Tag Archive for: #franklincountynews

Two Arrested, 484 Grams of Cocaine Seized in Multi-Agency Drug Investigation

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-Press Release and photos, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

Over the past three months, members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, The Lake Royale Company Police, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, State Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Administration, conducted an undercover investigation into the illegal distribution of cocaine occurring between Benson, NC and Lake Royale, NC. 

Bryon Keith Lee

During this investigation, agents conducted numerous undercover operations and were able to purchase cocaine from Bryon Keith Lee in Franklin County. Agents discovered that Bryon Keith Lee was being supplied cocaine by John Allen Lee Sr. in Benson, NC. 

On December 5, 2019, agents conducted an undercover operation in which 56 grams of cocaine were seized during a traffic stop on Bryon K. Lee and Amber Lee. During the traffic stop, a 5-year old minor was located inside the vehicle.

Agents executed a search warrant at a residence in Benson, NC and at the residence of Bryon and Amber Lee, in the Lake Royale Community of Franklin County. As a result of the search warrants, 347 grams of cocaine, marijuana, an undisclosed amount of US Currency and three firearms were seized. Agents discovered that one of the firearms was reported stolen. 

During this investigation, a total of 484 grams of cocaine, bulk currency, marijuana and three firearms (one stolen) were seized in Franklin and Johnston Counties. 

John Allen Lee Sr.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Anytime we are able to remove this amount of drugs from our community, it is a good day. During this investigation, we were able to coordinate with our local, state and federal partners to ensure that we disrupted this drug activity and its source. I can’t say enough about the professionalism and teamwork displayed by all of the agencies involved.” 

Bryon K. Lee was placed in the Johnston County Detention Center under a $1,880,000 secured bond.

John Allen Lee Sr. was placed in the Johnston County Detention Center under a $300,000 secured bond. 

Charges include: 

Bryon K. Lee – 42 years old – 132 Turon Drive Louisburg, NC 27549

Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (6 Counts), Sell Cocaine (6 Counts), Maintain a Vehicle for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substance (7 Counts), Trafficking in Cocaine (5 Counts), Sell Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of a park.

John Allen Lee Sr. – 62 years old – 313 N. Hall Street Benson, NC 27504

Trafficking in Cocaine (5 Counts), Possession of a Firearm by Felon, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substance. 

This investigation is continuing, and more charges are expected.

If you have information regarding this case or if you would like to report drug activity in your community, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.

Franklin County Sheriff

Operation Impact Phase III Results in 19 Arrests, 134 Drug Charges (Pics)

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit has concluded Phase III of Operation Impact. Operation Impact is an ongoing, six-month investigation, involving illegal drug activity in Franklin County.

As a result of Phase III of the investigation, 19 individuals have been arrested and charged with 134 felony drug-related charges. The individuals arrested during this phase of Operation Impact are alleged to have been involved in selling illegal drugs in and around neighborhoods in Bunn and surrounding areas. 

This phase of the investigation was part of a continued and on-going effort by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to identify and investigate illegal drug activity occurring in Franklin County. The individuals arrested during this operation were identified by citizen complaints, law enforcement complaints and other intelligence-driven information received by the Sheriff’s Office. 

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Phase III of Operation Impact was a strategic initiative that focused on individuals selling drugs in our neighborhoods throughout the Bunn area. The plan to address drug activity in all of our communities will continue.” 

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in Phase III of Operation Impact by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bunn Police Department and the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division. 

As of this date, Operation Impact has resulted in 55 total arrests and 311 felony charges. These arrests have occurred throughout Franklin County and more arrests are expected.

The following arrests/charges are the result of Operation Impact Phase III: 

Cynthia Marie Foster – 56 years old – 15 Rogers Drive Bunn, NC 27508

2 counts PWIMSD Cocaine, 2 counts Sell Cocaine, 2 counts Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, PWISD Cocaine ~ Bond $20,000 secured 

Schyler Don Quarrious Williams – 21 years old – 917 Sledge Road Louisburg, NC 27549

2 counts PWIMSD Cocaine, 2 counts Sell Cocaine, PWIMSD Marijuana ~ Bond $72,000 secured 

Kevin Dunston – 49 years old – 25 Queens Drive Louisburg, NC 27549

Sell Cocaine ~ Bond $5,000 secured 

Jerome Usher Jr. – 34 years old – 1010 Alford Mill Road Bunn, NC 27508

Sell Schedule II CS, PWISD Marijuana, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $20,000 secured 

