Chief Deputy Scott Hall of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office said this morning it was not clear what prompted the crime.
He said in a statement Deputy T.J. Vesce responded to the James Street area of Hobgood around 10 p.m. and learned the victim was cut and sustained a severe laceration to his left forearm.

Further investigation led Vesce to obtain warrants on Jashon Rascoe, 16, for felony assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.
Rascoe was jailed on $1,500 secured bond and has a May 17 court date.

It had originally been scheduled to begin next Monday.
Documents filed in the federal court record do not explain what prompted the continuation.
It is expected the trial will take five days and will begin at 10 a.m. at the federal courthouse in Greenville.
Tillmon is the only one of the 15 charged in the police corruption case to ask for a jury trial.

Kenneth Lassiter was named to the position by Secretary Erik A. Hooks.
In taking the position, effective May 1, Lassiter replaces George Solomon who is retiring after 33 years.
Lassiter will oversee 55 state prisons which house more than 36,500 inmates. The state prison system has a budget of approximately $1.2 billion and more than 17,000 employees.
Lassiter is a 28-year corrections veteran who has served for the past three years as the state prison system’s deputy director for operations.
He served as central region director and as warden at Central Prison, and moved through the ranks serving as superintendent, assistant superintendent of custody and operations and other managerial positions in all custody levels.
He began his career as a correctional officer in 1989 at Odom Correctional Institution outside Jackson.
“As a career professional, Kenneth Lassiter has managed our facilities and operations with great passion and expertise,” said Hooks in a statement. “Having a nationally-recognized leader like Kenneth who has a wide array of experience in safety and security roles in prisons is critical to helping protect the public, our employees and the inmates in our care.”
W. David Guice, chief deputy secretary for Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice said in the statement, “As we continue to re-mission our prison facilities, improve mental health care and work to reduce the use of segregation, Kenneth is the right leader to move that work forward. I want to welcome Kenneth to this new role and thank George Solomon for his many years of excellent service as he enters retirement.”
Lassiter is a graduate of Northwest Halifax High School, a U.S. Army veteran and attended South Piedmont Community College.
Within NCDPS, he is a general instructor, firearms instructor and graduate of the Correctional Leadership Development Program.
He currently serves on the American Correctional Association’s Board of Governors and its membership committee.
Hooks also today tapped Tracey Lee as director of community corrections.
Lee is a 27-year Community Corrections veteran who began his career as a probation officer in Charlotte.

What they would find after the sweep is most of the sex offenders were compliant.

Five matters will be investigated further said Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Chris Scott, who heads the civil division. The possible violations to be investigated are those dealing with online identifiers and address verification issues.

That the number of violations was low, Scott said, “Tells me this office is consistent with monitoring offenders. I think it’s a positive sign that we’re maintaining public safety. I believe it’s a win.”

In a 2014 sweep, when there around 102 registered sex offenders in the county, nine were found non-compliant, Scott said. “We take it very seriously. The idea was to beat the nine we had in 2014.”

The day begins

Scott began briefing probation officers, sheriff’s office investigators and deputies as well as agents of the City County Drug Task Force shortly after 5:30 this morning.

Prior to the briefing Scott said about 90 percent of the county’s sex offenders stay compliant. There's always some, he said, who “go astray.”

About 5 percent of those on the state sex offender registry are on it for life.

While part of the aim is to ensure compliance, another component is education, something he stressed to the officers during the briefing. “A lot of offenders are eligible to petition the court to get off the list.”

He provided the officers petitions. “That’s part of their job to tell them they can get off. It doesn’t cost a thing.”

Scott provided the officers dossiers with offender photos, aerial views of their residences and what he called “makeshift layouts” of their houses.

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On the road

Chief Deputy Scott Hall followed the officers from location to location.

“I think this is one more effort we have to ensure the safety of the citizens and children from predators within our county lines,” he said, driving first to Roanoke Rapids.

Most of the offenders declined interview requests made through the officers doing the compliance checks.

Jimmy Clegg, who lives in Littleton, did agree to be interviewed.

He has been on the registry for 9 years and is one of those eligible to get off the list next year, according to his own account and information contained in the registry.

