biggerstaff responded to a larceny call at Walmart.

Loss prevention reported Jordan T. Peebles, 18, of Emporia, took a security device off merchandise.

Biggerstaff arrested and charged Peebles with shoplifting by removal of security device.

He received a $500 bond and May 18 court date.

Sergeant Terrence Tyler assisted.

At approximately 9:30 p.m., Officer Jason Williams responded to a hit and run call in the 500 block of Vance Street.

The victim told Williams they heard a loud crash and went outside to investigate.

The victim's vehicle was struck by a Mustang which was leaving the area.

Williams located the Mustang in the 300 block of Jackson Street in the back alley.

Williams arrested and charged Daniel Dominguez Rosales, 30, of Roanoke Rapids, with driving while impaired, hit and run property damage and driving while license revoked.

Rosales was released to a responsible person and has a June 24 court date.

Norton and Hunsucker assisted.

Board Chairman Vernon Bryant cautioned during a nearly four-hour budget work session Monday night nothing has been made official and commissioners will continue to deliberate and craft a financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

Should commissioners go with this recommendation it would mean the county's tax rate would go from 73 cents per $100 of a valuation to 79.5 cents, County Manager Tony Brown said.

The recommendation would provide $1,238,127 in additional funding for school capital and current expense with the following appropriations:

Halifax Community College: $204,100

Halifax County Schools: $262,000

Roanoke Rapids Graded School District: $265,000

Weldon City Schools: $280,000

A heavy-duty tow truck for busses: $100,000

Increased utility costs for HCC: $127,207.

It would fund county departmental requirements and capital of $748,693; a 2 percent employee competitive market adjustment of 2 percent and an employee pay for performance plan of 2 percent.

Going with this recommendation would reduce the county's fund balance to 17.5 percent.

The recommendation would leave $212,463 to use elsewhere.

The recommendation leaves outside funding requests short by $18,537, Brown said. There is a total of $231,000 in outside requests.

With the anticipated debt service for construction of a new Manning Elementary School upcoming in the next fiscal year, Commissioner Patrick Qualls suggested once the debt service is retired, the tax rate dies with it. “When it's gone, it's gone. We don't roll it into the general fund as a windfall,” he said.

The board, with Carolyn Johnson and Marcelle Smith absent, voted 4-0 to retire the tax rate for Manning Elementary and in a separate motion voted to retire the tax rate for the countys other debt service as it expires.

Discussion of the proposed budget recommendation dissolved into a debate on the possible freezing of an assistant county manager position.

Commissioner Rives Manning brought up the idea as a way of reclaiming the $18,537 needed to fund outside requests.

Commissioners debated going into closed session on the matter until County Attorney Glynn Rollins explained they could not go behind closed doors since they were only discussing freezing a position and not discussing a specific employee.

Brown was vehement his office could not afford to have a position cut. “I'm concerned about staffing I need in my office. I want to make sure my office is well staffed.”

Brown said over the past 10 years he has lost four positions.

With the departure of Assistant County Manager Erris Dunston, currently only Assistant County Manager Dia Denton remains.

Brown said Denton was called away Monday on an unexpected personal matter. “I need to have support in my office. It may look easy, but we spend time jumping through hoops.”

Brown said he has offered the board an opportunity to spend a day in his office to see “the challenges for us,” and the meetings his staff must go to. “I want you all to know I had the understanding I was going to have support.”

Bryant said Brown was doing a great job. “He has tremendous PR skills. The way the board is looking at things, we've got to make sure every decision is looked at critically.”

Manning said he appreciated the job the county manager is doing. “I suggested freezing the position. I didn't say do away with it. We're trying to see what we can do. It's crunch time. I feel like we all have to go in.”

Brown said freezing the position would equate to a 20 percent decrease in administrative staff. “No other department had to take that much of a cut. Is my department being a made a scapegoat to say we made cuts?”

Brown said he wanted the board to understand if such a decision is made there will have to be less meetings attended. “We don't go in at 8:30 and leave at 5.”

