Phase 2 Of Operation ‘Robocall Roundup’ Expands Crackdown On Illegal Calls

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— information courtesy of the office of N.C. Attorney General

N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson kicked off Phase 2 of Operation Robocall Roundup, expanding the crackdown on illegal robocalls to include four of the largest voice providers in the country. As part of an ongoing investigation, the bipartisan Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force, led by Jackson, has directed Inteliquent, Bandwidth, Lumen, and Peerless to stop transmitting suspected illegal robocalls across their networks. The letters to the companies are available here.

In a statement Thursday, Jackson said “Phase 2 of Robocall Roundup is about the larger companies that are knowingly pushing through millions of scam robocalls. “We’re giving them thirty days to clean this up. If they don’t, we’re prepared to use every tool we have. The scale of this abuse is outrageous and we’re not going to tolerate it.”

In August, Jackson sent warning letters to 37 smaller voice providers that were allowing suspected illegal robocalls onto the U.S. telephone network. This next phase targets companies with far larger footprints in the U.S. telecom ecosystem. The four companies are continuing to transmit hundreds of thousands – and in some cases, millions – of suspected illegal robocalls.

In 2022, 51 attorneys general joined forces to create the Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force, which is led by North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. The Task Force investigates and takes legal action against companies responsible for significant volumes of illegal and fraudulent robocall traffic routed into and across the United States.

Phase 1 of Robocall Roundup included sending warning letters to 37 companies, with positive results:

  • 13 companies were removed from the FCC’s Robocall Mitigation Database, meaning no provider in the United States may accept their call traffic.
  • 19 companies stopped appearing in any traceback results, indicating they ceased routing suspected illegal robocalls.
  • At least four providers terminated high-risk customer accounts identified as transmitting illegal traffic.

Jackson said the changes demonstrate that enforcement is working. “But to protect the public, the largest carriers must meet the highest standards,” he said.

 

TownTalk: Festive Times in Granville County

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Santa is going to be one tired fella if he makes good on all his appearances this weekend in Granville County, but if he’s trying to keep up with Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen, he’ll need an energy drink or two to keep him moving.

Allen said the next couple of weekends in Granville County are “jam-packed” with opportunities to get in the holiday spirit, from parades and shows, to special meals and light displays.

(POSTPONED) First up is the annual Lighting of the Greens on Friday, Dec. 5, beginning with a flurry of activities at 4 p.m. along Main Street.

(POSTPONED) The crowd will gather around the Courthouse at 6:30 p.m. to witness the downtown decorations lighting up to officially kick off the holiday season. Stick around for the parade at 7 p.m., complete with Ol’ Saint Nick himself. He’s giving the reindeer the evening off, apparently, because Allen said to look for him on the back of a fire truck as the parade wends through downtown Oxford.

Santa’s going to make a couple of appearances in the southern part of the county that evening as well – he’ll be at Butner for Christmas in the Park at Gazebo Park on Central Avenue at 5 p.m. then he’ll head over to Creedmoor’s tree lighting at the Community Center, which begins at 7 p.m.

“To me, it’s all about community,” Allen said on Wednesday’s TownTalk. The community comes together – schools, churches, businesses – to show off their holiday spirit and pride for the places where they live. For Allen, the weather may be cold this time of year, but seeing the togetherness all across the county is heart-warming.

Delrayno Baptist Church’s live nativity called Back To Bethlehem will be open for drive-through visitors on Dec. 13, 14 and 15 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The church parking lot is transformed with costumed characters, animals and sets to create something that is historical, traditional and spiritual all at the same time, Allen said.

“It’s a tradition that people don’t want to miss,” she said.

Parades, tree lightings and live nativity scenes may be some of the more traditional options for folks to enjoy, but Allen said Granville County has a nice assortment of unexpected things, too.

Take, for instance, the “Yuletide Experience” that will transform the Viking Experience village area this weekend into a wonderland of holiday festivities – all with “a very unique Norse twist,” Allen said.

Ticket packages are available for the Dec. 6-7 event at their website.
There will be games, holiday shopping and friendly competitions for the whole family.

Want to see what an award-winning light display looks like? Then head over to Campbell’s Christmas Display on Bob Daniel Road outside Oxford, where you’ll experience more than 80,000 synchronized lights creating different displays. The Campbells, you may remember, won first prize last year in ABC’s show “The Great Christmas Light Fight.”

They’ve been creating a light display for more than 20 years, Allen said, and welcome folks to not just drive through, but to stop in and visit. All they ask is that you bring along a donation of canned goods to support ACIM, the county’s food bank.