Asked what he did, he said he was accused of “hitting on kids” and “touching them in the wrong place.”

He claims, however, he didn’t do what he was charged with. “They messed me around,” he said of the authorities.

He was convicted in Harnett County of two counts of sexual battery when the victim in the case was 13 and he was 42.

He claims he “got caught up” in a matter with his first wife but didn’t seek a jury trial in his case.

Because he is listed on the registry, “I can’t be around kids, can’t be around schools.”

When he gets off the registry, he said, “I’ll be happy then.”

The registry does note he has not had any violations while his name has been on the registry.

Scott declined comment on what Clegg said.

The end of the sweep

“The sheriff’s office has no tolerance when it comes to sex offenders and there are reasons why there is a sex offender registry,” Sheriff Wes Tripp said. “Deputies continue to monitor aggressively those on the sex offender list. What they found today is even more proof we take this seriously.”

Tripp said Scott is tasked with monitoring the sex offenders in the county and each deputy is assigned two sex offenders to check. “They don’t know when we’re coming to check on them.”

The sheriff also said he has people routinely call him on how often they are checked. “My response is to do what they can to get off the list. Some are on this for life. My passion will always be for the children and other victims of sex crimes in Halifax County.”

The man arrested, Demarko Rashad Minor, 25, of Garysburg, was not a sex offender but was sitting in a vehicle at a residence which was to be checked, Agent D.R. Radford confirmed.
Agent J.R. Matthews and Investigator R.M. Brown of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office encountered Minor around 8 a.m. at a residence on Creek Drive as he sat inside a vehicle.
The officers detected the odor and after a search of Minor and the vehicle, seized 26 grams of marijuana.
Matthews arrested and charged Minor with possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana, maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for a controlled substance, possession of marijuana up to to a half-ounce, and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.
He received a $1,000 bond and May 17 court date.

Burglary

Chief Chuck Hasty said the burglary was reported around 2:15 this morning in the 600 block of Roanoke Avenue and was in progress at the time of the call.
The homeowner told officers they were awakened by the sound of glass breaking.
They observed items had been moved around and the back door was open. Nothing appeared to be missing, Hasty said.
A Halifax County Sheriff’s Office dog handler was called in to assist.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Investigator G.L. Williams at 252-533-2821 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Shots fired

Around 10:45 Thursday night officers responded to a shots fired call in the area of the 1800 block of Julian R. Allsbrook Highway.
Officers could not locate anyone when they arrived.
Master Officer J. Benthall responded to New Dixie Mart on Highway 125 about a vehicle which was shot into.
The victim told Benthall while at a traffic light at Julian Allsbrook and Premier Boulevard the vehicle was struck by gunfire.
Nobody was injured and there is no description of the suspects or suspect vehicle.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Investigator C. Babb at 252-533-2823 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Traffic stops

This morning around 1 a.m., Sergeant. D. Jenkins conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 95 at the 173 mile maker for a violation.
During the stop narcotics and paraphernalia were found.
Ronald Deleanor Hilton, 20, of Norfolk, was cited for possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and no operator’s license.
He was cited and released until his June 12 court date.
Benthall assisted.

On Thursday at approximately 1:35 a.m., Jenkins attempted to conduct a traffic stop for a violation in the 100 block of Jackson Street.
The driver failed to immediately stop until a few blocks further.
Matthew Tyler Ross, 20, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested and charged with exceeding a safe speed and failure to stop for blue lights and siren.
He received a $500 bond and May 8 court date.
Ryan Chance Turner, 22, of Gaston, a passenger, was arrested on outstanding warrants for larceny, possession of stolen goods and injury to property and was served an order for arrest for a probation violation.
He received a $3,500 bond and May 4 court date.
Lieutenant J. Baggett and officers J. DeSare and M. Hunsucker assisted.

The event raised $1,500 for the annual shopping spree, Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said.

