Two county officials before the event, Commissioner Rives Manning and County Manager Tony Brown, declined immediate comment on how much the lawsuit might cost as it moves forward within the court system.

Instead, Bryant issued a challenge to a group of business people, educators, elected officials and others saying, “Halifax County commissioners are working hard to make Halifax County a better place to live, work and play. I issue a challenge to all of you here today to help us achieve that goal.”

Education, Bryant said, “Is the key to achieving that goal. I challenge both individuals and businesses to adopt a school and see where you can contribute your time and talents to helping those students achieve greatness.”

Bryant said they might need money or, “They might need mentoring or tutoring. Pick any school. It doesn't matter what kind of school it is because all the students in these schools matter equally.”

He said help was needed in each of the schools “to make them best they can be.”

In his speech at luncheon, Bryant highlighted the county's budget process this year, which led to what the county has called a revenue-neutral tax rate adjustment and the use of fund balance in previous years. “The local economy is slowly improving,” he said, “as evidenced by increased sales tax revenues received by the county. Fund balance has not yet recovered and the other commissioners and I are committed to maintaining a fiscally sound and conservative approach to county spending.”

In introducing the topic of education, Bryant said, “We recognize that we need to recruit and retain qualified and effective teachers to teach our young citizens.”

In touching on economic development, Bryant cited the Klausner II project in Enfield, the $60 million Geenex solar project and the continued construction of the Center for Energy Education. “Halifax County being poor is nothing new,” he said. “It is part of history here and is true for this area of the state. However, we are working very hard to change that.”

Bryant noted the June unemployment rate was 9.4 percent, compared to 14.7 percent five years ago. Gross retail sales are up 6.2 percent for the current fiscal year over 2014.

Bryant noted economic development activity so far this year is up 34.1 percent. “However,” he said, “31 percent of our residents live in poverty as of 2013. This shows we still have a lot of work to do. Our human services agencies, including social services and public health, are working hard to serve those citizens needing assistance.”

Jay Carlisle

Chairman of the Roanoke Graded School District Board of Education, Carlisle was the first of the three speakers.

“Everyone knows the value of education,” he said. “The keyword is progressive thinking.”

Carlisle told the audience the school system then and now has always tried to be progressive. “The Roanoke Rapids Graded School District values every person, from environmental services to the nutrition staff.”

Carlisle said technology has changed the way students can learn, allowing students aged 16 through 18 to earn college credits and have a relationship with Halifax Community College.

With a focus on Pre-K, students are more likely graduate high school. The school system is also looking at funding support to identify students who are at-risk for dropping out, he said. “We believe every child in our district is ours.”

The chairman said he is proud of the business partnerships the school system has forged and ended with a quote from educator Forest Witcraft — “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove - but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”

Emery Doughtie

The Roanoke Rapids mayor said, to a smattering of applause, “My vision for Roanoke Rapids City Council is to be riding up and down the interstate and seeing a sold sign on the Roanoke Rapids Theatre.”

While selling the venue will be a burden, the mayor said, “We're trying to restructure the debt,” which he said would still be a savings to the city.

Doughtie said he wants to see new housing opportunities in the city. “We do need that. I'm in favor of that happening.”

The mayor said he is hopeful the former WestPoint plant can be turned into an economic development tool. “That has potential. It can make a huge impact on the community. We have things. All we need is a break that can move us forward.”

Doughtie said there is potential for development around the theater site and he still believes city residents should have the opportunity to vote for a prepared food tax.

“I'd like to see more volunteering to help us in areas of the city,” he said.

The mayor also touched on education, saying, that while he didn't want to go to North Carolina State University, “I had two parents who loved me and wanted to me to get an education.”

After attending, he said, “I wanted to get my education as quick as I could and get back to Roanoke Rapids. Education will open many important doors.”

Holliday

Captain A.M. Harris of the task force said Agent D. McKeel had been investigating Antonio Holliday, 37, and Geraldesha Smith, 22, when he was working for the Scotland Neck Police Department and continued his investigation as a task force agent.

In a statement, McKeel said a search warrant based on citizen complaints in the Church Street area of Scotland Neck as well as his own investigation was served shortly before 9:30 this morning.

With assistance from task force Lieutenant H.G. Phillips and his dog, Josh, 22.10 grams of cocaine was seized as well as a marijuana roach, a 20-gauge shotgun and what Harris described as an undisclosed amount of money.