Campbell’s kicks off the season this weekend and continues through most of the month, Allen said.

“This is really nice that this family has taken it to another level,” Allen said, displaying their generosity by giving back to the community.

Another light display is at Granville Christmas Farm, located just off Highway 15 south of Oxford. From now through New Year’s Eve, carloads of folks will drive along and see vignettes from favorite Christmas movies like Rudolph, Christmas Vacation and more.

If full-length feature movies are more your style, then head over to the newly renovated OX Theater in Oxford’s City Hall on Sunday, Dec. 7 or Monday, Dec. 8 to catch a holiday favorite, The Polar Express. Admission is $5. Visit https://oxfordnc.recdesk.com/ to register or call 919.603.1135. The Sunday show is at 3 p.m. and the Monday show is at 6:30 p.m.

The OX Theater will host Nashville Noel on Sunday, Dec. 14, bringing a blend of country and Christmas and the high-energy of the Nashville scene. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m.

In partnership with the Granville Little Theatre, the OX will host the annual live radio play of the Christmas classic “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Performances are Dec. 11, 12 and 13. The Oxford Prep Jazz Band will perform following the Saturday performance.

Check out all the options and a schedule of all the upcoming events at www.visitgranvillenc.com and follow them on social media channels to stay updated on all the events and programs throughout the county.

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Oxford Police Investigate Nov. 30 Shooting Death

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— information from Oxford Police Department

On November 30, 2025, at approximately 9:43 p.m., officers of the Oxford Police Department were dispatched to the 300 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in reference to reports of shots being fired in the area. Upon arrival, officers located a male subject near his vehicle who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The individual was identified as Toshawnka Rashaan Wyche, date of birth 1/08/1977, of Oxford.

Mr. Wyche was transported to a local medical facility, where he subsequently succumbed to his injuries.

The Oxford Police Department Criminal Investigation Division responded to the scene and is conducting a thorough investigation into this incident. The Department extends its deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Wyche during this difficult time.

Anyone with information pertinent to this incident is encouraged to contact the Oxford Police Department or Crime Stoppers.

20th Turkey Trot Brings In More Than 1 Ton Of Food, $3K For ACIM

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From all reports, the 20th annual ACIM Turkey Trot was a resounding success, and ACIM Executive Director Ann Riley more than one ton of food was collected for the food bank.

There were 469 participants who ran, strolled, trotted or walked along College Street, from Oxford United Methodist Church to the Masonic Home for Children and back. The morning was crisp, but not too cold, making for pleasant conditions for folks of all ages to walk for a good cause.

In all, 2,244 pounds of canned and non-perishable food was collected, not to mention $3,282 in donations, Riley said.

While most participants were out for a leisurely stroll, there were some serious runners who blazed through the roughly 2-mile course.

Here’s a rundown of who crossed the finish line first, along with their times:

  • Adult Male: Jason Jones 12:20
  • Adult Female: Carla Rodriguez 12:01
  • 1st Family: The Wilkes 15:24
  • Teen Male: Henry Hall 11:01
  • Teen Female: Maddie Crews 18:42
  • Child Male: Cohen Wilkes 15:38
  • Child Female: Arla Bowman 16:14
  • Pet: Dog “Cami” 25:25

Riley offered her thanks to all participants, “whether you came out to run, walk, fellowship, or just enjoy the morning, we greatly appreciate you!”

Oxford Cheer Elite Wins Big In Capital City Championship

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— Information courtesy of Oxford Cheer Elite

Oxford Cheer Elite delivered a powerhouse performance on November 14 at the Capital City Championship in Raleigh, NC.

Their Youth Infinity and Junior Odyssey dominated their divisions, each securing 1st Place. The Senior Halo earned an impressive 2nd Place finish. The program also received the event’s Sportsmanship Award, along with a cash prize recognizing their outstanding spirit and representation.

Senior Halo closed the competition with two headline honors: they were named D2 Grand Champions, taking home an electric guitar trophy. This honor is awarded to the highest scoring D2 team in the competition. Additionally, they earned a paid bid to the War on the Shore championship event in the spring.

OCE is proud of their athletes as they continue to raise the bar and showcase exceptional teamwork, talent, and sportsmanship. OCE is located in the new gym space on Penn Avenue in Oxford. Owners Stacey Long and Ayana Parker are elated with the success of the teams and excited about the season ahead, with the next competition taking place in December in Concord.

Granville Early College Senior Receives National Award At Gifted Conference

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Granville Early College High School Senior Lauryn Davis has received a national award for gifted students.