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Town police Chief Tyree Davis said one of the men charged was familiar with the victim and money was the motive for the robbery.
Police were called to the scene at North McDaniel Street shortly after 10:15 p.m.
The victim told officers two men entered his residence, held him at gunpoint and took items from him.
The two gunmen fled the residence and ran toward the area of Cary Street.
Corporal C. Peaden and his dog, Lucky, were dispatched to run a track.
During the track, an officer noticed a man get into a vehicle parked in a yard where Lucky was leading.
As the vehicle left, another officer in the area of North Martin Luther King Boulevard was radioed and asked to stop the vehicle.
Sergeant Chris Exum and Officer Cameron Colbert stopped the vehicle and determined the men were allegedly involved in the robbery.

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They were identified as Cleveland Ballard III, 36; Kareem Thomas Bell, 27; and Jermaine Lamar Speller, 25.
Ballard was charged with possession of marijuana, accessory after the fact, and possession of stolen property. He received a $10,000 bond.
Speller and Bell were charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon and first-degree burglary.
They both received $60,000 bonds. All have April 26 court dates.
Some of the stolen items were returned to the victim.

Tripp presented the checks for $1,250 each today at the sheriff’s office in Halifax, two days after the Benefiting the Children event in Roanoke Rapids.
“We had a sold out event,” Tripp said. “Even with the storm we had the house packed to capacity. Legacy put on an excellent show.”
Tripp said he was appreciative of the generosity of county residents, which over the course of four major events have helped raise more than $36,000 for organizations which help children.
He has already set a date — April 28 — for next year’s event and expects to have it at the American Legion.
“It’s humbling,” Tripp said of the outpouring. “For Halifax being a Tier 1 county, I’m blessed to know when we have an event, people come out and do what’s right. Halifax County has been good to me. It’s my way of saying, ‘thank, you.’”
Forty sponsors of the seafood festival donated $500 and the event drew people from across the county. “I am proud of the support countywide,” the sheriff said.
For those the event helped, there was heartfelt appreciation as the checks were passed out.
“The sheriff is like Santa Claus,” said Doris Mack, who runs System of Care-Families Supporting Families in Roanoke Rapids. “He also helps keep our food pantry filled. He has certainly been good to System of Care-Families Supporting Families.”
Roanoke Rapids Mayor Pro Tem Carl Ferebee accepted a check which will be allocated to the budget for repairs to the Chaloner Recreation Center pool. “It’s been a struggle but we’re well on the way. I would like to thank Sheriff Wes Tripp for his continuous effort and giving back to the county and benefitting the children of Halifax County and including donating some funds toward the Chaloner pool renovation effort. It is highly appreciated.”
Kathleen Robinson’s Camp Save a Child through her Lighthouse Ministries was another recipient. “This donation. Oh, my God, it will help feed people, it will do a lot of things. Really this is like having a million bucks.”
Mildred Moore has run the Scotland Neck Education and Resource Foundation for 20 years, an after-school program which feeds children and provides them a safe haven. “It helps our program. Also, this will help us without having to do a lot of fundraising.”
The Roanoke Rapids Youth Baseball Association reaches some 350 to 400 children in Halifax and Northampton counties, its president, Todd Lockamon said. “It’s spent on the kids. We’ve been improving Ledgerwood Field for the last three years. Where our older kids play, we need a batting cage.”
Project Graduation at Roanoke Rapids High is another organization assisted by Saturday’s event.
It is an event which brings graduating seniors together after commencement, Cindy White said. “The kids really enjoy Project Graduation. This donation helps out.”
Chester Williams accepted a donation on behalf of the Halifax County Recreation Advisory Board. “Thank you for your donation,” he told the sheriff. “This definitely helps our grassroots advisory board.”
Michael Richardson and Chief Ogletree Richardson accepted a donation on behalf of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribal School.
Richardson, who serves as chair of the board of directors, said, “This will help our seniors in their senior projects this year.”