Paraphernalia including plastic baggies and a digital scale was also seized, McKeel said in the press release.

Harris said the solid rock of crack has an estimated street value of $1,400.

Smith

McKeel arrested and charged Holliday and Smith with maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for controlled substances, possession with intent to sale and deliver cocaine, felony possession of cocaine, possess drug paraphernalia and possess marijuana up to one-half ounce.

Both received $10,000 secured bonds and were given an October 28 court date.

McKeel said citizens are encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 to report any drug activity or log into www.halifaxsheriff.com to submit a tip. 

Griffin said the matter remains under investigation and declined to go into detail on the case.

Investigation led him to develop Alex Lance Boyd, 26, and Kimberly King Munn, 24, both of Roanoke Rapids, as alleged suspects in the case.

Boyd faces charges of three counts possession of stolen property; two counts obtaining property by false pretense, two counts conspiracy to obtain property by false pretense; felony larceny; larceny of a firearm; possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

He was arrested Monday and received a $59,000 bond and September 16 court date.

Munn, who was also arrested Monday, was charged with two counts obtaining property by false pretense; two counts conspiracy to obtain property by false pretense and two counts of possession of stolen property.

She received a $15,000 bond with a first court appearance on September 16.

Most of the victim’s property has been recovered, Griffin said in a statement.

Griffin said in a statement there was no evidence of a break-in occurring and he charged Heather Marie Childs, 40.

Griffin said this afternoon the false police report was not an attempt to collect insurance money but “an attempt to avoid paying some debts.”

She was given a $5,000 bond and September 16 court date. “Anyone that is found to be filing a false police report will be prosecuted,” Griffin said in the statement.

At approximately 8:45 p.m., Officer Ryan Cross responded to a call about a person begging for money and yelling at customers at Walgreen's.

Cross located Charlie Baugham, 59, of Roanoke Rapids, on the parking lot.

Baugham has been told in the past by Walgreen’s staff and the police department not to come on the property.

Cross arrested and charged Baugham with trespassing.

Baugham was given a $100 bond and a September 25 court date.

Officer Joey Spragins assisted.

August 25

At approximately 4:20 p.m., City County Drug Task Force Agent Daniel Hundley conducted a traffic stop near Second and Henry streets.

Lieutenant C.L. Vaught arrived to assist with the stop.

As Vaught conducted a search of the vehicle, Gwendolyn Denise Graham, 37, of Roanoke Rapids, approached and began to question him.

Vaught asked Graham to step away and let him finish his search. Graham began cursing and continued refusing to step away.

After several warnings Vaught arrested and charged Graham with resisting /delaying/obstructing an officer.

Graham was given a $2,000 bond and a September 16 court date.

August 26

At approximately 2:30 p.m., Officer Scott Blythe responded to a larceny call at Family Dollar on East Tenth Street.

Staff told Blythe, Allison Nicole Medlin, 29, of Roanoke Rapids, took items from the store without paying and ran across Tenth Street.

At approximately 4 p.m., Master Officer Roy Ball stopped Medlin on Tenth Street near Roanoke Avenue in a vehicle.

Medlin was arrested and charged with larceny, possession of stolen goods and driving on a revoked license.

Medlin received a $2,000 bond and an October 30 court date.

Officer Ariel Burgess assisted.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., Lieutenant Perry Parks, Ball and Burgess were following up on a drug complaint at Carolina Inn on Jackson Street.

Officers spoke with Andrew Gregory Byrd, 28, of Roanoke Rapids, and during the conversation noticed drug paraphernalia in plain view.

Ball and Burgess seized the paraphernalia and cited Byrd for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Byrd was released until his court date on October 30.

August 27

At approximately 1 p.m. Ball arrested Devon Mayo, 20, of Roanoke Rapids, on outstanding warrants for larceny, possession of stolen goods and obtaining property by false pretense.

The charges stem from an investigation by Investigator Frankie Griffin on August 25 when someone reported a person later identified as Mayo taking their neighbor's lawn mower and weed trimmer.

The neighbor took a photo of Mayo with their cellphone and turned it over to law enforcement.

Griffin located the property at a local pawn shop.

Mayo received a $2,000 bond and a September 16 court date.

Parks and officers Jamie Hardy and Greg Colson assisted.