According to information from Granville County Public Schools Marketing Specialist Kory Scott, Davis was one of seven students from across the nation to receive the Dr. Martin D. Jenkins Award at the National Gifted Conference, held recently in Pittsburgh, PA.

The award is given to gifted Black scholars who excel academically and demonstrate outstanding leadership. Davis will receive a $300 scholarship, complimentary registration to the National Association for Gifted Children Annual Convention, a full scholarship to attend Purdue University’s (GER²I) Summer Residential Program, and valuable mentoring opportunities.

Granville Early College Principal Dr. Gwen Roulhac praised Davis for her dedication to excellence in academics and to work in the community. “Lauryn is gifted not only in her intellect but in her character, her compassion, and her commitment to making a difference. I am so proud of her!”

Oxford Police Dept

Off-Duty Oxford Police Officer Injured Friday In Traffic Accident Helping Pedestrians At Busy Intersection

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— From City of Oxford Communications Specialist Sabrina Richards

An off-duty Oxford police officer heading into work early Friday morning was struck by a vehicle when he stopped to help two pedestrians – one in a wheelchair – as they attempted to cross a busy intersection.

The unnamed officer was taken to Duke University Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, according to information from the city’s Communications Specialist Sabrina Richards.

One of the pedestrians also was taken to Duke or further evaluation and the second pedestrian was transported to Granville Health System.

The incident occurred about 6 a.m. along N.C. 96 – just north of the I-85 interchange – near the Days Inn, according to information from Richards, when the officer observed two citizens attempting to cross a busy intersection and recognized an immediate threat to their safety. The officer stopped to render aid.

“During this time, one of the citizens, who was crossing the intersection in a wheelchair, was struck by an oncoming vehicle. As the officer turned to assist the individual in the wheelchair, both the officer and the assisting citizen were struck by a second vehicle,” the statement read.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol is conducting the investigation into the incident. At this time, no charges have been filed.

The City of Oxford and the Oxford Police Department are grateful for the swift response of emergency personnel and ask the community to keep the officer and the citizen in their thoughts.

ACIM’s Annual Turkey Trot In Downtown Oxford Thanksgiving Morning

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Area Congregations in Ministry, Granville County’s food bank, is set once again to host the Annual Turkey Trot in Oxford on Thanksgiving morning – Nov. 27, for those who need a reminder – hopefully, College Street in downtown Oxford will be filled with walkers, runners and trotters from across the community for a fun way to support the efforts of the food bank.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. on the lawn of Oxford United Methodist Church and the trot begins at 9 a.m.

It’s a 2-mile course, so you’ll be home in plenty of time to baste the turkey or candy the yams before sitting down to your own holiday meal. Serious runners can complete the course in a matter of minutes, passing leisurely walkers on their way to the finish line. However you’d like to participate, there’s space for you – and babies in strollers and wagons, even dogs (just make sure they’re on a leash).

The price of admission? Just 4 items – canned goods or other non-perishable, shelf-stable food per participant – or a monetary donation and you’re in!

Thanks to generous donations from churches, individuals and other organizations, ACIM distributes needed food items to Granville County residents in need.

Visit https://www.acimgranville.org/ to learn how you can help.

SportsTalk: Falls Lake Boys Soccer to Play for 1A State Crown

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Falls Lake Head Boys Soccer Coach Mike Graham joins SportsTalk with Scout Hughes and George Hoyle to preview the State Championship as the Firebirds take on Thomas Jefferson on Thursday for the 1A Crown.

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Mike Waters

District Attorney Michael D. Waters Issues Statement On Granville Sheriff’s Office Investigation

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Editor’s note: WIZS News received the following statement from District Attorney Michael D. Waters on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025. In the email that contained the attached press release, Waters stated, “Because of the content, it is imperative that the press release be made available in its entirety.  I do not have any further comment on this matter.”

Below is the statement Waters released, followed by the letter from Wake DA Lorrin Freeman, which he referred to in the statement:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THIS DOCUMENT SHOULD BE PUBLISHED IN ITS ENTIRETY 

Statement of District Attorney Michael D. Waters

This past Sunday, November 16, 2025, my attention was directed to a statement posted to social media by candidate for Granville County Sheriff, Charlie Noblin, Jr., regarding his October 27, 2021, resignation as the Sheriff of Granville County. I am addressing the specific allegations as directed towards my conduct as District Attorney in that I inappropriately collaborated with Granville County Attorney Jim Wrenn in asking for Charlie Noblin, Jr.’s resignation. This is not an endorsement or commentary on the fitness for office of any candidate for Granville County Sheriff.

