Franklin County Sheriff

FCSO: 15 Arrested in Phase One of ‘Operation Impact’ (Pics)

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

Operation Impact 

After a six-month investigation involving illegal drug activity in Franklin County, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit has concluded Phase 1 of “Operation Impact.”

This operation focused on illegal drug activity in and around the Franklinton area of Franklin County. As a result of this investigation, 15 individuals on 86 charges have been arrested for drug-related activities. The individuals arrested during Operation Impact, are alleged to have been involved in selling illegal drugs in and around neighborhoods in the Franklinton area.

This investigation was part of a continued and on-going effort by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to identify, verify 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, “Operation Impact is an effort to identify and arrest anyone who chooses to sell illegal drugs in our communities. Our strategy and our emphasis will continue to be making our communities safer. These arrests will help achieve that goal.” 

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in this investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Franklinton Police Department and agents with North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement. 

The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.

The following arrests/charges are the result of Operation Impact: Phase 1 

Stephon Lavare Perry, 31 years old, 583 Ballard Pruitt Road Franklinton, NC 27525 – PWISD Marijuana, Sell Marijuana, Maintain Veh/Dwell/Place CS 

Bond $15,000 secured

Aaron Lloyd, 23 years old, 64 Mary Day Drive Louisburg, NC 27549 – 2 counts PWIMSD Cocaine, 2 counts Sell Cocaine, Maintain Veh/Dwell/Place CS

Bond $75,000 secured 

Brendan Jerel Cannady, 32 years old, 205 Savage Street Franklinton, NC 27525 – 2 counts Sell Cocaine, 2 counts PWIMSD Cocaine, Maintain Veh/Dwell/Place CS

Bond $100,000 secured

Diquaz Javon Kearney-Crudup, 23 years old, 861 Hicks Road Youngsville, NC 27596 – PWISD Marijuana, Sell Marijuana, 2 counts Maintain Veh/Dwell/Place CS, Manuf/Sell/Deliver/Poss w/ intent CS w/ in 1000 ft of School, PWIMSD MDA/MDMA

Bond $50,000 secured

Jeffrey Thomas Rinker, 37 years old, 35 Poplar Creek Drive Franklinton, NC 27525 – Conspire to Sell Heroin

Bond $10,000 secured

Jami Lynn Massengill, 36 years old, 4820 Eagleroost Court Wake Forest, NC 27587 – Conspire Sell Heroin, Possess Heroin

Bond $20,000 secured

William Daniel McGhee, 37 years old, 3048 US 1 Hwy/Budget Inn Franklinton, NC 27525 – Conspire Sell Heroin

Bond $30,000 secured

Dwight Leon Garrett, 66 years old, 1307 Gordon Moore Road Franklinton, NC 27525 – PWIMSD Sch 11 CS, Sell Sch II CS, Maintain Veh/Dwell/Place CS

Bond $50,000 secured

Willie Burt Sneed, 60 years old, 807 Mitchell Avenue Franklinton, NC 27525 – 4 counts PWISD Cocaine, 4 counts Sell Cocaine, 4 counts Maintain Veh/Dwell Place CS

Bond $150,000 secured

Deshaun Lamont Williams, 46 years old, 120 Mark Street Franklinton, NC 27525 – 3 counts Sell Cocaine ,3 counts PWIMSD Sch Il CS, 3 counts Maintain Veh/Dwell/Place CS, Habitual Felon, Trafficking in Cocaine

Bond $500,000 secured

Bennie Lee Crudup, 43 years old, 101 W Green Street Franklinton, NC 27525 – 5 counts Sell Cocaine, 5 counts PWIMSD Cocaine, 3 counts Maintain Veh/Dwell/Place CS, 4 counts Manuf/Sell/Deliver/Poss w/ intent CS w/ in 1000 ft of School

Bond $250,000 secured

Michael Sills, 51 years old, 8 South Cheatham Street Franklinton, NC 27525 – 2 counts PWISD Cocaine, 2 counts Sell Cocaine, 2 counts Maintain Veh/Dwell/Place CS ,2 counts Manuf/Sell/Deliver/Poss w/ intent CS w/ in 1000 ft of School, Conspire Sell Cocaine, Habitual Felon