Lieutenant Charles Vaught said motive has not been established in the Friday night shooting, which occurred in the 200 block of Franklin Street around 9:45.
Two men were shot inside a vehicle, Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement.
Officers learned the victims were shot while they were at a stop sign. A white vehicle pulled up behind them and shots were fired into the vehicle the victims were in.
Vaught said no further physical description of the suspects or a further description of their vehicle was immediately available.
The victims were transported to the hospital by EMS and then a trauma center for further treatment.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Vaught at 252-533-2819 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Sunday calls

Around 3 p.m., Officer R. Cross responded to a domestic disturbance call in the 1300 block of Carolina Street.
During the investigation officers learned there was a custody dispute and Chavez Weaver, 24, of Roanoke Rapids, had an outstanding warrant for assault on a female.
Weaver was taken into custody on the warrant and Cross found him in possession of narcotics and paraphernalia.
Weaver was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and was served the outstanding warrant.
He was jailed without opportunity for bond on a domestic hold and received a May 19 court date.
Lieutenant P. Parks and officers J. Spragins and H. Grimes assisted.

Around 11 p.m., Officer A. Green conducted a traffic stop for a violation on East Tenth Street and Julian R. Allsbrook Highway.
The passenger, Donald Lee Yellorday, 40, of Roanoke Rapids, was found in possession of narcotics and had an outstanding warrant for communicating threats.
Yellorday was charged with possession of marijuana and served the outstanding warrant. He received a $300 bond and May 26 court date.
Sergeant M. Moseley and Master Officer G. Morris assisted.

“I feel honored I was nominated,” Davis said last week. “I appreciate the recognition for the work I’ve done and appreciate all the agencies that report.”
Davis is responsible for making sure all agencies in Halifax County report their data to the program, Weldon Deputy Chief James Avens said. He has been the coordinator for the past seven years, overseeing the reporting of checkpoints and different campaigns held throughout the county.
“I’m proud of him and his accomplishments and hard work as county coordinator,” said Avens. “He’s done a great job with that position.”

Macon said his resignation is effective May 1 and he has no immediate plans for a future career path.
“I haven’t decided if I’m going to keep my (law enforcement) certification. More than likely I probably will not be going to work for any other agency or municipality.”
Macon has been town administrator since 2015 and this September would have marked his 11th anniversary as police chief.
He said his decision to leave town government was not based on the expected hardship the closing of Roanoke Valley Power Facility will create for the town. “I have resigned for personal reasons. It has nothing to do with the town of Weldon or those associated with the town of Weldon.”
Macon did say, “It’ll be difficult to wake up on May 1 and not see the people I thoroughly enjoyed working with. I’m sure I’ll have some withdrawals but I’m sure my wife will keep me busy around the house. I’m going to spend more time with my family, concentrate on my wellness and concentrate on myself for a while.”
Macon said he hopes he is leaving the police department with core values which have been developed through his work and the work of the officers in the department. “We’ve got a full staff, great employees and good policies that will help the organization head to greatness.”
He says he would support Deputy Chief James Avens as chief of the department. “James is more than capable of being chief. He will have my full support.”
In his two years as town administrator, Macon said he was able to hire good employees and maintain retention of them. “In my first year we were able to implement a new personnel policy along with new pay schedules and grades and some internal overhauls. We completed two budgets that the town was able with good oversight and supervision to manage their budget. They didn’t go over it the last two years.”
Macon said he is appreciative of the support he has received during his tenure in the town. “I appreciate the elected officials and their support and just believing in me. Being police chief and transitioning into a dual role, I had a great supporting cast. I’m appreciative of the opportunities I had to develop and grow.”
As far as jumping into a another municipal government position, Macon said, “I just want to take time and enjoy my family and be more active in my church and be more successful.”

At the time he accepted a plea deal in February, the location of the sentencing had not been set.
He is scheduled to appear before District Judge Terrence W. Boyle at 10 a.m. on that date, a notice of hearing filed Monday confirms.
Motions to continue must be electronically filed by noon on May 3, the notice says.
At his February arraignment he entered a guilty plea on the first of the three counts lodged against him and the government agreed to dismiss counts 2 and 3.
Count 1 says on or about July 8, Coles did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a
firearm, in violation of United States Code.
The two counts which will be dismissed upon sentencing charged him with aiding and abetting another who made false and fictitious oral and written statements in his attempt to purchase a firearm from a pawn shop and that Coles made written deceptive statements on a federal firearms form.
Roanoke Rapids Police Department Investigator Chris Babb and the ATF investigated the pawn shop case which led to the federal indictments.
Coles was arrested in Hopewell, Virginia, on December 8 after a federal warrant for his arrest was issued in early November.

