-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced MARK BASS, 59, of Creedmoor, North Carolina to 326 months imprisonment, followed by a lifetime of supervised released. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $75,000.00.
On October 18, 2018, BASS was named in a one-count Indictment charging him with the Manufacture of Child Pornography. On January 28, 2019, BASS pled guilty to the charge. BASS is currently serving a term in state custody for other sex offenses against children.
In August 2017, the Granville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) in Oxford, North Carolina, and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office in Raleigh, North Carolina, received information related to the sexual abuse of an 18-year-old female (Victim 1) by MARK BASS. The sexual abuse began when Victim 1 was 7 or 8 years of age and continued until she was at least 17 years old. During the course of the investigation, agents also learned of a second victim, Victim 2, a 13-year-old autistic male, who was also sexually abused by BASS.
On January 30, 2018, Wake County Child Protective Services (WCCPS) notified the GCSO that Victim 2 reported multiple forms of sexual abuse endured at the hands of BASS. Victim 2 also substantiated that BASS took sexual photographs of Victim 1 with his cellphone, which BASS periodically showed to Victim 2.
Based on the substantiated sexual abuse involving Victims 1 and 2, a search warrant was obtained and executed at BASS’ residence on February 16, 2018. A cellphone belonging to BASS and other physical evidence was seized. Forensic investigation of the cellphone indicated that, on August 14, 2016, BASS produced at least one image of Victim 2 that constituted child pornography under the law. Evidence also proved that BASS engaged in sexual contact with Victim 2 on multiple occasions.
This case was part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national project, Project Safe Childhood, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The investigation of this case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, Granville County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Belle Kessler prosecuted the case for the government.
News releases are available on the U.S. Attorney’s webpage at https://justice.gov/usao-ednc. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_EDNC.
Creedmoor Man Sentenced to 27 Years on Child Pornography Charges
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced MARK BASS, 59, of Creedmoor, North Carolina to 326 months imprisonment, followed by a lifetime of supervised released. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $75,000.00.
On October 18, 2018, BASS was named in a one-count Indictment charging him with the Manufacture of Child Pornography. On January 28, 2019, BASS pled guilty to the charge. BASS is currently serving a term in state custody for other sex offenses against children.
In August 2017, the Granville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) in Oxford, North Carolina, and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office in Raleigh, North Carolina, received information related to the sexual abuse of an 18-year-old female (Victim 1) by MARK BASS. The sexual abuse began when Victim 1 was 7 or 8 years of age and continued until she was at least 17 years old. During the course of the investigation, agents also learned of a second victim, Victim 2, a 13-year-old autistic male, who was also sexually abused by BASS.
On January 30, 2018, Wake County Child Protective Services (WCCPS) notified the GCSO that Victim 2 reported multiple forms of sexual abuse endured at the hands of BASS. Victim 2 also substantiated that BASS took sexual photographs of Victim 1 with his cellphone, which BASS periodically showed to Victim 2.
Based on the substantiated sexual abuse involving Victims 1 and 2, a search warrant was obtained and executed at BASS’ residence on February 16, 2018. A cellphone belonging to BASS and other physical evidence was seized. Forensic investigation of the cellphone indicated that, on August 14, 2016, BASS produced at least one image of Victim 2 that constituted child pornography under the law. Evidence also proved that BASS engaged in sexual contact with Victim 2 on multiple occasions.
This case was part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national project, Project Safe Childhood, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The investigation of this case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, Granville County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Belle Kessler prosecuted the case for the government.
News releases are available on the U.S. Attorney’s webpage at https://justice.gov/usao-ednc. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_EDNC.
Opening/Dedication of VCRFM’s Memorial Garden Scheduled for June 12
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension
Join the Extension Master Gardener volunteers for a drop-in celebration of the official opening and dedication of the Memorial Garden at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market. This event will take place on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The garden is dedicated to the memory of Master Gardener volunteers who are no longer with us. It features drought-tolerant plants that attract pollinators and other beneficial insects and is also a Certified Wildlife Habitat.
The garden will also provide inspiration to area gardeners for new plants to try in their own landscapes. This beautiful space of peace, beauty and reflection was built entirely through contributions and the dedicated effort of the Master Gardener volunteers of Vance and Warren Counties.
Light refreshments will be served and a short program will take place at 10:30 a.m. The Master Gardener volunteers then invite you to stroll around the garden and visit.
The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Drive in Henderson. For more information, call 252-438-8188 or email paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu.
Michael East Confirmed as US Marshal for NC’s Eastern District
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina comments on the confirmation of Michael East to serve as United States Marshal for the Eastern District of North Carolina:
“Today the United States Senate has confirmed President Trump’s nomination of Michael East to serve as United States Marshal for the Eastern District of North Carolina. I can think of no one better to take up this important position.
