Two Arrested, 484 Grams of Cocaine Seized in Multi-Agency Drug Investigation

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-Press Release and photos, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

Over the past three months, members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, The Lake Royale Company Police, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, State Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Administration, conducted an undercover investigation into the illegal distribution of cocaine occurring between Benson, NC and Lake Royale, NC. 

Bryon Keith Lee

During this investigation, agents conducted numerous undercover operations and were able to purchase cocaine from Bryon Keith Lee in Franklin County. Agents discovered that Bryon Keith Lee was being supplied cocaine by John Allen Lee Sr. in Benson, NC. 

On December 5, 2019, agents conducted an undercover operation in which 56 grams of cocaine were seized during a traffic stop on Bryon K. Lee and Amber Lee. During the traffic stop, a 5-year old minor was located inside the vehicle.

Agents executed a search warrant at a residence in Benson, NC and at the residence of Bryon and Amber Lee, in the Lake Royale Community of Franklin County. As a result of the search warrants, 347 grams of cocaine, marijuana, an undisclosed amount of US Currency and three firearms were seized. Agents discovered that one of the firearms was reported stolen. 

During this investigation, a total of 484 grams of cocaine, bulk currency, marijuana and three firearms (one stolen) were seized in Franklin and Johnston Counties. 

John Allen Lee Sr.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Anytime we are able to remove this amount of drugs from our community, it is a good day. During this investigation, we were able to coordinate with our local, state and federal partners to ensure that we disrupted this drug activity and its source. I can’t say enough about the professionalism and teamwork displayed by all of the agencies involved.” 

Bryon K. Lee was placed in the Johnston County Detention Center under a $1,880,000 secured bond.

John Allen Lee Sr. was placed in the Johnston County Detention Center under a $300,000 secured bond. 

Charges include: 

Bryon K. Lee – 42 years old – 132 Turon Drive Louisburg, NC 27549

Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (6 Counts), Sell Cocaine (6 Counts), Maintain a Vehicle for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substance (7 Counts), Trafficking in Cocaine (5 Counts), Sell Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of a park.

John Allen Lee Sr. – 62 years old – 313 N. Hall Street Benson, NC 27504

Trafficking in Cocaine (5 Counts), Possession of a Firearm by Felon, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substance. 

This investigation is continuing, and more charges are expected.

If you have information regarding this case or if you would like to report drug activity in your community, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.

Franklin County Sheriff

Operation Impact Phase III Results in 19 Arrests, 134 Drug Charges (Pics)

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit has concluded Phase III of Operation Impact. Operation Impact is an ongoing, six-month investigation, involving illegal drug activity in Franklin County.

As a result of Phase III of the investigation, 19 individuals have been arrested and charged with 134 felony drug-related charges. The individuals arrested during this phase of Operation Impact are alleged to have been involved in selling illegal drugs in and around neighborhoods in Bunn and surrounding areas. 

This phase of the investigation was part of a continued and on-going effort by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to identify and investigate illegal drug activity occurring in Franklin County. The individuals arrested during this operation were identified by citizen complaints, law enforcement complaints and other intelligence-driven information received by the Sheriff’s Office. 

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Phase III of Operation Impact was a strategic initiative that focused on individuals selling drugs in our neighborhoods throughout the Bunn area. The plan to address drug activity in all of our communities will continue.” 

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in Phase III of Operation Impact by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bunn Police Department and the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division. 

As of this date, Operation Impact has resulted in 55 total arrests and 311 felony charges. These arrests have occurred throughout Franklin County and more arrests are expected.

The following arrests/charges are the result of Operation Impact Phase III: 

Cynthia Marie Foster – 56 years old – 15 Rogers Drive Bunn, NC 27508

2 counts PWIMSD Cocaine, 2 counts Sell Cocaine, 2 counts Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, PWISD Cocaine ~ Bond $20,000 secured 

Schyler Don Quarrious Williams – 21 years old – 917 Sledge Road Louisburg, NC 27549

2 counts PWIMSD Cocaine, 2 counts Sell Cocaine, PWIMSD Marijuana ~ Bond $72,000 secured 

Kevin Dunston – 49 years old – 25 Queens Drive Louisburg, NC 27549

Sell Cocaine ~ Bond $5,000 secured 

Jerome Usher Jr. – 34 years old – 1010 Alford Mill Road Bunn, NC 27508

Sell Schedule II CS, PWISD Marijuana, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $20,000 secured 

William Jamel Andrews – 35 years old – 7612 Sunny Slope Street Zebulon, NC 27597 

2 counts PWISD Marijuana, 2 counts Sell Marijuana, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $30,000 secured 