Investigators at the scene this morning declined comment but Sheriff Wes Tripp said in a statement Miranda Thacker of Valentines was found deceased.
Tripp said she has ties to the area.
Asked whether foul play or natural causes was suspected in her death, Tripp said, “Further investigation will determine the cause of death.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s office at 252-583-8201 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

“They used to do a muddle day event years ago,” said Ryan Newsome, cultural resources leader for the city. “We wanted to recreate it.”
Newsome is hoping the Canal Festival, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the museum on Jackson Street Extension, will become an annual event and give the public a chance to tour the museum as well as the trail.
“People who use the trail may not have been in the facility and many people who use the trail may not realize the history behind it,” said Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Kelly Manning. “It will help people learn the history of the trail, Roanoke Rapids and the community they live in.”
There will be a 5K Rockfish Run starting at 10 a.m. The top 10 finishers will receive one-year free membership to Spartan Xfit on Roanoke Avenue. Registration is $25 and participants receive a free T-shirt. The run begins at the museum and goes to Roanoke Rapids Lake Dam and back. Registration information can be found by following this link.
Throughout the day Buddy High, dressed in period attire, will tell visitors about the batteau used to transport goods through the canal while Greg Wright will be serving Rockfish muddle samples, Newsome said.
Scott Hall will have a concession stand for barbecue sandwiches which will benefit the Roanoke Rapids Youth Baseball Association.
There will be a bounce house, rock wall and face-painting as well as a fish-tossing game using toy fish. There will be four divisions for those 15 and older and 14 and under. Prizes will be awarded to the top tossers, Newsome said.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission will be on hand as will the North Carolina Forest Service.
The Underground Railroad Committee will be at the event explaining the role the canal had in helping slaves escape to freedom.
Throughout the day the band Wild Country will perform.
Friends of the Canal will hold a raffle with a surprise grand prize; a one-year membership to Friends of the Canal and a signed Napoleon Hill print.
Manning credited the sponsors for making the event possible. “It really shows the community support here to the recreation department. We couldn’t do it without the sponsors. We had to have the sponsors to support us.”

The event will be held at Kirkwood Adams Civic Center on Hamilton Street.
There will be food for sale and a bounce house for children.
At 6 p.m. the events start with the survivor walk, caregiver walk and team walk.
At 6:45 p.m. the theme song, Lord, I Lift Your Name on High, will be performed.
From 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Donald Casey will provide musical entertainment and from 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Vernon Futrell will perform.
The luminary ceremony begins at 9 p.m. and from 9:30 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. Lavontae Wilson will present line dancing.

Saturday schedule

8 a.m. — sunrise service by Annie Smith
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. — Tillery Chapel Baptist Church Praise and Dance Team
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.— Oak Grove Baptist Church Praise and Dance Team
11:30 a.m. — drawings
Noon — closing ceremony

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The crime occurred around 9:45 p.m. Police declined to disclose the name of the store or the general area where the business is located.
Anyone with information on the identification of the person in the photos is encouraged to contact law enforcement; the police department at 252-533-2810; Investigator G. Williams at 252-533-2821 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

The women will depart from the Hilton Garden Inn for the 170-mile run to Surf City at 8 a.m. on May 4.
Called the North Carolina Icebreaker Run, the women will speak openly about their stories and highlight causes for action.
The women participating in the run have been affected directly or through family members by depression, suicide, addiction, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health issues.

