Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced Friday, July 25 that the former owner of several North Carolina assisted living facilities, Charles L. Gross, Jr., pleaded guilty to nine counts of aiding and abetting embezzlement of state property. Gross will serve 10-21 months in prison, pay restitution and complete 100 hours of community service.
“This business owner embezzled over $100,000 – funds used for important state functions like public education, health and human services, transportation and infrastructure,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “I’m grateful for the work of NCDOJ attorneys to bring him to justice. Our office is committed to going after anyone who abuses state tax funds.”
Information showed that Gross, who operated Coventry Health and Management, LLC DBA Granville House, Coventry House of Siler City, LLC, and Coventry House of Zebulon, LLC used his businesses to embezzle State Withholding tax. During tax years 2016-2019, Gross embezzled a total of $124,225.00.
The charges against Gross resulted from an investigation by special agents with the Department of Revenue’s Criminal Investigations Division in Raleigh and was prosecuted by Special Prosecution attorneys with the North Carolina Department of Justice.
— from a Press Release
**************************
— additional Press Release from NC Department of Revenue
A former assisted living businessman pleaded guilty on Monday, July 21 in Wake County Superior Court to state tax charges filed by the North Carolina Department of Revenue.
Charles L. Gross, Jr., 65, of 2609 Coxindale Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina, pleaded guilty on July 21, 2025 to nine counts of Embezzlement of State Property.
Wake County Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway sentenced Gross to an active sentence of 10 months minimum, 21 months maximum on one judgment. In an additional judgment, Gross was sentenced to 16 months minimum, 29 months maximum prison term. The second sentence was suspended for 60 months of special probation and Gross was placed on supervised probation with the following conditions: Gross paid $25,000.00 in restitution prior to the plea, he shall pay the remaining restitution of $99,225.00, and complete 100 hours of community service.
Information presented in court showed that Gross, President/Manager and/or responsible person of Coventry Health and Management, LLC dba Granville House, Coventry House of Siler City, LLC, and Coventry House of Zebulon, LLC aided and abetted the businesses to embezzle, misapply, and convert to his own use State Withholding tax. Gross aided and abetted Coventry Health and Management, LLC dba Granville House LLC to embezzle, misapply, and convert to his own use $30,580.00 in State Withholding Tax during the period January 1, 2017 through September 30, 2019. Gross aided and abetted Coventry House of Siler City, LLC, to embezzle, misapply, and convert to his own use $60,132.00 in State Withholding Tax during the period January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018. Gross aided and abetted Coventry House of Zebulon, LLC to embezzle, misapply, and convert to his own use $33,513.00 in State Withholding Tax during the period January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018. During this period of time, Gross was the responsible person of the businesses, which was under a duty to collect, hold in trust, and remit North Carolina State Taxes to the North Carolina Department of Revenue.
The charges against Gross resulted from an investigation by special agents with the department’s Criminal Investigations Division in Raleigh and was prosecuted by Special Prosecution attorneys with the Office of Attorney General.
Fatal Overdose Traced to Henderson Dealer Leads to Federal Prison Sentence
/by WIZS Staff— Press Release
A Henderson man whose distribution of fentanyl led to a fatal overdose has been sentenced to 16 years in federal prison. Keymon Leahke Cofield, a/k/a “Keymoney,” a/k/a “Boi Fat,” 25, pleaded guilty on April 22, 2025, to charges of distribution of fentanyl and heroin and possession with intent to distribute both substances.
According to court records and evidence presented in court, on June 13, 2020, Cary Police Department officers responded to a 911 call for a suspected overdose at a hotel in Cary. Upon arrival, officers found a deceased 35-year-old man in the room alongside drug paraphernalia and 50 bindles of suspected heroin and fentanyl. Law enforcement determined that one of the bindles had been used, resulting in the victim’s overdose. The remaining bindles were tested and found to contain heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl. Investigators traced the fatal fentanyl back to Cofield, who was 20 years old at the time and had traveled from Henderson to Cary to sell the drugs.
The investigation continued through July and August, during which undercover officers conducted several purchases of heroin from Cofield. On July 15, 22, and 23, an undercover officer bought a total of more than 750 bindles from him. When Cofield arrived at another arranged deal on August 5, he was arrested. Law enforcement then seized an additional 651 bindles of suspected heroin and fentanyl. Lab testing confirmed the bindles contained mixtures of heroin, fentanyl, 4-anilino-N-phenethylpiperidine (ANPP), cocaine, and tramadol. A search of Cofield’s phone revealed photographs of large quantities of cash and firearms.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief United States District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Cary Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number 5:22-CR-00278-M-RJ.
Maria Parham Health Adds SmartRobotics Surgical System To Assist With Orthopedic Surgeries
/by WIZS Staff— courtesy of Maria Parham Health Public Information Officer Donna Young
Maria Parham Health announces the addition to its complement of orthopedic care the Mako SmartRobotics™ surgical system, a cutting-edge innovation now available to qualified patients undergoing joint replacement procedures.