Manning spoke of a matter which could have carried the discussion into closed session. “ … You delegate some things to others and it still hasn't been solved. Once it was delegated (they) didn't do what they were supposed to do. Things got delayed.”

Bryant said it was a matter the board could take under advisement while Rollins said a personal conflict “is not a reason for cutting someone … It's not going to work.”

“My priority is good customer service,” Butler told the board and a large audience in attendance at the high school cafeteria. “I still believe in public education. I know this board has done great things. I want to know which direction you need to go.”

Butler said he and his wife, Brie, have enjoyed visiting the community. “This is a great community. We think it's a great place that reflects our moral values. I'm very excited to be here.”

Butler noted John Parker, who has served as interim superintendent, “has done an outstanding job.”

The school system said in a statement, “Dr. Butler has enjoyed a successful career in public education spanning nearly 17 years in North Carolina.”

He currently serves as executive director for school administration for the Alamance-Burlington Schools — a position he has held for the last four years.

As a key member of the superintendent’s cabinet, Butler is responsible for legal, administrative, and operational issues, including board policies, student discipline appeals, grievances, student assignment, alternative education programs, and school safety and security.

Prior to his current position, Butler served as director of school improvement and accountability from 2008 to 2012.

He began his educational career in Alamance-Burlington Schools as a middle school teacher before moving up to an assistant principal and ultimately a principal position at local elementary schools.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He attended graduate school at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he earned his master’s in school administration in 2002 and his doctorate in educational leadership in 2012.

Board Chair Jay Carlisle said during a break in the meeting he was impressed with Butler's approach to education. “He's strong in curriculum. We felt like he could lead us to where we need to go in future.”

Brewer said she was impressed with Butler's values. “I like that he seems so ethical. He's very open. He's going to be a good listener. He's obviously committed to education. I'm so happy to have him come here.”

Brewer said it is too early to craft a direction under Butler's leadership. “I think the plan is to listen. I think we've got a good hire.”

In the statement, the school system said the board carefully reviewed applications and supporting documentation from a diverse field of 28 excellent candidates. “Although many qualified candidates applied, the board felt that Dr. Butler’s leadership, breadth of experience, and dedication to students would best serve the RRGSD students, staff, and community for years to come. The board is confident that Dr. Butler will lead the district to even higher achievement.”

Butler said in the statement, “I am honored and humbled to join the Roanoke Rapids community and school district. I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to continue the academic progress and well-being of each child in our care.

“I hope to encapsulate all of my diverse leadership experiences and share with those who are just as passionate about the advancement of each student’s educational future. In turn, I am excited to learn from the dedicated staff, parents, and students who have worked diligently to serve RRGSD. I am excited to serve as superintendent and to become a community member of Roanoke Rapids.”

Parker, who plans to travel and write, said, his tenure as interim superintendent, “Has been a labor of love for me. I'm leaving with mixed emotions. I feel like Dr. Butler will move the school district in a positive direction.”

Council continued its budget deliberations Tuesday and Scherer said afterward he will be “looking at what council has recommended and what we can afford.”

Scherer confirmed he is still planning the budget with no tax increase proposed.

It appears, however, the Roanoke Rapids Police Department will have to seek grant funding for a Proactive Criminal Enforcement Team and city firefighters will not see a requested across-the-board pay increase specifically designed for the fire department.

Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky reiterated the need for a city planner during Tuesday's budget work session. She had previously made the proposal during the first round of budget discussions earlier this month.

“We need to look at funding the planner,” said Councilman Wayne Smith, who earlier asked Lasky whether the planner would speed up processes within the department.

“It will on the front end of things,” she replied.

Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon renewed his request for the T.J. Davis supervisor.

While Smith said he was hesitant, Councilwoman Carol Cowen said, “I think we need to explore the position as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, during discussion of the police department's proposed budget, council all but ruled out funding the proactive criminal enforcement team unless it is done through grant funding.

“I don't know how we can fund three men. We're talking half a million dollars,” Smith said. “If we get a grant we would have to pay in the second year. That would be easier for us to do. I don't see how we can find three men without looking at grants.”