Griffin investigated a report from the victim's mother on July 26 alleging inappropriate contact occurred between Rowland, who was in a caregiver capacity, and the child.

Rowland received a $10,000 bond and October 21 court date.

The men arrived at the store in a green Jeep Cherokee.

No force was used but the other two men distracted the cashier during the heist.

The case remains under investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department at 252-536-3136 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

The child was in a proper child safety restraint at the time of the chase, Harris said.

Agent D.J. Hundley said in a statement he noticed a vehicle attempting to avoid the checking station.

When he attempted to stop the vehicle using blue lights and siren the driver, who was later identified as Hicks, refused to stop and led Hundley and Detective D.C. Dickens of the Halifax County Sheriff's Office on a 2-mile chase which ended at Highway 158 near Zoo Road.

Hundley noticed a small child was in the vehicle and arrested and charged Hicks with felony flee to elude arrest; reckless driving to endanger; misdemeanor child abuse; exceeding the posted speed limit; resisting a public officer; no operators license; drive left of center; unsafe passing on a yellow line and center lane violation.

Social services was notified and the child, who Harris said was believed to be Hicks', was turned over to the 17-year-old's grandmother.

She was given a $10,000 unsecured bond and September 23 court date.

Hundley said in the statement agents began checking stations in Roanoke Rapids and Weldon around 2:30 p.m.

In addition to the chase, in Weldon, a Henrico and a Weldon resident were cited for driving while license revoked.

At the Roanoke Rapids traffic checking station, a city resident was cited for a child restraint violation.

Radford smelled the strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

A probable cause search yielded the marijuana.

Williams was arrested and charged with felony possession of marijuana.

He was given a $1,500 bond and September 23 court date.

As theater and technical director of the 400-seat venue where the stars of Vaudeville once performed, the refurbished building is now home to a thriving community theater and professional performances.

The theater thrived for years through Vaudeville, the silent picture and talkie eras and saw stars like Clara Bow, Vilma Banky, Gene Autry and Minnie Pearl come through its doors.

By the early 1970s the building became abandoned.

Then came an interest in the theatre and how it could fit in with the town's objectives of economic development and quality of life. “When you talk about what it takes to get businesses they look at hospitals and schools,” Wright said. “In the top five is what do you have for entertainment. Mayor Earl Horne wanted to have a place to do local and professional shows.”

{gallery}colonialtheatre{/gallery}

It took 10 years, but eventually the restoration project was completed and the Colonial opened in January of 2011.

“My understanding is there were no local tax dollars,” Wright said at the venue last week. “They solicited business,” organizations and private donors.

The key to the revival of the Colonial, Wright said, is the community. “We can't do it without the community and businesses. Mayor Horne and the community have done a fantastic job. We can't over emphasize how much we thank the public. You've got to get businesses to support you.”

Then there was the support from the South Hill Chamber of Commerce which actively promotes the theater, Wright said.

For Wright, his job at the Colonial, which he has had since the reopening of the venue, comes natural. “I've done a lot of things,” he said, from serving in the military to being an independent technical technician and working as a job coach.

He has directed shows at Lakeland and got his his first taste for performance in college. “I just like working with people and enjoy seeing young people grow in theater. There's great local talent here. We are blessed.”

Through the Colonial Actors Theatre Society the group, known as CATS, does five in-house shows a year and then books four to five professional shows each year.

Planning is what makes the venue work. “We're already working on the 2017 season. We have to book way out. All the royalties have to be paid. We pay ASCAP quarterly. We couldn't do it without the community and local sponsors.”

While the theater might not be the official hub of the town, it plays a role in it, said Wright. “There are parks, we've got a new hospital coming, Mayor Horne and the chamber. Business is booming.”

The Colonial's 2015 season is coming to a close with performances of Oklahoma in October and The Homecoming scheduled in December by CATS.

The professional schedule comes to a close with Leo Days: A Tribute to Elvis on September 19 and Jason Petty's Honky-Tonk Holidays show in November.

The Elvis tribute with Days, who has been heralded as the country's top Elvis impersonator, will be his only East Coast performance, Wright said.

The Colonial is also available for rentals. “We can handle business meetings. We've had quite a few weddings here.”

Wright has been overwhelmed with the support of the venue since it reopened. “I have to pinch myself. This is my dream job, but you've got to get the businesses to support you. You've got to involve local people, get businesses behind you. You've got to get the financial backing.”