Trevon Alton Knight – 24 years old – 7433 Little River Circle Zebulon, NC 27597

Sell Marijuana, PWIMSD Marijuana, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $20,000 secured 

David Neshorne Smith – 35 years old – 553 Arnold Road Louisburg, NC 27549

3 counts Sell Cocaine, 3 counts PWIMSD Sch II CS, 2 counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $ 25,000 secured 

Quincy Jamario Bolden – 32 years old – 601 Howard Tant Road Zebulon, NC 27597

2 counts Sell Marijuana, 2 counts PWIMSD Sch VI CS, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Manufacture/Sell/Deliver/Possess with Intent CS within 1000 ft of School ~ Bond $65,000 secured 

James Otis Dunston – 73 years old – 15 Queens Drive Bunn, NC 27508

4 counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Cocaine, Possess CS Prison/Jail Premises, Felony Possession of Cocaine ~ Bond $50,000 secured 

Lola Veronica Jones – 51 years old – 1391 Sykes Road Spring Hope, NC 27882

PWIMSD Cocaine, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Sell Cocaine ~ Bond $25,000 unsecured

Joseph Bettis Jr. – 34 years old – 1120 Ridge Haven Drive Wendell, NC 27591

2 counts PWIMSD Cocaine, 2 counts Sell Cocaine, 2 counts Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS 

Jeremy Alexander Hicks – 32 years old – 35 Chickenhouse Drive Louisburg, NC 27549

PWIMSD Marijuana, Sell Marijuana, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $25,000 secured 

Robert Cequon Fletcher – 62 years old – 121 W. Barbee Street Zebulon, NC 27597

2 counts Trafficking Opium or Heroin, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, PWIMSD Sch II CS ~ Bond $25,000 secured

Justin Deon Richardson – 29 years old – 69 Dykes Way Louisburg, NC 27549

PWIMSD Heroin, Sell Heroin, 2 counts Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, PWISD Marijuana, Sell Marijuana, PWISD Cocaine, Sell Cocaine ~ Bond $100,000 secured 

Jo Ann Clemonts – 49 years old – 25 Cambridge Drive Franklinton, NC 27525

3 counts Trafficking Opium or Heroin ~ Bond $100,000 secured 

Andrew Zayquawn Cates – 21 years old – 15 Marless Drive Apt. B Franklinton, NC 27525

PWISD Marijuana, Sell/Deliver Marijuana ~ Bond $30,000 secured 

Rico Dashawn Brooks – 33 years old – 1345 Walter Grissom Road Kittrell, NC 27544

2 counts PWISD Cocaine, 2 counts Sell/Deliver Cocaine, 2 counts Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Possession of Firearm by Felon, Possess Stolen Firearm ~ Bond $100,000 secured 

Michael Junior Harris – 39 years old – 5542 Vicksboro Road Henderson, NC 27536

PWIMSD Sch II CS, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Sell Cocaine ~ Bond $50,000 secured 

Christopher Quatrell Hodge – 29 years old – 812 Shepard School Road Zebulon, NC 27597

Sell Cocaine, PWIMSD Sch II CS, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS ~ Bond $80,000 secured 

If you have information regarding drug activity occurring in your neighborhood, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at 919-496-2186.

Cynthia Marie Foster

Schyler Don Quarrious Williams

Kevin Dunston

Jerome Usher Jr.

William Jamel Andrews

Trevon Alton Knight

David Neshorne Smith

Quincy Jamario Bolden

James Otis Dunston

Lola Veronica Jones

Joseph Bettis Jr.

Jeremy Alexander Hicks

Robert Cequon Fletcher

Justin Deon Richardson

Jo Ann Clemonts

Andrew Zayquawn Cates

Rico Dashawn Brook

Michael Junior Harris

Christopher Quatrell Hodge

Greater New Life Ministries to Celebrate Elder Jerry Perry

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-Information courtesy Greater New Life Ministries

Greater New Life Ministries will celebrate Elder Jerry Perry’s birthday and 31 years of preaching God’s word on Sunday, December 15, 2019, at 5 p.m.

Elder Jerry Perry & the Gospel Believers will be performing along with Christland Singers, Chosen, Heavenly Voices, God Praisers and the Inspirators of Henderson.

Greater New Life is located at 86 Pocomoke Road in Franklinton, NC.

For more information, please call (252) 767-3524.

NC Dept of Agriculture

Propane Safety Paramount as Cold Weather Approaches

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

Winter weather is fast approaching, and that means paying special attention to keeping your home heated. Many people across North Carolina rely on propane to stay warm, but there are some general safety tips you should observe to say safe.