Council is amenable to budgeting five new police vehicles for the upcoming fiscal year, Smith said.

Fire Chief Stacy Coggins' request for across-the-board pay increases within the department is not likely to be funded. He is expected to get eight new air packs and seven bottles.

The fire chief proposed earlier this month a 5-percent across-the-board pay increase for the fire department and also presented to council a proposal for a 7-percent across-the-board pay increase.

The 5-percent increase would require $1,223,753.51 while the 7-percent would require $1,246,586.

“I can't see how it would be fair for everyone in the city,” Smith said. “If we could afford it, we should give everyone a pay increase.”

Smith also made one of the first public comments regarding the fire department running first responder calls, saying he believed it was time for the fire department “to get out of the first responder business.”

Said Smith: “The thing we have to look at is the cost of what we currently do. We already pay 3 cents of tax dollars to the 911 center. It's time for the county to take some responsibility for Roanoke Rapids.”

He said afterward, “I think we ought to review it. We're going across each other's borders with too many vehicles.”

“I'm at your leisure if you don't want to do it,” Coggins said. “I'm here to appease the majority of council.”

“We have a great treasure in the Canal Trail and I appreciate everyone working together to foster this great treasure,” Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon told those gathered outside the museum.

(The museum will host an Arbor Day trail hike Friday beginning at 5 p.m. Halifax County rangers from the state Forest Service will join the hike to identify trees and provide other information. Drinks and snacks will be provided and Subway has donated platters. Plan on an hour hike. A flyer on the event is included as an attachment at the end of this story)

Simeon introduced Worrell, a native of Hillsville, Virginia, who graduated from Ferrum College with a degree in recreation leadership and a minor in business.

Worrell began an internship with the city's recreation department last January and then began working part-time until he was hired full-time at the Canal Museum, Simeon said.

A member of the United States Army Reserve since 2010, Worrell completed a tour in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2013-2014. “Koy is passionate about his new position giving others the opportunity to enjoy this great treasure we have.”

Worrell said this afternoon he is planning on more evening events at the museum “to get more of the local people out to the museum and the trail. We definitely get a lot of traffic coming from I-95 and all over the East Coast. We've had a group from Northern Canada come visit.”

Worrell said he plans to continue all the programs which have been in place, including the second Saturday hikes. “We're going to pick the lecture series back up.”

Meanwhile, Mike Green, chair of the Roanoke Canal Commission, said the introduction of the loaner program was a cooperative effort been several groups.

“Without K.B. Reynolds we wouldn't be at this point,” he said.

He also recognized the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Roanoke Valley Community Health Initiative, the town of Weldon, Riverside Mill, Roanoke Valley Energy, Rightmyer Machine Rentals, Vulcan Materials, Walmart, Chris Wicker, the canal commission and Justin Fender. “All worked together to make this a reality. The bikes are geared to ride easy. You'll have a good time.”

Bike barns are located at the museum and Riverside Mill in Weldon.

The notice of hearing for the sentencing in the police corruption case was posted Tuesday, electronic records show.

Those scheduled for the 9 a.m. sentencing are Lann Tjuan Clanton, Jason Boone, Wardie Vincent Jr., Cory Jackson, Jimmy Pair Jr., Curtis Boone, and Alphonso Ponton.

Those scheduled for the 1 p.m. sentencing are Ikeisha Jacobs, Adrienne Moody, Alaina Sue-Kam-Ling, Kavon Phillips, Crystal Pierce, Thomas Jefferson Allen II, and Tohsa Rochelle Dailey.

Meanwhile, minute entries in the federal court record show Vincent has been allowed to withdraw his previous guilty plea on the count 2 charges of the criminal information while he reaffirmed his guilty plea on count 1 charges.

While detailed information on the matter was not accessible, the minute entry notes the United States Attorneys Office was present and the court approved the superseding plea agreement following a hearing on April 12.

Vincent, the first to take a plea in the case, was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal.

Antonio Tillmon, the lone defendant who has yet to enter a plea, is scheduled for arraignment on May 9 at 9:30 a.m. in Greenville court records show.