Bond $500,000 secured

Robert Dubois, 29 years old, 113 Old John Mitchell Road Youngsville, NC 27596 – Deliver Cocaine, PWISD Cocaine

Bond $2,000 secured

Renee Morgan, 29 years old, 35 Cambridge Drive Franklinton, NC 27525 –PWISD Cocaine, Sell Cocaine, Maintain Veh/Dwell/Place CS 

Bond $ 60,000 secured

Terrance Vines, 39 years old, 40 Cambridge Drive Franklinton, NC 27525 – 2 counts PWISD Cocaine, 2 counts Sell Cocaine, 2 counts Maintain Veh/Dwell/Place CS

Bond $100,000 secured

For more information regarding this investigation, or to provide information regarding drug activity in your community, please contact Sergeant Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186. 

Terry M. Wright, Chief of Staff

Michael Sills

Bennie Lee Crudup

Stephon Lavare Perry,

Willie Burt Sneed

William Daniel McGhee

Aaron Lloyd

Diquaz Javon Kearney-Crudup

Jami Lynn Massengill

Deshaun Lamont Williams

Brendan Jerel Cannady

Renee Morgan

Jeffrey Thomas Rinker

Robert Dubois

Dwight Leon Garrett

Terrance Vines

FCSO: Degumba Arrested on Child Sexual Offenses

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On Thursday, September 19, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division issued warrants for the arrest of John Edward Degumba, a Johnston County resident.

Charges consisted of the following: one (1) count of Rape of a Child, one (1) count of Sexual Offense with a Child, and one (1) count of Indecent Liberties with a Child. 

On Thursday, September 19, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division issued warrants for the arrest of John Edward Degumba. Charges consisted of the following: one (1) count of Rape of a Child, one (1) count of Sexual Offense with a Child, and one (1) count of Indecent Liberties with a Child. (FCSO photo)

Charges were filed after an extensive investigation conducted by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Franklinton Police Department and Benson Police Department. 

Benson Police Department criminally charged John Edward Degumba on Friday, September 13, 2019, with one (1) count of Statutory Sexual Offense with a Child and one (1) count of Indecent Liberties with a Child 

Franklinton Police Department criminally charged John Edward Degumba on Saturday, September 21, 2019, with one (1) count of Sexual Offense with a child and one (1) count of Indecent Liberties with a Child. 

On Tuesday, September 24, 2019, John Edward Degumba turned himself in at the Franklin County Magistrate’s Office.

John Edward Degumba was given a total of $450,000.00 secured bond and is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center. 

John Edward Degumba, 30 years of age, Benson, NC 27504 

Terry M. Wright, Chief of Staff

FGV Smart Start’s 10th Annual Ducky Derby Sees ‘Record Turnout’ Crowd

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With over 2,250 tickets/ducks sold, the Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start’s 10th Annual Ducky Derby fundraiser in downtown Henderson, held Saturday, Sept. 21, was a sellout event.

“We had a record turnout, approximately 500 people this year,” said F-G-V Development Coordinator Garry Daeke. “The race was lined with people all the way to the finish line! With Baby Shark and Paw Patrol performing, along with the appearance of the Chick-fil-A cow and great weather, children had a great time.”

Children and parents alike eagerly cheered on the ducks as they raced down the Garnett Street “river” towards the Orange Street finish line.

Winners of the race included:

1st Place – $1000, Davina Inman, Granville County

2nd Place – Chick-fil-A for a Year, Tracy Boyd, Henderson

3rd Place – $250 Gas Card, Mary Williams, Louisburg

Last Duck – $100, Ellen Lindsey

As an additional prize this year, F-G-V offered one lucky duck a month free of childcare (up to $1,000 value) available to any ticket buyer who had a child in childcare. Domenick Hicks-Smith, from St. Paul’s Presbyterian Childcare in Louisburg won the prize.