Winter Storms

  • NEVER use outdoor propane appliances indoors or in enclosed areas. This can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death. These include outdoor portable heaters, barbecue grills, and portable generators. Only use appliances indoors that are designed and approved for indoor use.
  • NEVER store or place a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent. Cylinders must be outdoors and supply the heater through a hose if it is a temporary setup, or through piping or tubing if it is a permanent setup.
  • NEVER use a gas oven or range-top burners to provide space heating.
  • DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO MODIFY OR REPAIR VALVES, REGULATORS, OR OTHER APPLIANCE PARTS.
  • If melting snow or ice floods any part of your home or farm, NEVER turn on a light switch, use any power source, or inspect your household appliances while standing in water. This can result in electrocution.
  • DO inspect chimneys, flue pipes, and vent connectors for damage, blockage, or debris.
  • DO inspect your propane appliances for water or other damage, if it is safe to do so. If the appliances have electric components and have been exposed to water, they can create a fire hazard.

Space heaters usage increases during cold weather. While the tools can be helpful, there are also some rules you should follow when using one.

Space Heaters

  • Space heaters come in fixed-location and portable types. Also, some are for outdoor use only and some are for indoor use only. Read the container and instructions carefully to determine if the heater is appropriate for the use you intend.
  • All combustion produces some amount of carbon monoxide, so be careful when using propane or kerosene space heaters indoors. NEVER use a space heater indoors if the unit is specified for outdoors. If you use a propane heater indoors in a tight or poorly ventilated location, you put yourself at risk of carbon monoxide buildup. Heaters specified for outdoor use will cause a more rapid build-up of carbon monoxide than one rated for indoor use.
  • If you must use a space heater indoors, a carbon monoxide detector can help you avoid poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, scentless, tasteless gas that kills in high enough concentrations, so a detector is the best way to warn you when concentrations get too high.
  • Space heaters can also cause suffocation when used indoors, as they use up oxygen to produce heat. Any heater used indoors should be equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor, which will shut the unit down before it uses too much of the oxygen. However, be warned that it will still generate a higher concentration of carbon monoxide as it decreases the oxygen level in the room.

Reminder: Town of Louisburg to Host Annual Christmas Parade This Sun.

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-Information courtesy the Town of Louisburg

The Town of Louisburg will host the 2019 Christmas Parade in downtown Louisburg this Sunday, December 8 from 3 until 5 p.m.

Line-up for those participating in the parade begins at 1 p.m. Entries and participants must be at their assigned space no later than 2:30 p.m.

Parade entry begins at the intersection of North Main Street and Smoketree Way. The parade will move south on Main Street, continue past Louisburg College, and turn onto Wade Avenue/Johnson Street for disbandment.

 

Vance County Sheriff's Office

VCSO: Beware of Gift Card Scam Using Sheriff Brame’s Name

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-Information courtesy Sheriff Curtis Brame

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office has received credible reports that someone hanging around Walmart in Louisburg is attempting to sell gift cards to shoppers by stating that they are associated with Sheriff Curtis Brame and the VCSO.

In a phone call to WIZS, Sheriff Brame stated that this is a scam and neither he or the VCSO are associated with the sell of any gift cards.

During the holiday season, scams are rampant and the public is urged to use caution when purchasing gift cards from anyone other than a reputable merchant.

VGCC Receives $194K Grant From Duke Energy & Piedmont Natural Gas

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-Press Release, Duke Energy

Vance-Granville Community College today announced a $194,160 investment from Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas. The funds will help connect students with hands-on training and career development opportunities.

The investment will be used to expand apprenticeships in the fields of Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance and Welding, as part of VGCC’s “Business & Industry Connect” program. The college will be able to purchase new equipment, provide tuition supports for students and implement additional training, including the nationally-known “Tooling U-SME” program.

From Left to Right: Kenneth Wilson, Tanya Evans (district manager, Duke Energy), VGCC President Rachel Desmarais, Ken Lewis, Eddie Ferguson. (VGCC photo)

“This grant represents a huge boost to our local industry partners and to students who are looking to energize their careers,” said VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. “We appreciate the continuing support of Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas because apprenticeships are part of VGCC’s multi-pronged approach to addressing workforce shortages so that our economy can grow.”

“We are proud to partner with Vance-Granville Community College to connect students with apprenticeship and workforce training opportunities,” said Tanya Evans, district manager, Duke Energy. “These students will help meet the growing and evolving needs of the region’s manufacturing industry.”

This grant is part of Duke Energy’s $35 million investment in North Carolina’s Community Colleges’ focus on technical education and support of business and industry. Individual community colleges could apply for funds through the North Carolina Community Foundation and the Foundation for the Carolinas.

Applications were reviewed by a committee of representatives from Duke Energy, NC Community College System and NC Department of Commerce.