In November 2018 I requested the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts appoint a prosecutor to advise the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation during an investigation into the conduct of Sheriff Brindell B. Wilkins, and a very few members of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office.

The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts appointed Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman to advise law enforcement, make charging decisions, and prosecute cases that arose from the investigation. Prosecutorial discretion rested entirely with Wake County District Attorney Freeman from November 2018 forward.

Sheriff Brindell B. Wilkins was indicted in October 2019 on indictments drawn by Wake County District Attorney Freeman. Brindell B. Wilkins stepped down from office, and Chief Deputy Sherwood Boyd fulfilled the duties of sheriff until a new sheriff could be appointed. Shortly thereafter, Charlie Noblin, Jr. was appointed Sheriff of Granville County by the Granville County Board of Commissioners for the unexpired term. Charlie Noblin, Jr. announced his candidacy for the Office of Granville County Sheriff.

I was personally and professionally familiar with Charlie Noblin, Jr. having known him most of my life. Charlie Noblin, Jr. was not involved in the allegations regarding Brindell Wilkins’ solicitation to murder Deputy Josh Freeman or the misappropriation of seized property by Brindell Wilkins and a small number of deputies. During Charlie Noblin, Jr.’s time as the appointed Sheriff we communicated frequently about work and our employees freely communicated about cases without interference from Sheriff Noblin.

Wake County District Attorney Freeman advised me that the investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation had expanded to include the falsification of training records among other things. Initially, four deputies and the Sheriff were implicated. Except for Brindell Wilkins and Chad Coffey, the other three deputies implicated in the falsification of training records continued to serve under Sheriff Noblin. Additionally, one other deputy involved in the possible misappropriation of evidence and making false statements to federal investigators continued to be employed. The decision to continue to employ these individuals was at the sole discretion of Sheriff Noblin.

The District Attorney’s Office does not take positions on whether a person is employed by a law enforcement agency or office. The law requires the District Attorney’s Office to assess the credibility of all witnesses including officers and make necessary disclosures to defendants and the Courts. In more serious cases, the District Attorney’s Office must report misconduct directly to North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards or North Carolina Sheriffs’ Training and Standards.

On October 6, 2021, Charlie Noblin, Jr. informed me that he had a possible life-threatening health issue.

That same day Wake County District Attorney Freeman sent me a letter which is attached hereto. The letter stated that in preparation for trial a cooperating witness disclosed that Sheriff Noblin “participated in submitting a firearm qualification record (Form F-9A) to the North Carolina Sheriff’s Education and Training Standards Commission that was false, in that it reflected that he had met all firearm qualification requirements as required annually, when in fact he had not, during a period when he was on medical leave.” As this was an ongoing investigation, I was not at liberty to share this information except in the circumstance that Sheriff Noblin would be called as a witness.

On October 20, 2021, I understood Charlie Noblin, Jr. had surgery to address his diagnosis. I checked on him after his surgery.

On Friday, October 22, 2021, Wake County District Attorney Freeman contacted me by phone and stated that she intended to present indictments regarding this falsified F-9A form unless Sheriff Charlie Noblin, Jr. resigned. Under any circumstance, she would notify North Carolina Sheriff’s Training and Standards about the falsified training record.

I understood the allegation to be that Charlie Noblin, Jr. signed a F-9A form acknowledging qualification scores when in fact he had not participated in the qualification course. This time coincided with a time that I knew Charlie Noblin, Jr. to have been injured in the line of duty, and on extended medical leave. I was also aware that Charlie Noblin, Jr. had participated in several law enforcement interviews including discussions about other officers potentially subject to indictment, and Charlie Noblin, Jr. had not disclosed this issue. I also understood that Charlie Noblin, Jr. had never been asked about his personal training record, and it was not alleged that he lied to investigators in response to any specific question.

On the morning of October 26, 2021, I attended a meeting at the invitation of Granville County Attorney Jim Wrenn at his office and knew Sheriff Noblin would be in attendance. It was our intention to discuss the allegation of the falsified training record.

Sheriff Noblin drove himself to the meeting, and was in a somber mood regarding his health, but otherwise appeared to be of sound mind and thinking clearly. Granville County Attorney Wrenn told him of the allegation and Sheriff Noblin did not refute the allegation Wake County District Attorney Freeman disclosed to us; that he didn’t attend firearms qualification and yet signed the F-9A form indicating he had completed the required qualification.

