U.S. Department of Justice

Butner Federal Inmates Indicted for Inciting Riot, Assault on Federal Officers

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

A federal grand jury returned an indictment on Wednesday charging two inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution in Butner, North Carolina (“FCI Butner I”) with assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers, as well as inciting or participating in a mutiny or riot within a federal penal institution.

According to the indictment, on April 22, 2020, Rene Moreno-Castillo and Javier Tijerina allegedly assaulted, resisted, or impeded federal officers during the performance of their official duties at FCI Butner I.

Specifically, Moreno-Castillo is alleged to have pulled a fire extinguisher from the wall during an open disagreement with staff about housing assignments and sprayed them with its chemical contents.

Additionally, the indictment alleges that on the same day, prior to the discharge of the fire extinguisher, Tijerina, expressing the same perceived disagreement, incited and attempted to cause or assisted in a mutiny or riot within FCI Butner I by openly yelling, gesturing, and threatening “action” by the inmates if housing assignments did not change.

According to the indictment, after spraying staff, inmate Moreno-Castillo barricaded the unit door with lockers which he ripped from the wall and slid against the door, tied the door shut with a bedsheet, and continued to spray the fire extinguisher, filling the unit with the powder contents. FCI Butner I staff, including a tactical Complex-wide Quick Response Force, were emergently called to the scene to regain control of the unit.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina commented: “Effectively managing a federal prison is a complex and difficult job but is one that is critical to the enforcement of our criminal laws and to ensuring the safety of people in every community across the country.  The men and women who serve us from behind the walls of facilities like those at Butner deserve our support and swift enforcement when prisoners take any action that impedes their work or, as here, threatens the security of those officers and risks the proper order and management of the prison.  This indictment deals with the offenders who tried to incite a riot within the Butner facility but is also designed to send a message to anyone else who might consider this type of action; there will be consequences if you jeopardize the security of our prisons or endanger the brave officers and employees who serve us from within the facility.”

Moreno-Castillo is charged with the violation of 18 U.S.C. § 111 and 18 U.S.C. § 1792. If convicted, he faces a maximum potential penalty of eight or ten years in prison, respectively. Inmate Tijerina is charged with a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1792, he faces a maximum potential penalty of ten years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Higdon made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory Brooks Storus is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

GVPH COVID-19 Update: Outbreak Reported at Kerr Lake Nursing Home

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

As of May 6, 2020, there are 149 known COVID-19 cases in Granville County, 135 cases in Vance County, and 12,758 confirmed cases in North Carolina.

There are three outbreaks at congregate living facilities in the district – one at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC, one at Pelican Health in Henderson, NC, and one at Kerr Lake Nursing Home in Henderson, NC.

Of the total positive cases in each county, 87 in Granville County are associated with the prison, 47 in Vance County are associated with Pelican Health Nursing Home and 10 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.

Of the 62 community-based cases in Granville County, 36 have been released from isolation and 47 of the 87 cases at the prisons have been released from isolation.

Of the 135 cases in Vance, 20 have been released from isolation and 8 are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 16 deaths in the health district – 10 in Vance County and 6 with the Bureau of Prisons in Granville County.

GVPH updates its website daily with Vance and Granville COVID-19 statistics. Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information.

N.C. Air National Guard Flyover ‘Operation American Resolve’ to Include Butner, NC

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-Press Release, North Carolina Air National Guard

The 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard will be conducting a one aircraft C-17 flyover of various North Carolina cities, hospitals, and food banks on Thursday, May 7, 2020, as part of Operation: American Resolve.

The flyover is to demonstrate the Department of the Air Force’s continued readiness during the national COVID-19 response while saluting the American heroes at the forefront in our fight against COVID-19. These flyovers will incur no additional cost to taxpayers and are being conducted as part of regularly scheduled training.

The C-17 will depart the Charlotte Douglass International Airport at 10 a.m. and travel to the locations listed below.