Operation Rockfish included 54 counts of bribery, drug trafficking and police corruption.

Unsealed documents revealed snippets of evidence the government would have presented had the cases of those who pled guilty gone to trial.

On Saturday, the Elite Fleet will host a 50^th anniversary celebration at its fire station located on Highway 158.

Event flyer

“Some of the guys came up with that in the late 80s or early 90s” said Chief David Padgett, referring to the moniker. “We wanted to be as good as we could be. We got tanker 21 in 1989. That was the first to have that. It looked like something you would see in New York City. We were the first to have bigger trucks. What we had in the past were smaller trucks. In 1971 we placed an order for an American LaFrance.”

Padgett has been with the fire department for 44 years, before there was a taxing district and firefighters spent most of their time raising funds to stay afloat.

The tax district, established in 1977, Padgett said, “Was like day and night. We spent a great amount of time fund-raising. I can remember when we auctioned off a six-pack of Cokes.”

Davie, along with Rheasville, which will celebrate its 50^th anniversary in June, was born out of a need to battle fires outside the Roanoke Rapids city limits.

“The early structure fires in this area, you pretty much wrote off,” Padgett said. “People got together from Davie and Rheasville and wanted a fire department.”

Davie was established on March 1, 1966. Rheasville and Davie split into separate fire departments, Padgett said.

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The first trucks were a 1948 Ford and a 1956 GMC.

Since that time, when the trucks were originally stored in a shed, the department has grown to have four engines, two tankers, two brush trucks, a mini-pumper, an equipment and extrication vehicle and even a vehicle for the chief, all kept at its station at 3155 Highway 158.

The department is also in the process of refurbishing the old Thelma fire station on Thelma Road to use as a substation.

To be in the Davie Volunteer Fire Department, said firefighter Kevin Manning, is to be in an organization which embraces the brotherhood of firefighters as well as the family members of the volunteers. “This is one to include our families as much as possible and to show appreciation for the sacrifices their families have made.”

“Through the years,” said firefighter Michael Kidd, “It's been about the brotherhood, the camaraderie and family.”

Jason Patrick, a paid officer within the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department, is also a volunteer with Davie and cut his teeth with the organization, his father a member and his grandfather a charter member.

He remembers as a child playing with the guys at the station and even sitting in on some of their training classes. “I grew up around it,” he said. “It got me in fire service.”

The biggest change within the Elite Fleet in its infancy and the grownup organization, Padgett said, is a shift in focus. While the department still does fundraisers, the biggest part of being a volunteer is the training involved, Padgett said.

On Saturday, the chief wants people to come out and “see what we do. Maybe someone will stop by and join us.”

For Padgett, joining the Elite Fleet at 18 was something he never envisioned would become a 44-year adventure. “It's the love of the fire department. It's like a brotherhood to me. When I got in I never thought this would be something I'd be doing for as long as I've been doing.”

Edgar Outland, the victim, declined to be photographed this afternoon and would only say he has been appreciative of the outpouring coming from the school and the efforts of the Halifax and Darlington fire departments which responded to the fire. “They've helped me several times,” he said.

Halifax Academy has been designated as a drop-off point for items Outland needs. Those wishing to help should contact Carla Little at the school. He is in immediate need of clothes — 38-32 pants and extra large shirts. Checks should be made payable to Edgar Outland.

Halifax Fire Chief Ed Johnson said firefighters were dispatched to Outland's Highway 903 residence around 6:45 this morning and found the house engulfed. Firefighters got the blaze under control in about 15 to 20 minutes.

Outland, who Johnson said was sleeping at the time, made it out safely after either neighbors or passersby noticed the house was ablaze. “Someone woke him and got him out.”

His pets were all accounted for and Rainbow Rescue has helped with their food. Johnson said the American Red Cross is also helping Outland with his needs in the aftermath of the fire.

Several of his former students were at the scene this afternoon and said they would be looking out for him.