All proceeds from the Ducky Derby are used to fund Smart Start programs.

Reminder: McGregor Hall to Present ‘KING MICHAEL’ This Sat.

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

“KING MICHAEL: A Spectacular Tribute to the King of Pop” will be performed at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center, 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson, this Saturday, September 28, 2019, at 7:30 p.m.

From early moments with his brothers to his stratospheric rise to become “the greatest entertainer of all time,” this sensational tribute will include all Michael Jackson’s most popular songs.

Performed by a LIVE band, dancers, and backup singers, this stunning spectacle will bring to life the energy and charisma for which KING MICHAEL was so famous.

Tickets may be purchased by:

DROP IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

VGCC Celebrates 50 Years on Four Campuses

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College recently brought together students, faculty, staff and community members to mark the 50th anniversary of the college, with festivities on all four of its campuses. The original charter for the college, then known as Vance County Technical Institute, was issued on Sept. 4, 1969.

VGCC Board of Trustees Chair Danny Wright and VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais cut the “birthday cake” on the college’s Main Campus to celebrate the institution’s fiftieth anniversary. (VGCC photo)

During the week of the actual anniversary, celebratory ceremonies featuring speakers and refreshments were held on each campus: the Warren County Campus on Sept. 3, Main Campus (in Vance County) on Sept. 4, South Campus (in Granville County) on Sept. 5, and the Franklin County Campus on Sept. 6.

In addition, Main Campus hosted an anniversary ‘bash’ on Sept. 4 with the band, “Liquid Pleasure,” performing, and food trucks on hand.

“We are grateful to everyone who attended our 50th anniversary events, and to the citizens and businesses who made contributions to support this celebration,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of VGCC. “We have reflected on the educational opportunities that this college has provided to Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, while we have also looked forward to the next 50 years of shining the light of education in service to our communities.”

The “Liquid Pleasure” band performs in front of the gazebo on VGCC’s Main Campus during the 50th anniversary ‘bash.’ (VGCC photo)

Guest speakers at the anniversary events included Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen; Franklin County Manager Angela L. Harris; Devon Suitt, a VGCC alumnus and Granville Early College High School graduate; Zelodis Jay, chair of the Granville County Board of Commissioners; Gary Massenburg, a VGCC alumnus and Warren Early College High School graduate; and Tare “T” Davis, chair of the Warren County Board of Commissioners.

Two VGCC staff members who are also alumni of the college made remarks, as well. Amy O’Geary, director of student success, spoke at Main Campus. “As a graduate and longtime employee, Vance-Granville Community College has been a part of my life for over 30 years,” O’Geary said. “This college guided me in my career path and has allowed me the opportunity to do what I truly love: help students reach their own potential.”

O’Geary recalled that after graduating from VGCC, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. “I quickly realized that I was not cut out for a career in sales; however, I can sell one thing,” she said. “I can ‘sell’ Vance-Granville Community College, because I believe in our mission and what we have done for this community for 50 years!”

Devon Suitt speaks during a celebration of VGCC’s 50th anniversary at the college’s South Campus. He is currently a social work investigator and a graduate student at North Carolina Central University. (VGCC photo)

Julie Jones, the college’s distance education coordinator, spoke at the Franklin Campus. That was where she first became a student, as a single mother who had recently lost her job due to company downsizing. At the time, Jones had been out of school for 17 years.

“The counselor at the time saw that I was anxious about starting back to school,” she recalled. “She was very encouraging and got me set up with my program of study and first classes. That is when I took my first computer course and knew I wanted a career working in I.T. My first computer instructor had enough confidence in my ability to do well that he asked me to apply for the part-time position of Open Computer Lab Technician. I started to believe in myself and gained the confidence that I could actually make it through college.”

Julie Jones (standing) speaks during a celebration of VGCC’s fiftieth anniversary held at the college’s Franklin County Campus. Seated, from left, are VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais, VGCC Board of Trustees Chair Danny Wright, VGCC Franklin County Campus Dean Bobbie Jo May and Franklin County Manager Angela Harris. (VGCC photo)

Jones excelled in her academics and, after graduation, became a full-time employee in the campus computer lab. She would go on to earn a bachelor’s degree, as well.