Please remember proper social distancing and protective measures while viewing.

Questions can be directed to the 145th Airlift Wing, Public Affairs Office at 910-916-0868.

Route of Flight:

All times are subject to change.

Asheville, NC (10:50 a.m.) – Mission Hospital, Manna Food Bank, Black Mountain Neuro-Medical Treatment Center
and J.F.K. Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center

Morganton, NC (11:02 a.m.) – Broughton Hospital, J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center

Hickory, NC (11:07 a.m.) – Frye Regional Medical Hospital

Statesville, NC (11:12 a.m.) – Iredell Memorial Hospital

Winston Salem, NC (11:21 a.m.) – Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, Bowman Gray Campus, Second Harvest Food Bank of NW, NC

Greensboro/Burlington, NC (11:30 a.m.) – High Point Regional, Moses Cone Memorial Hospital, Lab Corp Burlington Corporate Headquarters

Chapel Hill, NC (11:39 a.m.) – UNC-Chapel Hill Hospital

Durham, NC (11:42 a.m.) – Durham VA Medical Center, Duke University Hospital

Butner, NC (11:46 a.m.) – Central Regional Hospital, Murdoch Developmental Center, R.J. Blackley Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center

Raleigh, NC (11:50 a.m.) – UNC REX Hospital, NC National Guard JFHQ, Wake Med Hospital, Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC, Duke/Raleigh Hospital, Downtown Raleigh

Goldsboro, NC (12:09 p.m.) – Cherry Hospital, O’berry Neuro-Medical Treatment Center

Wilson, NC (12:15 p.m.) – Longleaf Neuro-Medical Treatment

Greenville, NC (12:21 p.m.) – Vidant Medical Center, Walter B. Jones Alcohol & Drug Abuse Treatment Center, Greenville Veteran’s Health Care Center

Kinston, NC (12:28 p.m.) – Caswell Development Center

Jacksonville, NC (12:35 p.m.) – Onslow Memorial Hospital

Wilmington, NC (12:48 p.m.) – New Hanover Regional Medical Center

Charlotte, NC (1:25 p.m.) – Harris Teeter Distribution Center, Novant Health Presbyterian Med Ctr, Atrium Health Charlotte, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina

MISSION COMPLETE

Are You Ready? May 3-9 Hurricane Preparedness Week 2020

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

This week is Hurricane Preparedness Week! Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, but most storms hit from mid-August to mid-October.

All residents are encouraged to take this time to update emergency supply kits with enough non-perishable food and water to last each person in your family a minimum of one week. Kits should also include:

• First-aid kit
• Weather radio and batteries
• Prescription medicines
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• Changes of clothes
• Hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant
• Cash
• Pet supplies including food, water, bedding, leashes, muzzle and vaccination records.

If you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if you’re in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane, figure out where you’d go and how you’d get there if told to evacuate.

“Know Your Zone” is a cooperative effort of North Carolina Emergency Management and county emergency management partners and is a tiered evacuation system that highlights areas most vulnerable to impacts from hurricanes, tropical storms and other hazards.

After being piloted during the 2019 hurricane season, state and county emergency management will partner to officially launch the Know Your Zone initiative prior to the peak of the 2020 season. In preparation for the launch and the coming hurricane season, visit http://knowyourzone.nc.gov for an interactive lookup tool, FAQ, and other educational resources.

More information on severe weather and hurricane preparedness is located at www.ReadyNC.org.

NC Governor Logo

NC to Move Into Phase I of Easing COVID-19 Restrictions Friday

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 138 to modify North Carolina’s Stay At Home order and transition to Phase 1 of slowly easing certain COVID-19 restrictions effective Friday, May 8 at 5 p.m. Certain businesses remain closed as the state continues battling COVID-19.

“COVID-19 is still a serious threat to our state, and Phase 1 is designed to be a limited easing of restrictions that can boost parts of our economy while keeping important safety rules in place,” said Governor Cooper. “This is a careful and deliberate first step, guided by the data, and North Carolinians still must use caution while this virus is circulating.”