Johnson said the fire was not suspicious and may have started as a result of some work Outland and a neighbor were doing on front porch light fixture which broke. Several gas tanks on the porch for lawn mowing may have accelerated the fire.

Phillip Milan, who was one of Outland's students and was at the scene this afternoon, said, “The community is stepping up big time. He was a fixture at Halifax Academy. He taught us not only about education but about life.”

In a statement on the matter Davis said the shooting occurred in the area of Bass Lane and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue South on April 10 around 8 p.m.

The victim reported being shot at after leaving a nearby residence.

Through further investigation Detective Willie Murphy Jr. and Captain Dreher Bozard developed the 14-year-old and 17-year-old Khalee Williams, both of Scotland Neck, as alleged suspects in the case.

Wiiliams 

Halifax County School Resource Officer D. Jones arrested Williams today on the campus of a school around 11 a.m. He was charged with aid and abet going armed to the terror of the public and injury to personal property.

Williams received a $1,000 bond and May 18 court date.

The juvenile was petitioned for going armed to the terror of the public and assault with a deadly weapon.

Murphy described the pair as acquaintances and said he will leave it up to district attorney's office to determine whether the juvenile will be tried as an adult.

Around 8:45 p.m. Thursday, Officer Jamie Hardy responded to an armed robbery call in the 1000 block back alley between Jefferson and Washington streets.

Victims told the officer they were knocked to the ground and held at gunpoint. Items were taken from them and the suspects fled. They were described by the victims as armed men with masks over their faces.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Monday April 25, 2016

At approximately 2:45 p.m., Officer Alex Green conducted a traffic stop for a violation at Franklin and Second streets.

Green learned the driver, Kevin Clark, 33, of Roanoke Rapids, had an outstanding order for arrest.

Clark was arrested on the order and also charged with resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer for giving a false name.

He received a $1,500 bond and May 13 court date.

Officer Dale Strickland assisted.

Tuesday April 26, 2016

At approximately 10:15 a.m., Sergeant Mike Moseley responded to a larceny call at American Shoe Shop.

Store staff reported Gennett Anderson Dunn, 54, of Weldon, took items and left.

Moseley located Dunn and arrested and charged her with larceny and possession of stolen goods.

She received an $800 bond and May 13 court date.

Investigator Frankie Griffin assisted.

At approximately 2:15 p.m, Officer Jeffrey Mason responded to a larceny call at Sears.

Staff reported a man, later identified as Tremayne Desha Martin, 35, took items and was a passenger in a car driven by a woman later identified as Jessica Lynn Byrd, 32, both of Roanoke Rapids.

Deputy Chief Andy Jackson spotted the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Both were detained for identification.

Officers located the stolen items and also found narcotics with paraphernalia inside.

Byrd was charged with possession of schedule VI, possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaining a vehicle.

She received a $1,000 bond and a May 18 court date.

Martin was charged with larceny, possession of stolen goods, possession of schedule VI and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He received a $1,500 bond and May 18 court date.

Wednesday April 27, 2016

At approximately 6 p.m., Mason responded to a larceny call at Belk.

Loss prevention reported Anthony Jahpriest Foreman, 20, of Somerville, South Carolina, took items.

Mason cited Foreman, who was released until his June 10 court date, for larceny and possession of stolen goods

Thursday April 27, 2016

At approximately 2:15 p.m., Mason responded to a larceny call at Walmart.

Loss prevention reported Terrence Jamaal Robinson, 20, of Roanoke Rapids, took items and then returned them to get a refund.

Mason arrested and charged Robinson with obtaining property by false pretense, larceny and possession of stolen goods.

He received a $2,000 bond and May 13 court date.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., Strickland responded to a hit and run at Daniels Street and Highway 158.

During investigation, the alleged offending driver, Michael Mills, 48, of Roanoke Rapids, returned to the scene.

Mills was arrested and charged with driving while impaired, no operator’s license and hit and run.

He was released to a responsible person until his June 10 court date.

Moseley assisted.

At approximately 6:45 pm., Master Officer Roy Ball noticed James Tyler McKenzie, 30, and Rashad Jones, 29, of Roanoke Rapids, inside a vehicle.