Lauren Epps is the chief operating officer of the Colonial and started working in the box office in 2012.

There are several things that make the theater work, she said, and one of them was the passion to see the venue reopen. “There were only a handful of Vaudeville theaters still standing in Virginia. We're quite fortunate to have people who decided to keep it as part of our history.”

“Several of the school buses have cameras on them that help us with enforcement of the passing of school buses when they have stopped and the arms are out,” Hasty said in a statement. “We as a department want to keep our kids safe while on the way to and from school.”

Meanwhile, Hasty reported the police department, the City County Drug Task Force, the state Highway Patrol and Weldon Police Department participated in checking stations Friday night.

The checkpoints were held at Becker Drive and Interstate 95 and Highway 48 and Vepco Street.

The checking stations produced 27 charges ranging from possession of drugs to child seat violations.

(A PDF of the wanted poster is included at the end of this story)

Pugh is known to frequent the Vance Street area of Roanoke Rapids as well as Windchase Apartments. He is also believed to frequent the Littleton area and has relatives on Sam Powell Dairy Road.

Pugh is encouraged to turn himself in, Babb said.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Babb at 252-533-2823 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Jimmy Pair Jr. — Detention hearing set Tuesday

In his memo for pre-trial release, Neil Morrison, the attorney for Jimmy Pair Jr., says his client's health and medical condition has deteriorated since his “solitary confinement in his isolation cell from April 30, 2015, to the date of the filing of this motion.”

The document says he suffers from high blood pressure; spine, neck, wrist, back, and shoulder pain; sinus issues; and circulation concerns.

“First, Mr. Pair’s high blood pressure has gotten considerably worse during incarceration.

Mr. Pair advised his most recent blood pressure reading was in excess of 160/100,” the memo to the court says. “He is on medication to treat the high blood pressure, but even with the medication, his high blood pressure has only worsened. Mr. Pair made the undersigned aware this past week that recently he was without his high blood pressure medication for nearly one week because (the Pitt County Detention Center) failed to renew his medication in a timely fashion. In essence, (the detention center) allowed Mr. Pair’s medication to run out before reordering. Each and every day he asked the medical technician about the status of his high blood pressure medication. Each and every day he was told his medication was on back order. Mr. Pair spent most of that week bed-ridden because he felt so poorly and was concerned about his health.”

The memo also speaks to a motorcycle crash Pair had in May of 2000, “which nearly ended his life.”

“Had it not been for his helmet, he would have died. As a result of this accident, Mr. Pair has myriad health issues, all of which are exacerbated by his incarceration. Mr. Pair has spine, neck, wrist, back and shoulder pain from the accident. Mr. Pair advised that multiple vertebrae shifted and fragmented due to the accident and cause significant pain to his spine. The discomfort caused by this shifting and fragmenting vertebrae is exacerbated by his current confinement conditions. Mr. Pair takes pain medication regularly for his spine and neck pain.”

Pair’s wrist was nearly destroyed as a part of the crash and his physician first advised him he may lose his hand. “Ultimately, his physician saved his hand, but told him his wrist would eventually have to fused to that hand so that he could still retain some use and movement. Mr. Pair takes pain medication regularly for his wrist pain.”

Pair has a bulging disc that radiates substantial pain in his lower back and muscle inflammation in his shoulder that requires a cortisone shot every three to four months. “With respect to his spine, neck, wrist, lower back, and shoulder pain, the minute size of his solitary cell, when combined with the foam mattress operating as a bed, has only made all of the above-cited health concerns arising from his motorcycle accident that much worse,” the document says.

Pair has taken sinus medication for the past three decades. “He struggles to breathe if he does not take a medicated spray every day. As with his high blood pressure medication, PCDC allowed Mr. Pair’s sinus medication to run out without reordering. Here, however, Mr. Pair waited nearly three weeks until the medicated spray finally arrived. In fact, Mr. Pair filed a grievance on August 5, 2015, arguing he had trouble breathing without the spray and asking for his medication. PCDC’s response was to claim that the pharmacy was out of stock and such a delay was beyond their control. However, as described above, PCDC never attempted to reorder a medication taken daily by Mr. Pair (and which he had taken daily for more than two months) until the point it had run out.”