“We must continue to protect our families and neighbors as we take this cautious step forward. When you leave your home, follow the three W’s: wear a face covering, wash your hands, and wait six feet apart,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the NC Department of Health and Human Services.

Today’s Order removes the distinction between essential and non-essential businesses. Retail businesses are allowed to open at 50% capacity and will be required to direct customers to stand 6 feet apart, perform frequent cleanings, provide hand sanitizer when available, screen workers for symptoms and more. The Order allows people to leave their homes for commercial activity at any business that is open.

Certain businesses remain closed, including bars, personal care businesses, entertainment venues and gyms. Restaurants may only continue to serve customers for drive-through, take out and delivery.

All workers at retail and other businesses are recommended to wear cloth face coverings. Teleworking is still encouraged for businesses that can practice it.

Though small outdoor gatherings will be allowed in Phase 1, gatherings of more than 10 people generally are still prohibited. The Order encourages cloth face coverings to be worn when outside the home and in contact with others. Everyone who uses a face covering should adhere to this guidance without fear of profiling or bias.

During Phase 1, childcare facilities will be open to serve families of parents who are working or looking for work. These centers will be required to follow strict cleaning protocols. Summer day camps can operate in compliance with NC DHHS guidelines.

In explaining today’s Order, Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen reported North Carolina remains stable on the following key metrics:

Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is decreasing.

Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases over the last 14 days cases is slightly increasing.

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive over the last 14 days is decreasing.

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations over the last 14 days is level.

In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. These areas include:

Laboratory Testing

  • North Carolina has doubled the daily testing rate.

Tracing Capability

  • The Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative has received over 4,000 applications and is in the process of hiring 250 new contact tracers.

Personal Protective Equipment 

  • Supply chains continue to improve with the exception of gowns.

The order is in effect until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22. However, the end of this Order does not necessarily mean the state will move to Phase 2. Phase 2 will only start if data and indicators are in the right place.

Read Frequently Asked Questions about Order 138.

View a copy of recent graphs and slides.

City of Oxford Launches ‘Oxford Says’ Segment, YouTube Channel

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-Information courtesy the City of Oxford

“Oxford Says”

The City of Oxford has launched its new ‘Oxford Says’ campaign showcasing local City leaders addressing topics of interest during the COVID – 19 period. New segments featuring City leaders will be featured every Friday at 3 p.m. on the City of Oxford’s Facebook page.
The first segment (April 24) featured Mayor Jacqueline Sergent and her account on the importance of remaining at home. The second segment (May 1) featured updates from Oxford City Manager Alan Thornton. Both may be viewed on the City’s Facebook page.
This week’s “Oxford Says” will feature a Wednesday and Friday segment with Oxford Economic Development Director (DOEDC) Mary Yount addressing the possible easing of the stay at home restrictions and downtown Oxford updates on Wednesday, May 6 at 3 p.m.

If you have any topics you would like to hear discussed in future “Oxford Says” segments or have questions for scheduled guests, please PM the City of Oxford via Facebook.

YouTube Channel

The City of Oxford has also launched its new YouTube channel. Videos relating to the City will be posted there in the hopes of providing a new communication tool with the public. Please check out the channel and subscribe as the City will post videos about the NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival, public campaigns, information tutorials and more.

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRQBRZrLkuI8vAaDFL825-w

State Will Not Provide COVID-19 Testing Directly to Prison, Parole Employees

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-Press Release, NC Department of State Treasurer

State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, and the State Health Plan (Plan) announced that they are no longer seeking a direct testing solution with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS) regarding testing of corrections officers and other employees at the state’s correctional institutions over the next few weeks.

Announced on April 22, the Plan had sought to provide direct testing at DPS facilities after Treasurer Folwell had secured more than 20,000 COVID-19 tests. However, logistical and personnel concerns from DPS will prevent direct testing. Therefore, Treasurer Folwell has told Mako Medical, and any other test providers that were going to provide tests, they can release the tests designated to support the program.