During the encounter, McKenzie put something under the passenger seat.

Both men ran away but McKenzie returned as officers set up a perimeter.

During the investigation officers found narcotics.

McKenzie was arrested and charged with possession of schedule VI, simple possession of schedule VI, possession of schedule IV and resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer.

McKenzie received a $2,000 bond and June 17 court date.

There is an outstanding warrant for Jones and Hasty said he is encouraged to surrender.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Lieutenant Perry Parks, Sergeant Daniel Jenkins, Hardy and Officer Scott Blythe assisted.

Detective Willie Murphy Jr. of the Enfield Police Department said there was no specific personal gain in the case for Jennifer Shipp Velasquez, 40, other than an attempt to circumvent the judicial system after she got behind in her work.

Murphy said Halifax County Clerk of Superior Court Becky Spragins brought the matter to the attention of Chief Tyree Davis Monday after she discovered the signature of one of her clerks was forged on civil documents.

Velasquez, of Enfield, was terminated from her job at the law firm, which Murphy declined to name. Her termination came after a review of the documents and interviews as part of the investigation.

Murphy said the forged documents were those which were to be reviewed either by an assistant court clerk or even a judge.

Velasquez was arrested Thursday night around 7 and charged with altering court documents, identity theft and forgery.

She was jailed on $3,000 bond and scheduled for court on May 18.

The man left in a white Toyota Camry and is apparently from Rocky Mount, Lieutenant C.L. Vaught said.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Investigator Gorton Williams at 252-533-2821 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

“We were still getting complaints and still following up,” Harris said.

Task force agents with assistance from the Littleton Police Department returned to the residence with a search warrant which Harris applied for based on the continued complaints.

During the search of the property agents, along with assistance of Halifax County Sheriff's Office Corporal P. Moyer and his dog, Bosco, seized 7.58 grams of cocaine, marijuana, and several items of drug paraphernalia which included Dutch Master cigars, a digital scale, an item with a hidden compartment, several homemade crack pipes and currency.

{gallery}taskforcemugsII{/gallery}

Garner was charged with felony possession of cocaine, possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, possess marijuana up to one-half ounce, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He received a $100,000 bond.

His mother was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and received a $2,000 bond.

Steven Carpenter, 49, of Wagner Street, who was at the residence, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and was also served with an outstanding Halifax County order for arrest after he missed his court date for a charge of first-degree burglary. He received a $52,000 bond. The trio have June 22 court dates.

Undercover purchase

Meanwhile, Harris reported the task force and police department continued following up on complaints of drug sales within the town.

Len Bailey, 48, was served today for outstanding warrants for arrest for two counts each of possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, sell cocaine, and deliver cocaine.

The investigations took place on April 14 and April 27.

Bailey reportedly sold crack cocaine to an undercover agent at a Ferguson Street convenience store. Bailey was arrested in Warrenton by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division with assistance from task force agents.

Bailey was processed in Halifax where received a $25,000 bond and June 22 court date.

Detective R. Hale said Nelson Person, who lives in the Bowers Road area of Littleton, was last seen by family members after he dropped his grandson off in the Ringwood Road area Wednesday around 5:30 p.m.

He was reported missing Thursday after family didn't hear from him. Hale said Person typically stays in contact with family.

The detective said Person mentioned something to his grandson about either dropping off a chainsaw to have it repaired or picking it up after being repaired. Investigators are contacting businesses in the area which do that work.

Hale said family members said Person doesn't have any cognitive impairments.

Investigators are hoping for a break in the weather today to dispatch a state Highway Patrol helicopter to conduct a search.

In a statement, Chief Deputy Scott Hall said Person was driving a blue, 1991 Ford truck with North Carolina tags WTT-5569. The truck has amber lights mounted on the roof and possibly a dealership plate on the front of the vehicle.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Hale at 252-578-4497 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.  

The proposal, requested by Commissioner Patrick Qualls and presented at today's board meeting by County Manager Tony Brown, would provide educational funding at the same level the previous proposal did, with the exception of providing $127,027 in funds for increased utility costs at Halifax Community College.