Lastly, Morrison writes Pair has circulation concerns. “Mr. Pair measured his isolation cell by footsteps. From the point where he stands up from the bed to the door of his cell, he can walk four steps, back to back, before his nose touches the door. On the wall of the isolation cell opposite his bed, he can walk only three steps, back to back, from wall to wall.”

Other than hour per day, he is confined to this isolation cell for the other 23 hours. “Mr. Pair’s ability to exercise and maintain (or) improve his circulation in such a small space is severely restricted and limited. Under the current confinement conditions imposed, this situation will not change and Mr. Pair’s circulation problems will not improve. Mr. Pair respectfully requests this Court release him on conditions it deems just and proper.”

Antonio Tillmon — Detention hearing set Wednesday

Jason A. Brenner, attorney for Tillmon, says his client is being held in the New Hanover County Jail in Wilmington.

“This is at least a two hour trip from Oriental or Raleigh, North Carolina. A very detailed protective order is in force in this case that requires that any review of audiovisual discovery in this case take place in person, face to face with the defendant,” the attorney wrote in his memo. “Thus counsel, or legal staff, must be present the entire time Mr. Tillmon reviews any audiovisual discovery in this case. Counsel did not oppose this order as there appear legitimate interests in protecting informants and identities in this case.”

Brenner says there are hundreds of hours of audiovisual discovery in this case. “This case is by far the most discovery demanding of any federal appointed case in counsel and his firm’s experience. This includes a total of thirteen Adam Walsh Act cases, complex methamphetamine and other drug conspiracies and a Medicaid fraud case before this Honorable Court.”

Brenner says he has only been able to schedule one or two hour case review sessions at New Hanover County Jail. “The New Hanover County Jail staff, while pleasant and professional, has cancelled or delivered Mr. Tillmon to appointments late on multiple occasions. It has been extremely burdensome to schedule appointments for a variety of reasons including the jail staff not responding to counsel’s case manager’s message and the need to schedule meetings at the jail days in advance.”

While attorneys may use the attorney visitation rooms to meet with clients, interns, externs, clerks and others cannot use these rooms and must be in general visitation rooms with glass partitions. “This precludes audiovisual discovery without an attorney being actually present. Each time counsel has met with Mr. Tillmon, two guards have watched over the meeting right outside the glass paneled room. This has been unique in counsel’s federal criminal case experiences in our district, including many visits to Pamlico, Pitt, Albemarle, Edgecombe, and other detention centers as well as FCI-Butner.”

Brenner argues it will be close to impossible to complete a review of the audiovisual discovery with Tillmon in a sufficient way to account for the seriousness of the case — a 40-year mandatory minimum sentence — in the foreseeable future under the current conditions. “Setting aside discovery review, there will be extraordinary challenges in trial preparation including meeting with expert witnesses and preparing visual aids and other trial materials under confinement.”

Co-defendant Cory Jackson, who is also being held at New Hanover County Jail, has obtained an affidavit from the jailer concerning the conditions of confinement, Brenner said. “Counsel has attached a copy of that affidavit, showing that these defendants are being held by themselves, in small cells, with little access outside of their cells because of security concerns. Mr. Tillmon hast lost close to 40 pounds since the inception of this case in detention.”

Brenner will argue for the court to release Tillmon to strict house arrest so counsel can schedule a series of six- to eight-hour focused sessions with him in home confinement to review the discovery and the case. “The stakes in this matter are very high and Mr. Tillmon must have a sufficient understanding of the case against him in order to proceed,” Brenner wrote.

Jackson — Detention hearing set Tuesday

Keith Williams, who is representing Jackson, says his client is being held in solitary confinement in an 8-by-15 room. “He is released 1.5 hours every other day, meaning he is held for 70.5 hours and released for 1.5. Release is into a day room where he can shower and make phone calls but otherwise have no contact with anyone.

“He is in solitary 'for his own safety,' meaning the jail is concerned he would be attacked by other inmates because he is a former law enforcement officer.”

Williams quotes John McCain from Faith of My Fathers in the document, saying, "It's an awful thing, solitary. It crushes your spirit and weakens your resistance more effectively than any other form of mistreatment."

Jackson has been held in solitary since May 8. “He has lost 17 pounds and developed high blood pressure. When first arrested, his blood pressure was 152/100 and noted as normal.”