This advanced technology brings new levels of precision, personalization and potential recovery benefits to patients in north-central North Carolina and surrounding communities, according to information from Donna Young, MPH public information officer.
The Mako system combines 3D CT-based preoperative planning with robotic-arm assisted technology, which allows surgeons to create a highly personalized surgical plan and execute it with unmatched precision. During surgery, the Mako robotic arm helps the surgeon stay within the planned boundaries and make more accurate bone cuts, which may result in better outcomes and longer-lasting results for patients.
“This is a major step forward in the evolution of orthopedic care at Maria Parham,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “The Mako robotic-arm system allows our skilled surgical team to perform joint replacements with an unprecedented level of accuracy. Patients will benefit from personalized care, faster recovery times, and potentially longer-lasting results. We are excited to bring this leading-edge technology to our community.”
The system can create a 3-D model of the patient’s joint to help the surgeon before the operation takes place, allowing for optimal implant fit and alignment. During surgery the robotic arm provides real-time feedback, aiding the surgeon in precise implant placement
Smaller incisions, less tissue damage and reduced blood loss often results in shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times and precision placement of implants may reduce wear and the likelihood of repeat surgeries.
Learn more at a free Lunch & Learn session with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Darius Divina, DO, on Monday, Aug. 11 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m..
Registration is required for the event and space is limited. Reserve your seat today at https://www.mariaparham.com/events/2025-08-11/lunch-learn
(This news item was originally posted July 24, 2025. This is not a paid ad.)
NC AG Jackson Secures Conviction in State Withholding Tax Embezzlement Case
/by WIZS StaffAttorney General Jeff Jackson announced Friday, July 25 that the former owner of several North Carolina assisted living facilities, Charles L. Gross, Jr., pleaded guilty to nine counts of aiding and abetting embezzlement of state property. Gross will serve 10-21 months in prison, pay restitution and complete 100 hours of community service.
“This business owner embezzled over $100,000 – funds used for important state functions like public education, health and human services, transportation and infrastructure,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “I’m grateful for the work of NCDOJ attorneys to bring him to justice. Our office is committed to going after anyone who abuses state tax funds.”
Information showed that Gross, who operated Coventry Health and Management, LLC DBA Granville House, Coventry House of Siler City, LLC, and Coventry House of Zebulon, LLC used his businesses to embezzle State Withholding tax. During tax years 2016-2019, Gross embezzled a total of $124,225.00.
The charges against Gross resulted from an investigation by special agents with the Department of Revenue’s Criminal Investigations Division in Raleigh and was prosecuted by Special Prosecution attorneys with the North Carolina Department of Justice.
— from a Press Release
**************************
— additional Press Release from NC Department of Revenue
A former assisted living businessman pleaded guilty on Monday, July 21 in Wake County Superior Court to state tax charges filed by the North Carolina Department of Revenue.
Charles L. Gross, Jr., 65, of 2609 Coxindale Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina, pleaded guilty on July 21, 2025 to nine counts of Embezzlement of State Property.
Wake County Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway sentenced Gross to an active sentence of 10 months minimum, 21 months maximum on one judgment. In an additional judgment, Gross was sentenced to 16 months minimum, 29 months maximum prison term. The second sentence was suspended for 60 months of special probation and Gross was placed on supervised probation with the following conditions: Gross paid $25,000.00 in restitution prior to the plea, he shall pay the remaining restitution of $99,225.00, and complete 100 hours of community service.
Information presented in court showed that Gross, President/Manager and/or responsible person of Coventry Health and Management, LLC dba Granville House, Coventry House of Siler City, LLC, and Coventry House of Zebulon, LLC aided and abetted the businesses to embezzle, misapply, and convert to his own use State Withholding tax. Gross aided and abetted Coventry Health and Management, LLC dba Granville House LLC to embezzle, misapply, and convert to his own use $30,580.00 in State Withholding Tax during the period January 1, 2017 through September 30, 2019. Gross aided and abetted Coventry House of Siler City, LLC, to embezzle, misapply, and convert to his own use $60,132.00 in State Withholding Tax during the period January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018. Gross aided and abetted Coventry House of Zebulon, LLC to embezzle, misapply, and convert to his own use $33,513.00 in State Withholding Tax during the period January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018. During this period of time, Gross was the responsible person of the businesses, which was under a duty to collect, hold in trust, and remit North Carolina State Taxes to the North Carolina Department of Revenue.
The charges against Gross resulted from an investigation by special agents with the department’s Criminal Investigations Division in Raleigh and was prosecuted by Special Prosecution attorneys with the Office of Attorney General.
WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 07-25-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
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Vance County Schools Host Open Houses Thursday, Aug. 7 As 2025-26 School Year Approaches
/by WIZS StaffParents of Vance County Schools students, if you’re beginning to have thoughts of back-to-school shopping and dates for Open Houses as summer vacation becomes measured in days instead of weeks, there’s a website for you.
School leaders have posted a whole list of dates at
https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/news/~board/news/post/back-to-school-2025-2026 to provide information that’s just a click away.
Open Houses for all schools are scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 7 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., for example.