The proposal provides $748,693 for unfunded county departmental requirements and capital.

It does not, however, provide a competitive market adjustment for employees or an employee performance pay plan.

Instead, it would give employees a one-time, across-the-board bonus of $500.

The proposal discussed today would fund around $320,000 of outside requests.

This afternoon Qualls said the reason he asked for an alternative to the proposal presented last week was because, referring to the new Manning school, “We are mandated to build schools by the state and in this year's budget to meet the debt service requirement it requires a 5-cent tax increase.”

Qualls said, “I did not feel it was fair to ask the citizens for an additional 1 ½ cents tax increase. There's going to be a tax rate tied to all debt service and when that debt service is gone the tax attached to it will retire with it.”

Commissioners did not officially vote on the proposal, but instead took a consensus with Qualls, Rives Manning and Chair Vernon Bryant siding with the new option and Carolyn Johnson and Rachel Hux siding with the original proposal. Marcelle Smith, however, was undecided.

After a break, Hux came out in support of the new proposal.

Qualls told the board under what last year was called a revenue-neutral tax rate adjustment he had two pieces of property where the value went up 48 percent. “We're coming back with a 5-cent tax increase. I don't think this is the year for that.”

Smith said he was concerned about what not having a cost of living increase or the performance pay increase would do for employee recruitment and retention. “Obviously, there's some concern about perception and reality.”

The charges were dismissed after the alleged victim in the case committed suicide before the hearing.

Chichester declined to elaborate.

The adult victim, who reported the offenses in January, was 15 when the offenses were claimed to have occurred.

Trivette located the heroin in the passenger area and contacted the task force.

The corporal cited the driver, Darrell McDonald Edmonds, 37, of Roanoke Rapids, who received a May 18 court date, for driving while license revoked.

Garner

Radford arrested and charged Tony Lee Garner Jr., 34, for possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver heroin, felony possession of heroin, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Garner received a $10,000 bond and May 25 court date.

Underneath the shelter at Medoc Mountain State Park, a gathering of people closest to the 95-year-old Littleton man, those concerned and those who have helped search for him, sang a hymn and prayed.

“We're not here praying that he's gone,” said the Reverend Linwood Richardson. “Our prayers are that he's found. God will will give us strength if we come to hills.”

A friend offered prayers to the man's family. “We want you to know we've been praying for y'all. I believe there are some believers here. I came because I believe God is going to hear our prayers.”

Person in front of his truck.

One family member said, “Uncle Nel was a special uncle to my mother and my family. He is a big part of our family. We continue to pray God sends him home and we will be here for a better occasion.”

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp told those gathered at the vigil, “We're working just as hard as y'all have been working. Just know we're not going to give up. We're going to keep looking.”

Earlier today, Chief Deputy Scott Hall said the sheriff's office is continuing the search for Person. “We've been riding the roads, we've been flying a helicopter and following up on leads.”

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Tripp said before the vigil this evening the sheriff's office also enlisted the help of a private pilot to conduct an air search.

The sheriff said it is probably around a five-mile trip from the area off Ringwood Road where Person dropped his grandson off Wednesday evening and the Bowers Road area of Littleton where he lives.

“He's a good man,” said his great-granddaughter, Porsilyne Person. “He'd give you the shirt off his back.”

The trip from Bowers Road to Ringwood Road and back was a routine trip for him, Porsilyne said.

The only health issue was his blood pressure, she said. “It had been raining that Wednesday night but he could drive during the rain.”

One of the clues detectives were hoping would pan out in the case was his mention of chainsaw. “Mr. Tripp sent his people out and no one (in that business) had seen him at all.”

Porsilyne was pleased with the turnout for the vigil. “It feels good to see us get together as a big family. It's just harder we're here because of this issue.”

Andrew Lynch and his wife, Hilda, gathered and passed out the candles for the event.

“I knew his son,” said Mr. Lynch. “When they told me he was missing, I didn't mind helping. This is America. This is what we do.”