Since that time it has increased to 185/96 on May 18; 198/102 on May 26, and 180/100 on June 30, which is stage II hypertension, Williams says. “Stage II is the more severe form of high blood pressure, when the first number is 160 or higher.”

Williams speaks to Jackson's actions on July 12, 2006, when he and the late Deputy Joe Magee overpowered a murder suspect who had grabbed a gun from a bailiff. “Cory’s background is shown in part by a portion of the United States Congressional Record from September 7, 2006. Cory was commended for his bravery … Cory is also a person with strong ties to the community and a solid support system, as shown by the character letters attached. He is no danger to the community or risk of flight. Any lingering concerns could be addressed by placing him on electronic monitoring, which is available through the United States Pretrial Services Office.”

Williams argues, “Local jails are simply not equipped to handle people in this situation in a humane manner. Cory asks that the court order release on conditions the court deems appropriate.”

He is also wanted in a July 11 breaking, entering and larceny of a business on Roper Springs Road.

The break-in resulted in $2,000 worth of damage to the business and the theft of about $1,200 worth of personal hygiene and tobacco products, according to Detective Obert Wiltsie.

Carpenter faces charges of first-degree burglary; breaking and entering; larceny after breaking and entering and possession of stolen goods.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to call the sheriff's office at 252-583-8201 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

“Nursing evolves,” said Karen Daniels, vice president of nursing at Halifax Regional. “There has always been the need for someone to care for the ill and injured. As the profession of nursing evolves, it changes and advances in response to the needs of society.

“Today, there is an ever-growing emphasis on wellness and nursing is following suit. These Great 100 nurses, along with all Halifax Regional nurses, not only provide sick care, but work with patients to promote healthy living and wellness.”

Hope Lonesky has been a RN with Halifax Regional for 19 years serving in the Birthing Center for the past 18 years.

She is engaged with her patients and her involvement in community health education reflects her commitment, HRMC said in a statement.

Lonesky is actively involved in the Nurse Family Partnership which provides first-time moms and their babies care, support, and education with the goal of making positive long-term family improvements. She also leads the Breastfeeding Task Force, helping to identify strategies to increase breastfeeding awareness and spread the news to about of the overall health benefits of breastfeeding.

With 15 years of experience, labor and delivery nurse Medlin demonstrates integrity, honesty and accountability, the hospital said.

Medlin is highly respected by physicians and colleagues for her vast knowledge of obstetrics patients. Medlin is a level three LEAP recipient—a program designed for nurses demonstrating leadership, model nurse behavior, advocacy for nursing, and professionalism—in addition to being a contributing member of Halifax Regional’s Critical Congenital Heart Disease team to implement the best care practices for newborns.

“Tracy and Hope are both truly amazing nurses,” said Amy Joseph, nurse manager of the Halifax Regional Birthing Center. “They show their passion for nursing every day and it makes a huge difference for their patients. Their colleagues and I area extremely proud of their achievement and congratulate them on becoming part of the Great 100.”

Both Lonesky and Medlin now join the ranks of 21 other Halifax Regional nurses who have been recognized among The Great 100 since its inception in 1989. “These nurses have all exhibited outstanding professional ability and made significant contributions to improving community health,” HRMC said.

All the Great 100 award recipients will be celebrated during a formal gala event at the Raleigh Convention Center on October 17.

A minute entry for the proceedings today at the federal courthouse in Greenville note Senior Judge Malcolm J. Howard heard detention hearings for Lann Clanton; Cory Jackson; Ikeisha Jacobs; Jason Boone, Adrienne Moody and Jimmy Pair Jr.

Curtis Boone; Antonio Tillmon; Alania Sue-Kam-Ling; Kavon Phillips; Alphonso Ponton and Thomas Jefferson Allen III have their detention hearings set Wednesday.

“(The) Court took up each case individually thereafter. After hearing arguments from counsel for all defendants and from counsel for USA, the court determined that each defendant could be released on special conditions. All defendants released after processing,” the minute entry says.

Clanton was given home detention, according to the conditions of his his pre-trial release. Documents for the others do not have home detention checked off in their release sheets.

The applicable conditions for all six include, among other factors, for them not to leave the Eastern District without approval of probation; avoid contact with all defendants; not possess firearms; not unlawfully possess narcotics and as well not excessively use alcohol.

