U.S. Department of Justice

Jacksonville Man Sentenced on Child Pornography Charges

/by

-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that ERIC ELWIN LEVAN, 36, of Jacksonville, was sentenced by United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan for distribution and possession of child pornography. Judge Flanagan sentenced LEVAN to 140 months imprisonment followed by 20 years of supervised release.

LEVAN was charged in a two-count indictment on June 22, 2017, and pled guilty on March 14, 2018.

In November of 2016, the Department of Homeland Security conducted an undercover investigation on a Russian-based filesharing website known to be frequented by people interested in child pornography. An agent, using an undercover website profile, advertised an interest in child pornography and published contact information on an instant-messaging service. An individual, later identified as LEVAN, contacted the undercover agent and began discussing an interest in child pornography and a desire for sexual contact with minor children.

On November 30, 2016, LEVAN sent the agent an internet link to a child pornography video. Agents identified LEVAN as the account holder and on December 13, 2016, executed a search warrant on LEVAN’s Jacksonville residence. Law enforcement seized LEVAN’s computer and other digital devices. Agents also obtained and executed a search warrant for an online digital storage account in LEVAN’S name. The forensic examination of the devices and online account uncovered over 100 images and 150 videos of child pornography.

Mr. Higdon commented: “We are gratified by the sentence the court imposed today. Protection of our children and the punishment of those who exploit children is a high priority for the Department of Justice. And, the facts of this case are a reminder to anyone who might engage in this type of criminal activity that you may just be dealing with an undercover officer and find yourself in a federal courtroom and deprived of your freedom and liberty too!”

This case was part of the Project Safe Childhood (PSC) initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national project, Project Safe Childhood, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The Department of Homeland Security conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh handled the prosecution of this case for the United States.

News releases are available on the U. S. Attorney’s webpage at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_EDNC

Granville County Logo

Granville Co. Parks & Rec. Committee to Meet Tues., Aug 14

/by

-Information courtesy Debra A. Weary, Clerk to the Board, Granville County

The Granville County Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will meet on Tuesday, August 14, 2018, at 5 p.m. at Thornton Library in Oxford. Please note that this is a change from the committee’s standing meeting time of the third Tuesday of each month.

Agenda items include:

  • Committee appointments
  • Update on FY 2018 grants
  • Update on FY 2019 grants and municipal allocations
  • FY 2020 grant timeline
  • City of Creedmoor request
  • Disc golf course update and name
  • GAP updates – Phase III; United Way partnership in volunteer projects; purchase of music equipment
  • Update on initiative for recreation in the southern end

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 18, 2018.

NC Coop Extension

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 08/07/18

/by

News 08/07/18

/by
City of Henderson Logo

Thousands of Gallons of Untreated Wastewater Discharged into Sandy Creek

/by

-Press Release, City of Henderson

Notification of Discharge of Untreated Wastewater

General Statute 143-215.1C requires that the owner or operator of any wastewater collection or treatment works to issue a press release when untreated wastewater discharge of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters.

In accordance with that regulation, the following news release has been prepared and issued to media in the affected county:

The City of Henderson had a discharge of untreated wastewater on August 2, 2018, of an estimated 5,400 gallons at the Sandy Creek Pump Station, located at 482 Rock Mill Road. The untreated wastewater was discharged into the Sandy Creek in the Tar Pamlico River Basin. The Division of Water Resources was notified of the event on August 3, 2018, and is reviewing the matter.  For more information contact the City of Henderson Water Reclamation Facility at 252-431-6080.

The City of Henderson’s Sewer Collection System bypassed approximately 2,845 gallons of untreated water on August 2, 2018, due to infiltration/inflow in the sewer main during heavy rainfall.  This occurred behind Highland Green Apartments just off South Pinkston Street, Bridgers Street, East Rockspring Street and the intersection of Pinkston and Farrar Avenue.  The overflow entered Sandy Creek.  Questions concerning this matter should be directed to the Public Services ORC, Joey Long, Jr. at 252-226-4492 or Andy Perkinson at 252-431-6117.

Gazebo Park to Play Host to Chamber’s Second ‘Alive After Five’ of Season

/by

— courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce | Ginnie Currin, Executive Director ~ 919-693-6125 ~ ginnie@granville-chamber.com

Good times will be had on Thursday, August 16, 2018, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s “Alive After Five” event to be held at Gazebo Park, Central Avenue, in Butner.

This second event in the 15th anniversary “Alive After Five” series will feature free admission, concessions and live music by The Konnection Band.

The third, and final, event of the series will be held Thursday, September 13, 2018, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the parking lot on Gilliam Street in downtown Oxford. The band Jim Quick & Coastline will be musical guests.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

 

McGregor Hall

Henderson Rec Players Present ‘Clybourne Park’ at McGregor Hall, Aug. 9-12

/by

-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

The Henderson Rec Players will present “Clybourne Park” by Bruce Norris at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center nightly August 9-11 at 8 p.m. and August 12 at 2 p.m.

Winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for Best Play, “Clybourne Park” is a satire about the politics of race that will be directed by Stephanie Asabi Howard. In response to Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun,” playwright Bruce Norris set up his work as a pair of scenes that bookend Hansberry’s piece and are set in the same modest bungalow on Chicago’s northwest side.

In 1959, Russ and Bev move out to the suburbs after the tragic death of their son. Inadvertently, they sell their house to the neighborhood’s first black family. Fifty years later in 2009, the roles are reversed when a young white couple buys the lot in what is now a predominantly black neighborhood, signaling a new wave of gentrification. In both instances, a community showdown takes place, pitting race against real estate with this home as the battleground.

Tickets are available for $16 at the McGregor Hall Box Office, 201 Breckenridge St. in Henderson, by calling (252) 598-0662 or visiting www.mcgregorhall.org. Doors open one hour before the show.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Lyles Selected as Rebuilding Hope’s ‘Volunteer in the Spotlight’

/by

-Information courtesy Rebuilding Hope, Inc. 

Assessing how best to build wheelchair ramps, planning their construction and maintaining an inventory of hundreds of tools keeps volunteer Steve Lyles busy at Rebuilding Hope.

Steve, a volunteer for more than seven years, visits homes to discuss applicants’ needs and take measurements and photographs before he draws the plans and acquires permits.

Every ramp is different, he says, because of the “lay of the land” and applicants’ varying needs. Steve plans about 20 ramps a year.

Hundreds of tools – nail guns and hammers, saws, air compressors, wrenches and more – are needed for RHI’s ministry. Steve’s tool inventory control responsibility is to maintain a supply in good working order, track who has borrowed which tools and order new items.

Steve Lyles is Rebuilding Hope’s “Volunteer in the Spotlight” for the month of August. (Photo Rebuilding Hope)

Steve began serving at RHI following an invitation from his next-door neighbor, RHI founder and coordinator Randolph Wilson. Steve is in his second year on the RHI board of director and assists with various duties when Randolph is out of town.

The reward is “when you help someone who’s thanking you and you can say, ‘It is my pleasure.’ It’s a humble thing,” he says.

A special experience, he says, was with a couple who came to RHI asking for assistance. Before they left, he prayed with them. Unexpectedly, they returned, but this time just for prayer.

Serving his community, though, is nothing new to the retired law enforcement officer.

Steve retired in 2011 as chief investigator with the rank of lieutenant after 28 years with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office.

“I’ve always helped people in my line of work,” he says.

Steve says his interest in law enforcement began in his youth when he did ride-alongs with deputies. Eventually, he took a law enforcement training course and was invited to join the sheriff’s office.

Helping people has also included 15 years with the Bear Pond Volunteer Fire Department and 12 years with the Vance County Rescue Squad. He served as chairman of the board of both organizations.

Steve, a native of Washington, N.C., is a 16-year member of Raleigh Road Baptist Church, where he serves as deacon and a choir member.

In their leisure time, Steve and Paula, his wife of 30 years, enjoy camping in the North Carolina mountains.

Henderson Lions Club to Meet Thurs., Aug. 9

/by

-Information courtesy Randy Oxendine, President, Henderson Lions Club

The Henderson Lions Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 9, 2018, at the Henderson Country Club. The speaker will be Dr. Brandon Taylor.

To learn more or join the Lions and be part of an active community service organization, contact any Lions Club member or President Randy Oxendine at 252-438-8034.

Creedmoor Police to Host ‘National Night Out Against Crime’ at South Granville High

/by

-Information courtesy the City of Creedmoor website

“National Night Out” (NNO) is a crime/drug prevention annual event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW).

NNO is held nationwide with thousands of participating communities joining forces to raise the awareness of crime and drug prevention. This event is intended not only to educate citizens on drug and crime awareness but also to generate support for and assistance in anti-crime efforts. Strengthening police/community relations sends a direct message to criminals letting them know that citizens, as well as communities, are organized and fighting back!

Creedmoor’s National Night Out Celebration 
Every year, the Creedmoor Police Department hosts this community event at South Granville High School located on NC-Highway 56 on the first Tuesday of August from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Residents across the county are encouraged to turn off the television, leave troubles behind, and come out to spend a fun-filled evening with their fellow neighbors, family, and police!

Activities include:

  • Free Hot Dogs (Grilled & Served by CPD officers)
  • Free Soft Drinks & Water
  • DJ
  • McGruff the Crime Dog
  • Face Painting
  • Interactive Children’s Games
  • Inflatables
  • Public Safety Vehicle Displays
  • Impaired Vision Goggles Course
  • And More!

Residents are encouraged to register for e-Notification to stay informed of event news and happenings in Creedmoor.  Visit the Events Calendar page to learn more about the current year’s National Night Out event.

For more information on recreation programs, be sure to visit the Recreation Programs homepage.

Contact
Events Coordinator
(919) 764-1013