“We’re disappointed that we could not work out the details on how to go directly to the facilities outside of the fence to test,” said Treasurer Folwell. “However, we fully understand the dilemma of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.”

The vast majority of DPS employees are members of the Plan. Last month, the Plan announced that it is waiving the cost of treatment for members diagnosed with COVID-19, including associated deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. The Plan previously announced that it was also covering the cost associated with the testing of COVID-19.

The member cost-share waiver for COVID-19 related treatments is effective immediately through June 1, 2020, at which time the Plan will continue to re-evaluate this and other measures. The Plan is taking this action to help ensure that members receive the COVID-19 testing and treatment they need when they need it.

“Unlike other state agencies, DPS has unique safety and operational hurdles that could not be overcome by the State Health Plan’s desire to directly test these state employees,” added Treasurer Folwell. “We know that the leadership at ACJJ wants to act as quickly as possible and their concern for the welfare of their employees is tantamount. In fact, ACJJ has recently procured, paid for and administered tests at one of its 54 facilities.”

State Health Plan Executive Director Dee Jones added that the Plan is ready to assist when a viable testing method that meets DPS’s requirements is available. However, she highly encouraged any State Health Plan member who is exhibiting symptoms to see their Primary Care Physician.

The State Health Plan, a division of the Department of State Treasurer, provides health care coverage to more than 727,000 teachers, state employees, retirees, current and former lawmakers, state university and community college personnel, and their dependents.

Economic Impact Payments May Require Additional Steps; Deadline TODAY!

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Veterans Affairs benefits, have qualifying children under the age of 17, and didn’t file a tax return in 2018 or 2019, you may need to take extra steps to register to have $500 per child added to the $1,200 Economic Impact Payment you’ll receive this year.

The deadline to register with the IRS is TODAY, May 5, 2020.

Visit the IRS website for more information: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here

For a short video with tips for using the IRS website (e.g., the information you’ll need to complete the online application): https://app.vyond.com/videos/cf708ddd-11da-4fbd-8653-2fc13b8a0424

The application requires an email address, so if you need help creating an account, see these simple instructions to create an e-mail account via Google: https://app.vyond.com/videos/1f24fb37-ef7f-4ad3-b123-d75f11373b25

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

14 COVID-19 Deaths, 254 Confirmed Cases in Granville, Vance Health District

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

As of May 4, 2020, there are 144 known COVID-19 cases in Granville County, 110 cases in Vance County, and 11,848 confirmed cases in North Carolina.

There are two outbreaks at congregate living facilities in the district – one at Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC and one at Pelican Health Nursing Home in Henderson, NC.

Of the total positive cases in each county, 87 in Granville County are associated with the prison and 47 in Vance County are associated with the nursing home.

Of the 57 community-based cases in Granville County, 34 have been released from isolation and 46 of the 87 cases at the prisons have been released from isolation.

Of the 110 cases in Vance, 19 have been released from isolation and 6 are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 14 deaths in the health district – 8 in Vance County and 6 with the Bureau of Prisons in Granville County.

GVPH updates its website daily with Vance and Granville COVID-19 statistics. Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information.

Granville’s Spring Recycle & Collection Event Scheduled for Sat., May 16

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

The Spring Recycle and Collection event is still scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2020, at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center. The hours are from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.

To ensure proper social distancing and precautionary measures, those bringing items in to be properly disposed of and/or recycled will be directed to designated areas and will be assisted with their items.

Accepted items: documents for shredding, scrap metal, junk lawnmowers, broken appliances, broken bicycles, medications, sharps, inhalers, laptops/computers, cell phones, flares, ammunition, fireworks, hardback books, household batteries, pet items, packing materials (no packing peanuts) and more.

Backyard compost bins and countertop caddies will be available for sale.

The Granville County Expo Center is located at 4185 US Hwy 15 in Oxford, NC.