Mike East served the people of this State as an agent of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for 28 years. There he worked as a member of the Child Fatality Task Force Prevention Team, the Crisis Negotiation Team and as Special Agent in Charge of the Financial Crimes Unit. He led investigations focused on public corruption, violent crime, drug crimes, economic crimes and many others.
More recently he has served in my office as our first Forensic Investigator in the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force where he has focused on the financial side of drug trafficking investigations. He has, likewise, played a key investigative role in our ability to prosecute heroin and opioid overdose death cases. Mike has also provided critical training and assistance to law enforcement all across the State of North Carolina, around the United States and overseas.
Mike is well-suited to lead the men and women of the United States Marshals Service here in the Eastern District. The Marshals Service provides critical investigation services in a range of cases, secures our courthouses and other federal facilities, supports federal and state prosecutions through warrant enforcement, and plays a key role in the seizure, forfeiture and disposal of property used by defendants to facilitate their criminal activity or property which is the proceeds of that activity.
Mike East will be an outstanding United States Marshal. President Trump has made an outstanding choice and I look forward to working side-by-side with Marshal East and the Marshals Service he will now lead.”
News releases are available on the U. S. Attorney’s webpage at https://justice.gov/usao-ednc. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_EDNC.
Aycock Rec. Center Offering High Energy Aerobics Class
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center
The Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department will offer Step Aerobics in the Aycock Recreation Center’s Multi-Purpose Room on Wednesdays from June 5 – July 31, 2019.
Step Aerobics is a 45-minute high energy fitness class that will be offered from 6:15 to 7 p.m. This class is great for beginners or those looking to get back into the swing of fitness.
Fee: $1 for members, $2 for non-members.
For more information, please contact Lauren Newlin at 252.438.3160 (lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us).
New Covenant Christian Center Looking for a Music Minister, Keyboard Player
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy New Covenant Christian Center
New Covenant Christian Center, located on Salem Road just east of Oxford, is searching for a music minister and keyboard player.
If you are interested, please contact Pastor Zelton Hunter, Sr. at 252-915-0121.
Warren Co. to Hold ‘Listening Session’ on Mental Health, Substance Misuse
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy the Norlina Police Department’s Facebook page
In honor of May’s designation as Mental Health Awareness Month, you are invited to participate in Warren County’s upcoming “Listening Session” on Wednesday, May 29, 2019. This session will be held at the Warren County Armory Civic Center from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Join the community conversation and share your ideas and experiences on how to improve care for Warren County residents and their family members who may be experiencing mental health and substance misuse crises. Refreshments will be served.
Please call (252) 220-4640 to participate in the listening session or to schedule a private interview.
This session is sponsored by the Warren County Health Department and Cardinal Innovations Healthcare.
Town Talk 05/24/19
/by LarryNews 05/24/19
/by LarryDabney Drive Drug Arrest Made on Youngsville Man
/by WIZS Staff-Information gathered from Henderson Police Department report
On Sunday, May 19, 2019, at 12 p.m., Henderson police arrested Preston Moore, 28, of 1034 Tarboro Road in Youngsville, NC.
According to the police report, Moore was taken into custody at 120 Dabney Drive in Henderson (near the intersection of Dabney Dr. and Oxford Rd.).
Moore was charged with Felony Possession of a Schedule I Substance and Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was confined to the Vance County Jail under a $10,000.00 secured bond and received a court date of June 4, 2019.
Kerr Lake Caregiver Retreat to Offer the ‘Overwhelmed’ a Break
/by Kelly BondurantHarvey Holmes, family caregiver specialist, and Laura Yeatts, aging projects coordinator, with the Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging, were on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the organization’s upcoming Kerr Lake Caregiver Retreat.
The retreat will be held on Kerr Lake at Satterwhite Point, 6254 Satterwhite Point Rd. in Henderson, on Friday, June 7, 2019, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
According to Holmes, the retreat is a chance for family caregivers in the Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin and Person County areas to enjoy soothing activities, including chair yoga exercises, games, painting and more.
“Caregivers tend to be some of the most overwhelmed and overburdened individuals in the world,” said Holmes. “This retreat gives them a much-needed break from the stress of their caregiving duties.”
There is no cost to attend the retreat. Lunch and on-site respite care will be provided. Participants are asked to dress comfortably as it is an interactive, outdoor event.
Registration is required by Friday, May 31. To register, please call Holmes at (252) 436-2040 or email hholmes@kerrtarcog.org.
In discussing the pressure that caregivers often face, Holmes cited an AARP Public Policy Institute report that indicated the average US caregiver is a 49-year-old woman who works outside the home and spends an additional 20 hours per week in her caregiving role – the equivalent of an additional part-time job.
Holmes mentioned former first lady Rosalynn Carter’s famous quote about caregiving in order to sum up the importance of the role: “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”
To hear the Town Talk interview with Harvey Holmes and Laura Yeatts in its entirety, including additional Kerr-Tar Agency on Aging updates and upcoming events, click here.