U.S. Department of Justice

Man Sentenced for Pretending to be U.S. Army General

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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 CHRISTIAN GERALD DESGROUX, age 58, of Raleigh, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle to 6 months imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release. On June 26, 2018, DESGROUX pled guilty to pretending to be a United States Army Lieutenant General in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 912.

On November 6, 2017, DESGROUX, while dressed in a military battle dress uniform (BDUs) with U.S. Army rank and insignia, disembarked a private helicopter that landed at the headquarters of Statistical Analysis Systems (SAS) located in Cary, North Carolina. SAS security officers approached DESGROUX who claimed that he was a Lieutenant General in the United States Army and was authorized by the President of the United States to land the helicopter there in order to pick up a female employee of SAS for a classified debriefing at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After the female and the defendant entered the helicopter, they flew around the area, refueled at a local airport, and returned to SAS.

When questioned by law enforcement, the female stated she was unaware that DESGROUX would be picking her up via helicopter. She believed that although they were not in a romantic relationship, DESGROUX was trying to impress her by flying her around. Her understanding was she would be meeting with the defendant to assist with a design project, but she had no knowledge of DESGROUX’s claims of a debriefing or joint special assignment involving the U.S. President. An investigation revealed DESGROUX had never been in the U.S. military.

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Kellhofer and Eleanor Morales prosecuted the case for the government.

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

U.S. Attorney’s Office to Hold Press Conference on ‘Operation Nor’easter’ Indictment

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

WHEN: Wednesday, August 1, 2018, at 11 a.m.

WHERE: Pasquotank County Public Safety Building, 200 East Colonial Avenue, Elizabeth City, NC 27909

The United States Attorney’s Office announces a press conference to discuss the indictment of 12 defendants on narcotic distribution and gun charges in a coordinated warrant enforcement operation. This operation is part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative that is targeting violent crime and drug distribution throughout the Eastern District of North Carolina.

United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., 1st Judicial District Attorney Andrew Womble and law enforcement partners from federal, state, and local agencies will be present at this event.

Credentialed members of the media are invited to attend.

For additional information please e-mail Don Connelly at usance.PublicInfoOfficer@usdoj.gov. Please RSVP your intentions to attend the event.

News 07/31/18

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Henderson Rotary Club Yard Sale to Last Until ‘There is Nothing Left’

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-Information courtesy the Henderson Rotary Club

The Henderson Rotary Club will hold a yard sale on Saturday, August 4, 2018, from 7 a.m. until “there is nothing left.”

The yard sale will be held in the old Rose Gin & Supply Co. beside Rose Oil Company on US-158 Bypass, Henderson.

Money raised will benefit local community projects of the Henderson Rotary Club.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

July’s Volunteer Spotlight Shines Bright on Fern Ellington

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-Information posted, with permission, from the Rebuilding Hope, Inc. July 2018 newsletter

After 38 years in banking, Fern Ellington offered her considerable skills to Rebuilding Hope, Inc. (RHI). Today, she volunteers two days a week in the office where she posts information about donations and accounts payable into a computerized bookkeeping system.

With 22 years of service, Fern is a member of West End Baptist Church and a member of the choir who says her involvement with RHI started before her retirement in 2014.

About five years ago, the bank branch manager and her staff volunteered in a community service project sponsored by RHI.

“I met people who benefitted from RHI’s work,” says the Vance County native. “I see the value of having an organization like this in our community.”

Of her work at RHI, Fern says that “it lets me continue with the things I know how to do. I like interacting with the public. It’s a very pleasant environment.”

Fern, who chairs the board of the YMCA where she’s a 20-year member, says, “I support things in our community that are positive.”

An avid walker, Fern has two grown children and a grandson, all of whom live in Vance County.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Farmers Market Site of Second Thurs. Food Distribution, Aug. 9

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-Information courtesy Betty Boyd

The Second Thursday Food Distribution will be held at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market off Beckford Drive, Henderson, on Thursday, August 9, 2018, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

This is a partnership of St. James Missionary Baptist Church and First Baptist Church offered to supplement the food resources of Vance County citizens. Recipients remain in their vehicle. No identification is required.

Contact Betty Boyd at 252-432-3967 if you would like to volunteer or have questions.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance County Logo

Vance Co. Fire Commission to Meet Wed., August 1

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to the Board, Vance County

Please be informed that the Vance County Fire Commission is scheduled to meet Wednesday, August 1, 2018, at 3:30 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Room, Vance County Administration Building, 122 Young Street, Henderson, NC.

News 07/30/18

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Free Community Fun at 35th Annual Henderson-Vance Night Out Against Crime

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Lieutenant Jessica West and Sergeant Marti Stewart with the Henderson Police Department were on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Alliance Against Crime, a public affairs program, to discuss the Henderson -Vance 35th Annual National Night Out Against Crime event.

This year’s Night Out will be held Tuesday, August 7, 2018, from 5 – 8 p.m. on Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson. Free hot dogs, drinks, souvenir cups, face painting and bounce houses will be available.

West estimated that 30-50 vendors will be on-hand to interact with the community and provide information on their programs and services. Vendors still interested in participating may contact West or Stewart at the Henderson Police Department.