Students at E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy, Vance County High School and Vance County Early College begin their new school year on Monday, Aug. 11.
The first day of class for students on the traditional calendar is Monday, Aug. 25. Schools on the traditional calendar are Aycock, Carver, Clarke, Dabney, E.O. Young, L.B. Yancey, New Hope, Pinkston, Zeb Vance, Vance County Middle, STEM, Advance Academy and Vance Virtual Village.
Check out links to everything from drop-off times to vaccination requirements and school supply lists with a few clicks on the VCS website.
Parents and guardians may want to double-check to make sure students’ shots are up-to-date at Vaccination requirements.
Find the different academic calendars at https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/calendar/2025-2026-academic-calendars
School Supply lists for elementary and secondary students are at https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/parents-students/2023-2024-supply-list
More links to information are included below:
Volunteer Application: https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/community/volunteer-with-vcs
Drop Off Times, School Schedule & Early Release Times: https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/parents-students/daily-schedule
Progress Report & Report Card Dates: https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/calendar/2025-2026-progress-report-calendar-dates
Updating Your Child’s Information: Need an Infinite Campus Parent Account? Infinite Campus Parent Portal Activation. This system is utilized to update information, contact information, see your child’s attendance, grades and more!
Accessing Your Child’s Attendance, Grades, Schedule & More: Logging in to your Campus Parent Portal Account: Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
Jimmy & The Sound Barriers Perform Benefit Concert Aug. 3 At Clearview Church
/by WIZS StaffClearview Church is the place to be Sunday, Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. when JIMMY & THE SOUND BARRIERS AND FRIENDS are scheduled to perform in concert to benefit the Anchor of Hope ministry.
Come sit back and enjoy a wonderful night of country and bluegrass gospel music performed Gaither style by Jimmy Barrier and the Sound Barriers along with many talented guests such as the Hodnett Family.
This has become a popular annual event at Clearview Church, located at 3485 US 158 Business in Henderson.
Admission if free, but a love offering will be taken, organizers say.
The night is dedicated to church’s Anchor of Hope ministry, which serves those who are facing some of life’s most difficult challenges. Members pray for and minister to individuals who are facing a medical crisis, the loss of a loved one, or other tough times and present them with a blanket as a way to remind them there is hope, God is with them, and there are people praying for them.
If you would like to be involved or to donate to this ministry, send an email to info@clearviewbc.org.
Men’s Shelter Manager Guest Speaker At Aug. 12 Community Info Series At Baskerville Funeral Home
/by WIZS StaffThe next Community Information Series at Baskerville Funeral Home features Community Partners of Hope, a local organization that operates the emergency men’s shelter that provides a path from homelessness to housing.
Shelter Program Manager Darryl Jones will be the guest speaker at the event, which will take place Tuesday, Aug. 12 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home, located at 104 S. Chestnut St., Henderson.
Jones will share insights about how the work of CPOH transforms lives, through community partnerships that offer hope help and essential resources to support men on their journey toward stability and self-sufficiency, according to information from Charlie Baskerville, Jr.
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn, connect, and explore ways to support and uplift our community together.
For more information, call 252.430.6824.
WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 07-24-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
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Municipal Elections Nov. 4 In Granville County
/by WIZS StaffVoters in the upcoming Nov. 4 municipal elections in Oxford will have two choices for mayor and will choose from among seven candidates for four seats on the city’s board of commissioners.
According to information from the Granville County Board of Elections, Oxford Mayor Guillermo Nurse will face opposition from James W. Crawford, Jr. in the upcoming nonpartisan election.
The following individuals, listed in alphabetical order, have filed for seats on the city’s board of commissioners:
Quon Bridges (incumbent)
Scotty Brooks (incumbent)
Sandra Compton
Courtney Crudup
Kate Kelly
Karen McGhee
Martha Wrenn
The top four vote-getters will win seats on the board, said Granville County Board of Elections Director Tonya Burnette.
In Stovall, Jeffrey G. Stovall is the lone filer in the mayor’s race. Mayor Mike Williford did not file for re-election.
And Burnette said none of the sitting town commissioners filed for re-election, so voters will select two candidates for seats on the town commission. The top two vote-getters will be elected.
Candidates for Stovall Town Commissioner are:
Phylicia N. Barker
Tammy Hughes
Vicki Reid
Tiana Royster
David Rivenbark (filed for unexpired term that ends in 2027)
Absentee voting begins Friday, Oct. 3 and Oct. 21 is the deadline to request an absentee ballot. The deadline to register to vote is Friday, Oct. 10, according to information on the Granville County Board of Elections website.
In-person early voting begins on Thursday, Oct. 16 and continues through Saturday, Nov. 1.
Polling places are open on Election Day, Nov. 4, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/315/Board-of-Elections to learn more.
Cooperative Extension with Jamon Glover: Bedtime Problems Pt. 1
/by WIZS StaffJamon Glover, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:
We learn on how to work with children who have problems at bedtime, such as not wanting to sleep in their bed, in addition to other obstacles at bedtime.
Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.
Click Play!