Granville County Attorney Wrenn told Sheriff Noblin that the County Commissioners were deeply concerned by his certification of a F-9A for training he did not complete; his failure to disclose the issue and his failure to take disciplinary action against Granville County Sheriff’s Office employees who had engaged in extensive falsification of records. Sheriff Noblin asked if the commissioners wanted him to resign. Granville County Attorney Wrenn replied that the decision was his to make, but he should consider the best interest of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Granville County. Sheriff Noblin asked if Wake County District Attorney Freeman would prosecute him if he resigned. Granville County Attorney Wrenn stepped out and called Wake County District Attorney Freeman. Granville County Attorney Wrenn returned to the room to report that Wake District Attorney Freeman indicated that if Sheriff Noblin resigned, she would report the falsification to Training and Standards but would not prosecute him.

In good faith and in my role as what I considered to be a friend, I advised Sheriff Noblin that he could cite his health issues, and resign without having to make a public disclosure, and avoid Wake County District Attorney Freeman submitting an indictment.

In my role as District Attorney in advising law enforcement, I also stated whether he resigned or not, the information would be submitted to North Carolina Sheriff’s Training and Standards and could be revealed in the upcoming trial of former Granville County Deputy Chad Coffey.

I was informed later that evening that Charlie Noblin, Jr. resigned effective Wednesday, October 27, 2021.

I have spoken to Charlie Noblin, Jr. several times since this day. Charlie Noblin, Jr. never brought up this subject to me.

This social media post has generated substantial comment including the dissemination of false information as to the judicial proceedings against other former employees of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office.

With respect to the six employees mentioned in this release:

Federal authorities and Wake County District Attorney Freeman declined to prosecute a detective for his role in the misappropriation of evidence, and lying to federal investigators. That detective resigned prior to this office making a credibility determination. Should he return to law enforcement, those credibility allegations would be addressed prior to him being called to testify. Wake County District Attorney Freeman declined to prosecute a second detective involved in the falsification of records because of his cooperation. This office addressed his credibility issue and although he is no longer in law enforcement, an appropriate disclosure will be made should he be called to testify.

Four additional Sheriff’s Office employees were charged in connection with the falsification of records. All these cases have concluded, and they have surrendered their law enforcement certification.

Keith Campbell plead guilty and received a deferred prosecution in exchange for his cooperation. Chad Coffey and Brin Wilkins were tried and convicted of felonies. The Court of Appeals overturned the convictions citing defective indictments. Rather than face new indictments, both Chad Coffey and Brin Wilkins plead guilty to related misdemeanors. Sherwood Boyd accepted responsibility at an early stage and plead to misdemeanors for his role in the falsification of records.

Brindell Wilkins plead guilty as charged for his role in encouraging the murder of former deputy Josh Freeman. Brin Wilkins completed his sentence.

Editor’s note: The following is the letter from Freeman, addressed to District Attorney Waters and cc’d to Jim Wrenn, county attorney

October 6, 2021

Dear Mr. Waters:

As you are aware, for several years, I have been working with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation in an investigation that involves your Granville County Sheriff’s office. Consistent with my sustained practice during this investigation, I am writing today to notify you of information recently obtained during this investigation which could be considered a required disclosure under U.S. v. Brady and U.S. v. Giglio and their progeny. A former employee and cooperating witness in the investigation has disclosed that the current Sheriff Charles R. Noblin participated in submitting a firearm qualification record (Form F-9A) to the North Carolina Sheriff’s Education and Training Standards Commission that was false in that it reflected that he had met all firearm qualification requirements as required annually when he in fact had not during a period of time when he was out on medical leave. I have attached a firearm qualification record (Form F-9A) for convenience so that you can review the acknowledgement of qualification scores language that must be signed by the officer. I have confirmed that these forms were submitted for Mr. Noblin for the period in question with scores recorded for each of the required qualifications with signed acknowledgements indicating that he certified them. The report concerning this fraudulently executed form is consistent with other reports we have confirmed as to other members of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office and of which I am notifying you in separate letters.

It is important to note that at the conclusion of this investigation these allegations will be reported to the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission so that they can investigate them and if necessary, take appropriate action consistent with the Commission’s rules and regulations.

This matter is an ongoing investigation. As such, I would ask that you limit further dissemination of these allegations only as far as is necessary for you to uphold your ethical and constitutional obligations in the prosecution of cases in your district. As you are aware, the cases in which Mr. Chad Coffey has been charged have been scheduled for trial to begin January 18, 2022 there in Granville County. At this time, I would expect these allegations may form part of the evidence in that matter.

Sincerely,

N. Lorrin Freeman

Wake County District Attorney

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Editor’s  Note: If you would like to review the documents, you may click here or anywhere here you see underlined to do so.