In addition to the Henderson Police Department, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Henderson Fire Department, Vance County Fire Department, EMS personnel, NC State Highway Patrol, Crime Stoppers, Vance County Department of Social Services, and Infinite Possibilities, Inc. will also be among the organizations represented at Night Out.

“Night Out is held for everyone to see what our community has to offer,” said West. “It’s about getting together, having fun and learning about law enforcement; get to know officers one-on-one.”

In case of heavy rain, Night Out will be held the following Tuesday, August 14, 2018 – same time and location.

Other Updates and Upcoming Events:

St. Baldrick’s Day

The 2018 St. Baldrick’s Day event “Cops vs. Cancer” was held at Fox Pond Park in May to raise money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping fight childhood cancer. According to West, who shaved her head in support of the foundation, the event has currently raised approximately $11,000 – $12,000. Donations will continue to be accepted through the end of the year. Please visit the event page if you wish to donate.

Community Health Assessment

The Henderson Police Department is partnering with Granville Vance Public Health (GVPH) to conduct a door-to-door community health assessment in Vance County through Saturday, July 28. Volunteers will be identified by a GVPH visor. Participation is important to ensure an accurate reflection of the community’s health needs.

Community Watch Groups

Residents interested in starting a Community Watch group are encouraged to contact West or Stewart. Established groups meet monthly, bimonthly or quarterly. According to Stewart, a police representative attends the meetings to answer citizens’ questions, provide crime statistics on the area and to gather information on what the Henderson Police Department can do to better assist the community.

Franklin County Sheriff

Operation ‘Tip Line’ Nets 10 Arrests on Felony Drug-Related Charges

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Terry M. Wright – Chief of Staff

On July 27, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Team concluded Operation “Tip Line” with the arrests of 10 individuals on 62 felony drug-related charges. This operation and arrests were the direct result of information provided by the citizens of Franklin County. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Branch of the SBI (ALE), Louisburg Police Department and Henderson Police Department assisted the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit during this operation.

Operation “Tip Line” began as a result of numerous complaints received by the Sheriff’s Office on individuals who were allegedly involved in the sale of controlled substances throughout the county. Over the past few months, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit substantiated the information and made purchases of controlled substances from these individuals. During Operation “Tip Line” Heroin, Crack Cocaine, Powder Cocaine, Marijuana and Prescription Pills were purchased and seized.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Operation Tip Line” is a great example of how information is received from the public, analyzed and then used in intelligence-driven investigations. These arrests complement our drug enforcement strategy of addressing both short-term and long-term investigations that meet the needs of particular communities within our county. Citizen-provided information continues to be instrumental to our overall drug enforcement strategy in Franklin County.”

The following individuals were arrested during Operation Tip Line:

Kamia Oshea Jones 6625 Dealous Drive Zebulon, NC 27597 DOB: 7/14/1997

Charged with the following: Sell Cocaine (3 counts), Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (3 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Cocaine (3 counts).

Placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.

Travis Wesley Jones 55 Scarboro Drive Bunn, NC 27508 DOB: 12/8/1979

Charged with the following: Sell Cocaine (2 counts), Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (2 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Cocaine (2 counts).

Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.

Jerrick Lemont Ellis. 86 Buddys Way Zebulon, NC 27597 DOB: 07/18/1979

Charged with the following: Sell Cocaine (3 counts), Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (3 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Cocaine (3 counts), Possession of Cocaine.

Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.

David Sidney Smith 130 Smooth Rider Road Louisburg, NC 27549 DOB: 09/01/1994

Charged with the following: Sell Heroin (1 count), Possess with the intent to Sell and Deliver Heroin (1 count), Maintain a Vehicle for the purpose of Selling Heroin (1 count).

Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.

Anthony Callie Proctor 140 Cattle Drive Zebulon, NC 27597 DOB: 01/13/1979

Charged with the following: Sell Marijuana (3 counts), Possess with the intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana (3 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Marijuana (3 counts).

Placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under $35,000 secured bond.

Thomas Joseph Wilkins 142 Bridle Trail Youngsville, NC 27596 DOB: 07/14/1996

Charged with the following: Sell Marijuana (2 counts), Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana (2 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Marijuana (1 count).

Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $40,000 secured bond.

Shawn Andre Alston 195 Baileys Creek Kittrell, NC 27544 DOB: 02/02/1973

Charged with the following: Sell Cocaine (3 counts), Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (3 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Cocaine (3 counts), Possess Heroin (1 count), Possess Cocaine (1 count), Resist, Delay and Obstruct, Simple Possession of Marijuana.

Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $155,000 secured bond.

Julia Jones Tharrington 137 Rice Drive Wake Forest, NC 27587 DOB: 05/14/1960

Charged with the following: Sell and Deliver Heroin (1 count), Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Heroin (1 count), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Heroin (1 count).

Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.

Timothy Mark Shearin 394 Moulton Road Louisburg, NC 27549 DOB: 05/26/1970

Charged with the following: Trafficking, Opium or Heroin (3 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substance (1 count).

Placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $20,000 secured bond.

Donathan Domica Perry 161 Happy Valley Trail Franklinton, NC 27525 DOB: 10/27/1976

Charged with the following: Trafficking, Opium or Heroin (4 counts), Maintain a Vehicle for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substance (1 count).

Placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $100,000 secured bond.

For more information regarding this operation or to provide information to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at 919-496-2186.