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp, whose office received the initial tips in the probe, said this afternoon, “Everyone is innocent until proven guilty and that also includes former law enforcement officers. Detention is not meant for punishment and the government and their defendants will have their day in court.”

The arraignment date for the so-called Rockfish 15 has been set for the December term of court.

Deloatch described Gay as the live-in boyfriend of the child's mother.

The charges, he said in a statement, stem from a matter which occurred on July 25.

Gay was arrested Monday and jailed on $21,000 secured bond. He awaits a September 3 court date.

“The Northampton County Sheriff’s office will continue to investigate all crimes and complaints especially when our children are involved,” Sheriff Jack Smith said in the statement. “We as parents and grandparents should always be watchful and protective of our loved ones. The Northampton County Sheriff’s Office will always work closely with the Department of Social Services and all other agencies to ensure those who prey upon our children are brought before our judicial system to answer to the charges for their behavior.”

In another matter DeLoatch reported:

The August 28 arrest of Stefone Dennis Sidney Powell, 18 ,of Garysburg, and the arrest today of Dequan Xyree Johnson-Butler, 20, of Roanoke Rapids, who are allegedly tied to break-ins in the Pleasant Hill area.

The pair face two counts of felony breaking and entering, two of counts felony larceny, one count of felony attempted larceny and conspiracy to break and enter with the intent to commit a felony.

The charges stem from break-ins in the Pleasant Hill area on July 25.

Powell was placed in the Northampton County Detention with a $14,000 secured bond and Johnson-Butler on $12,000 secured bond. They both await September 3 court dates.

The crimes involved a residence off Big John Store Road in which jewelry, electronics, coins and clothes were stolen.

“I would like to commend Detective Sergeant Patrick Jacobs for an outstanding job on this case,” Smith said. “Through his diligent effort he brought all that were responsible to justice. The Northampton County Sheriff’s Office will to work hard to solve break-ins and other crimes in the county.”

Detective Obert Wiltsie said in a statement the larceny occurred between the evening hours of June 21 and the early morning hours of June 22.

A suspect was developed due to citizen complaints about a prowler in the neighborhood.

The property was recovered by Lieutenant George Evans while conducting follow-ups in the area. Investigations led to warrants being obtained on Steven Nathaniel Bottoms for larceny and possession of stolen goods.

Bottoms was arrested Monday around midnight by Roanoke Rapids Police Department Sergeant Mike Moseley.

He was given a court date of September 9 and a bond of $1,000.

The street-closing order calls for the city to close the 60-feet wide right-of-way of Barrett Street extending 710 feet from Park Avenue to Virginia Avenue. It will then become school property.

Following the meeting, Robbie Clements, director of facilities and operations for the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District, said construction bids for the new school will go out in March and the bid opening will be in April.

Clements said the school is expected to be a two-story design and currently the school system “is working to meet that requirement,” referring to the $19.2 million construction cap county commissioners put on the school.

In another matter this evening, City Manager Joseph Scherer announced the annual Roanoke Rapids Christmas Parade will be December 6 at 2 p.m. G.W. Hux Insurance will be the sponsor. The annual tree lighting ceremony will be December 3 at 6 p.m. at Veterans Park.

The break-ins occurred Saturday and Sunday in an area stretching from Marshall Street to Georgia Avenue, Investigator Chris Babb said this morning.

Hasty said in the statement Wright was developed as a suspect during a trespassing call. He fled the area when law enforcement was called.

Officers recovered some of the stolen property left behind when Wright fled.

Early Monday morning, Lieutenant Jeff Baggett spotted Wright, who received probation in March for a string of earlier vehicle break-ins,
at Sheetz and arrested him without trouble.

“Master Officer Gorton Williams, Master Officer Gerald Morris and officers Patrick Smith and Ryan Cross all worked with Investigator Babb to gather evidence and information to bring this case together and quickly solve it,” Hasty said in the statement.

Babb said there's still property outstanding. He said, however, there was no evidence to tie Wright to any other recent vehicle break-ins.

It appeared Wright was reportedly targeting unlocked vehicles, taking from them electronics, loose change and other items of value worth around $1,000, Babb said. Motive is not clear.

Babb credited the work of the master officers, the patrol officers and Baggett for their work in the investigation. “I would definitely credit the master officers on C and D squads. C squad was working the night of and D squad continued the investigation. Lieutenant Baggett located him.”

Wright received a $27,000 bond and a September 16 court date.