“What I found at VGCC was a home and a supportive family,” Jones said. “Without the encouragement I found along the way, I would not be where I am today.”

The September events capped off a series of activities throughout the year that helped celebrate 50 years of excellence, including a Dinner Theater in April; the 35th annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament in May, commencement exercises for VGCC’s 50th graduating class in May, and the formal inauguration of President Desmarais in August.

 

VGCC Gearing Up for Medical Assistants Recognition Week Celebration

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

The Vance-Granville Community College Medical Assisting Program is gearing up to celebrate Medical Assistants Recognition Week, October 21 – 25, 2019, as designated by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Medical assistants across the country will be recognized during this special week and honored on Medical Assistants Recognition Day, October 23, 2019.

In celebration of Medical Assistants Recognition Week, the Vance-Granville Community College Medical Assisting Program has planned the following special events and activities:

MED Mini Health Fair to be held at Vance-Granville Community College’s Franklin Campus Student Lounge, 8100 NC 56 Hwy, Louisburg, NC on Monday, October 21, 2019, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.

“Medical Assistants are at the heart of healthcare and we support our community,” says Tonia Boyd, Vance-Granville Medical Assisting Class President of the 2020 graduating class.

Medical assisting is an allied health profession whose practitioners function as members of the health care delivery team and perform administrative and clinical procedures. With their unique versatility, medical assistants are proving to be the allied health professional of choice for this decade and beyond. Medical assisting is one of the nation’s careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The American Association of Medical Assistants is the only organization devoted exclusively to serving the professional interests and educational needs of all medical assistants. The association provides numerous services that help medical assistants put their careers on a successful and rewarding track and keep them there.

VGCC Experiences Enrollment Growth

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College received welcome news as it celebrated its 50th anniversary recently: an increase in enrollment over the same time last year. As of the beginning of the fall semester in August, VGCC had 3,073 students enrolled in curriculum programs. That represented a 3.7% increase compared to the beginning of the fall 2018 semester when enrollment stood at 2,963.

VGCC Board of Trustees Chair Danny Wright and President Rachel Desmarais, Ph.D. cut the cake at VGCC’s 50th celebration. (VGCC photo)

A significant source of the increase was enrollment by high school students in college programs, either through Early College High Schools or other Career & College Promise pathways. There were 15% more of those students enrolled than there were at the beginning of fall 2018.

“We are pleased that an increasing number of students are participating in our high-quality education and training programs, which are preparing them to achieve their career goals,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of VGCC. “For 50 years, Vance-Granville Community College has been providing opportunities for education and training, with the strong support of the community. Thanks to that support, we continue to serve as an accessible, innovative, student-centered higher education partner for our region.”

Established in 1969, VGCC offers more than 40 curriculum programs, in which students work toward certificates, diplomas and degrees.

Area residents and businesses can also take advantage of a variety of Continuing Education opportunities, as well as the High School Equivalency and Adult High School Diploma programs.

High school students can also get a step ahead by starting their college education early with VGCC courses.

The college has four campuses – one each in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties – and offers online programs, as well.

For more information, visit www.vgcc.edu.

Habitual Felon Arrested on Cocaine Charges

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Special Response Team arrested Franklin County resident Deshaun Lamont Williams on September 12, 2019. Mr. Williams was arrested at his residence located at 130 Mark Street, Franklinton, NC.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Special Response Team arrested Franklin County resident Deshaun Lamont Williams on September 12, 2019. Mr. Williams was arrested at his residence located at 130 Mark Street, Franklinton, NC. (FCSO photo)

In addition to the arrest, a search warrant was executed at his residence. The search resulted in the seizure of approximately 42 grams of Cocaine, scales and US Currency.

This investigation into illegal drug activity began as a result of citizen complaints alleging Mr. Williams was involved in selling illegal narcotics throughout Franklin County. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit validated Mr. Williams’ illegal activities and began an investigation.