Social Services to Offer Heating Assistance for Eligible NC Residents

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The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will begin accepting applications through county social services departments for the state’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program on Monday, Dec. 2, 2019.

Households including a person aged 60 or older, or disabled individuals receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services who have a life-threatening or health-related emergency due to a lack of heating, are eligible to sign up for assistance Dec. 2 – 31, 2019.

All eligible households may apply from Jan. 2 – March 31, 2020 — or until funds are exhausted.

“This funding can help assist eligible individuals and families with their heating expenses during the winter months,” said David Locklear, Deputy Director of Economic and Family Services in the Division of Social Services. “We want to ensure families are healthy and safe during some of the most difficult times of the year.”

The federally funded program helps households with low incomes with a one-time payment made directly to their heating vendor to offset the high cost of keeping their homes warm.

To apply, individuals should contact their county department of social services (PDF). Applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted.

To be eligible, a household must:

  • Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria
  • Have income equal to or less than 130 percent of the federal poverty limit; for example:
  • For a household of one, a gross monthly income of $1,353.00.
  • For a family of four, a gross monthly income of $2,790.00.
  • Have resources, such as saving and checking accounts or cash on hand, at or below $2,250
  • Be responsible for their heating cost

For more information on the program and eligibility, visit https://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/low-income-services/low-income-energy-assistance.

Former Early College Student Credits VGCC for Success

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-Information courtesy Vance-Granville Community College

Oneisha Rebecca Leonard came to Vance-Granville Community College in 2011 as a Granville Early College High School student. “I was a good student, with mostly A’s and B’s, but I was not as focused on school as I should have been until I began taking classes at Vance-Granville,” Leonard recalled.

She said that because of her college classes, “I became more focused on my future.”

Oneisha Leonard, former Granville Early College High School student, is pictured on her May 2019 graduation day from Winston-Salem State University. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

Leonard said that VGCC prepared her for the next level of education by helping her hone not only her academic skills, such as writing papers and doing research but also her time management skills. Eventually, she transferred to Winston-Salem State University.

“Vance-Granville gave me the tools I needed to succeed in college by preparing me for what to expect and what was expected of me,” Leonard said. “My instructors at Vance-Granville were, and still are, some of the best instructors I have ever had.”

She credits her academic experience at VGCC with setting the stage for her to make the dean’s list every semester at the university. She also became a student leader, as a member and chapter president of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society. “I also presented at the South Atlantic Modern Language Association Conference this past November in Birmingham, Alabama, where I gave a presentation on my research on post-colonialism and psychoanalytic theory as it related to western colonization,” Leonard said.

With her VGCC credits and preparation, Leonard was able to graduate a year early from Winston-Salem State University in May 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in English. Now, she is preparing to attend graduate school. But she still appreciates where her higher education began, saying, “I would like to thank Vance-Granville Community College for all they have done for me, while I attended and after I left.”

State Highway Patrol

 State Highway Patrol Promotes Thanksgiving Holiday Traffic Safety

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-Press Release, NC Department of Public Safety

The State Highway Patrol will be on the roadways this holiday season looking to stop dangerous driving before potentially life-changing collisions take place. The SHP joins roadway users across North Carolina in hopes of a safe and happy time for giving thanks with family and friends.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), over 49 million people will travel by automobile across our nation. In anticipation of the increased number of vehicles that will travel here in North Carolina, troopers will be out in full force with the goal of reporting zero fatalities.

“This holiday season is a special time for many across our state,” said Col. Glenn McNeill Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol.  “We as an agency will work tirelessly to keep this a joyous time for families and not one marred by the loss of a loved one from a traffic collision.”

The NCSHP will once again participate in the Care Across America I-40 Challenge, a joint campaign among eight states along the I-40 corridor. The campaign will take place on the busiest travel days of the holiday, kicking off on Wednesday, November 27 and concluding Sunday, December 1. During the event, troopers will patrol I-40 with the ultimate goal of ensuring safe travel.

Motorists can assist with safe travel by following a few simple tips:

  • Don’t Drive Distracted: Place cell phones on Do Not Disturb Mode and keep both hands on the wheel at all times.
  • Always wear a seat belt: No matter the time of day or your seating position, a seat belt should be put on before starting your travel. 
  • Never drive while impaired: Use one of the many safe alternatives to driving after consuming, plan ahead to ensure a safe end to the evening.
  • Maintain a safe speed and reduce speeds during inclement weather. Remember the speed limit is set for ideal driving conditions.
  • Check traffic conditions throughout North Carolina before starting your travel at DriveNC.Gov

Motorists can assist the SHP by contacting *HP (47) if they observe dangerous driving.