(More information may be found on the Team Inspire Facebook page)

The event was conceived by Team Inspire, a group of women in Hampstead who have grown together over the past few years into advocates for mental health issues, raising awareness through physical activities, sharing and connecting.
They include Dana Little, 52, who started training for her first marathon when she was 40 after best friend died from cancer. “When I crossed the finish line at the Walt Disney World Marathon, I was hooked. I’ve ran numerous marathons, triathlons and eventually ultra distance marathons in the past decade.
“At each event I leave with more than I brought to the start line. Running has always put me in the right place at the right time.”
Jessica Blackburn, 51, struggled with eating issues due to low self-esteem and anger. “My faith in God has pulled me through to where I am today. Am I complete, no? But by the grace of God I carry on. I have always enjoyed running, so when I started back in my late 40s I felt so free and alive.” Caryn Sutton, 38, is a Surf City resident who found running a form of therapy in the daily struggles of being a working mother with anxiety and daily tension.
Running became her outlet. “I would joke with my husband and instead of telling him I was going out for a run, I’d say I was heading to the shrink.”
Sutton is mother to a 7-year-old boy and over the past few years has ran four half-marathons, countless 5-10Ks, and several triathlons. “The Team Inspire group of amazing ladies has motivated me with continued strength, faith, passion and dedication. I know with every stride I take, I make a difference within myself and hope to inspire others.”
Hampstead resident Christine Whiteley’s family has been impacted by alcoholism, substance abuse, mental illness and suicide.
She has been trained in Mental First Aid, is an active member of several groups to support people who have lost loved ones to suicide, and recently attended a panel discussion on suicide awareness and prevention for LGBTQIA youth. "It is extremely difficult for me to talk about personal experiences. But I try to become knowledgeable and keep my hand out so if anybody needs to grasp it, I am ready."
Kim Martin, 31, of Wilmington, is the wife of one of the pioneers of the Icebreaker Run, Chris Martin.
Her father died of a heroin overdose after battling addiction his whole life.
Rebecca Moxey, 55, a Hampstead resident, is planning the event. She is a recovering alcoholic who has suffered anxiety and PTSD.
She grew up in a family filled with addiction, violence and suicide. She has adult children who have struggled with bipolar and addiction.
In the past year, she has found a purpose and passion in helping others find their road to recovery, as she did. “I found a new family last year with the Icebreaker Runners, Charlie Engle, Chris Martin and Pam Rickard. Defeat the Stigma Project believed in Team Inspire and challenged us to run across North Carolina. We are taking this challenge and using it for good work.
“These people who have recovered and went on to advocate for others through the Icebreaker Run, THP and Defeating the Stigma, have helped me be proud of how far I have come, no longer ashamed, and ready to help others find resources for recovery.”
The run will include a relay of some 10 runners, completing various segments as they cross the state.
The run ends on May 7 at Surf City’s Sound Side Park with a finish party from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said in a statement the autopsy of Miranda Thacker, 33, of Valentines, Virginia, was performed in Greenville today with detectives in attendance.
“We need the medical expertise of the pathologist to determine cause of death,” the sheriff said this evening. “In any of the cases we work, we need medical evidence that determines natural causes or foul play. We’re at the point in this investigation where the cause is undetermined.”
Pathologists plan to conduct more tests, the sheriff said, declining to elaborate.
Tripp Wednesday said Thacker has ties to the area.
Detectives continue to investigate the case, he said, and anyone with information is encouraged to call the sheriff’s office at 252-583-8201 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement Kristopher Wayne Patterson surrendered to Investigator C. Babb around 3:15 p.m. and has a June 7 court date.
The 34-year-old Patterson faces charges of possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia, and maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance.
His arrest is based on the execution of a search warrant in the 600 block of Williams Street on April 18. Patterson was not home at the time the search warrant was executed.
Application of the search warrant was based on complaints, police said last week.
Babb this morning described the operation as fairly sophisticated. He said the marijuana possession charge stems from the seizure of hash oil.
He said investigators seized grow lights, a grow tent with a reflective interior, planters, big plastic bins with drains, electrical ballasts, exhaust fans and manuals and DVDs on growing marijuana.
It was unclear how long the operation had been active, Babb said.
Hasty said this morning, “It’s just good investigative work on Babb’s part and through the assistance of the City County Drug Task Force.”
In 2011, the state dropped charges against Patterson after officers found an indoor grow operation at the Carolina Street residence where he lived at the time.
The court at the time granted a motion to suppress all evidence in the case and his defense attorneys believed officers didn’t have sufficient reason to enter the residence.