As a result of this investigation, Mr. Williams was charged with three (3) counts of Possess with Intent to Sell/Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance, (Cocaine), three (3) counts of Selling Cocaine, three (3) counts of Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Selling Controlled Substances, one (1) count of Trafficking Cocaine, and Habitual Felon. 

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “One of our strategies is seeking those individuals who are repeat offenders and continue to engage in their illegal activities. This is an example of someone who has been through the system before and did not change his way of life after getting caught. We will continue to seek these individuals out and hold them accountable for poisoning our communities with these illegal drugs.” 

Mr. Williams is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $500,000 secured bond.

Deshaun Lamont Williams, 45 years of age 

130 Mark Street Franklinton, NC 27525 

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. 

Terry M. Wright, Chief of Staff

In addition to Deshaun Lamont Williams’ arrest, a search warrant was executed at his residence. The search resulted in the seizure of approximately 42 grams of Cocaine, scales and US Currency. (FCSO photo)

U.S. Department of Justice

Alien Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charge Found in Franklin Co.

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Greenville has returned an indictment charging JESUS GARCIA-HERNANDEZ, age 43, of Mexico, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien subsequent to a Felony Conviction.

GARCIA-HERNANDEZ, previously deported three times and found in Franklin County, is alleged to have been previously deported subsequent to a felony conviction for illegal reentry of a deported alien in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Therefore, if convicted, GARCIA-HERNANDEZ would face a maximum imprisonment term of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.

U.S. Department of Justice

Dept. of Justice Reminds Public to be Aware of Fraud When Disaster Strikes

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

The Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) in the wake of Hurricane Katrina when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region, which opened opportunities for criminals to exploit people during vulnerable times.

The NCDF, a national coordinating agency within the Department’s Criminal Division, operates a call center at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and serves as a centralized clearinghouse for disaster fraud complaints and information relating to both natural and man-made disasters.

The NCDF seeks to improve and further the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for victims of such fraud. More than 20 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which allows them to forward complaints to the appropriate agency for investigation.

“In the aftermath of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Dorian the affected communities and citizens of Eastern North Carolina should be on guard against disaster fraud schemes,” said Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “As FEMA and other federal, state, and local relief agencies work tirelessly to support those who have suffered losses as the result of this natural disaster, we can be certain that criminals will target those impacted and attempt to profit from the suffering of others. The Department of Justice is committed to detecting and stopping this type of fraud. Through the National Center for Disaster Fraud, and in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we are working to aggressively prosecute the offenders.”

While compassion, assistance, and solidarity are generally prevalent in the aftermath of natural disasters, unscrupulous individuals and organizations also use these tragic events to take advantage of those in need.

Examples of illegal activity being reported to the NCDF and law enforcement include FEMA fraud, identity theft, contractor fraud, charity fraud and impersonation of government officials.

The NCDF reminds the public to be aware of and report any instances of alleged fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims. Members of the public are reminded to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before trusting anyone purporting to be working on behalf of disaster victims and before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations on behalf of disaster victims.

The public is also reminded to be extremely cautious before providing personal identifying or financial information to anyone, especially those who may contact you after a natural disaster.

Unfortunately, criminals can exploit disasters, such as Hurricane Dorian, for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating phony websites designed to solicit contributions.

Tips should be reported to the NCDF at (866) 720-5721. The line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, e-mails can be sent to disaster@leo.gov, and information can be faxed to (225) 334-4707.

Learn more about the NCDF at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud and watch a public service announcement from United States Attorney Higdon here.

Within the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Deputy Criminal Chief Felice Corpening serves as the Disaster Fraud Coordinator. Working with the NCDF and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, Deputy Criminal Chief Corpening oversees the federal prosecution and investigation of disaster fraud matters impacting Eastern North Carolina.

Violations of North Carolina state disaster fraud laws are handled by the North Carolina Department of Justice’s (NCDOJ) Consumer Protection Division. The NCDOJ Consumer Protection Division may be contacted at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (1-877-566-7226) or by visiting www.ncdoj.gov/complaint.