William Jamel Andrews – 35 years old – 7612 Sunny Slope Street Zebulon, NC 27597 

2 counts PWISD Marijuana, 2 counts Sell Marijuana, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $30,000 secured 

Trevon Alton Knight – 24 years old – 7433 Little River Circle Zebulon, NC 27597

Sell Marijuana, PWIMSD Marijuana, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $20,000 secured 

David Neshorne Smith – 35 years old – 553 Arnold Road Louisburg, NC 27549

3 counts Sell Cocaine, 3 counts PWIMSD Sch II CS, 2 counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $ 25,000 secured 

Quincy Jamario Bolden – 32 years old – 601 Howard Tant Road Zebulon, NC 27597

2 counts Sell Marijuana, 2 counts PWIMSD Sch VI CS, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Manufacture/Sell/Deliver/Possess with Intent CS within 1000 ft of School ~ Bond $65,000 secured 

James Otis Dunston – 73 years old – 15 Queens Drive Bunn, NC 27508

4 counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Cocaine, Possess CS Prison/Jail Premises, Felony Possession of Cocaine ~ Bond $50,000 secured 

Lola Veronica Jones – 51 years old – 1391 Sykes Road Spring Hope, NC 27882

PWIMSD Cocaine, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Sell Cocaine ~ Bond $25,000 unsecured

Joseph Bettis Jr. – 34 years old – 1120 Ridge Haven Drive Wendell, NC 27591

2 counts PWIMSD Cocaine, 2 counts Sell Cocaine, 2 counts Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS 

Jeremy Alexander Hicks – 32 years old – 35 Chickenhouse Drive Louisburg, NC 27549

PWIMSD Marijuana, Sell Marijuana, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $25,000 secured 

Robert Cequon Fletcher – 62 years old – 121 W. Barbee Street Zebulon, NC 27597

2 counts Trafficking Opium or Heroin, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, PWIMSD Sch II CS ~ Bond $25,000 secured

Justin Deon Richardson – 29 years old – 69 Dykes Way Louisburg, NC 27549

PWIMSD Heroin, Sell Heroin, 2 counts Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, PWISD Marijuana, Sell Marijuana, PWISD Cocaine, Sell Cocaine ~ Bond $100,000 secured 

Jo Ann Clemonts – 49 years old – 25 Cambridge Drive Franklinton, NC 27525

3 counts Trafficking Opium or Heroin ~ Bond $100,000 secured 

Andrew Zayquawn Cates – 21 years old – 15 Marless Drive Apt. B Franklinton, NC 27525

PWISD Marijuana, Sell/Deliver Marijuana ~ Bond $30,000 secured 

Rico Dashawn Brooks – 33 years old – 1345 Walter Grissom Road Kittrell, NC 27544

2 counts PWISD Cocaine, 2 counts Sell/Deliver Cocaine, 2 counts Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Possession of Firearm by Felon, Possess Stolen Firearm ~ Bond $100,000 secured 

Michael Junior Harris – 39 years old – 5542 Vicksboro Road Henderson, NC 27536

PWIMSD Sch II CS, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Sell Cocaine ~ Bond $50,000 secured 

Christopher Quatrell Hodge – 29 years old – 812 Shepard School Road Zebulon, NC 27597

Sell Cocaine, PWIMSD Sch II CS, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS ~ Bond $80,000 secured 

If you have information regarding drug activity occurring in your neighborhood, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at 919-496-2186.

Cynthia Marie Foster

Schyler Don Quarrious Williams

Kevin Dunston

Jerome Usher Jr.

William Jamel Andrews

Trevon Alton Knight

David Neshorne Smith

Quincy Jamario Bolden

James Otis Dunston

Lola Veronica Jones

Joseph Bettis Jr.

Jeremy Alexander Hicks

Robert Cequon Fletcher

Justin Deon Richardson

Jo Ann Clemonts

Andrew Zayquawn Cates

Rico Dashawn Brook

Michael Junior Harris

Christopher Quatrell Hodge

Reminder: Town of Louisburg to Host Annual Christmas Parade This Sun.

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-Information courtesy the Town of Louisburg

The Town of Louisburg will host the 2019 Christmas Parade in downtown Louisburg this Sunday, December 8 from 3 until 5 p.m.

Line-up for those participating in the parade begins at 1 p.m. Entries and participants must be at their assigned space no later than 2:30 p.m.

Parade entry begins at the intersection of North Main Street and Smoketree Way. The parade will move south on Main Street, continue past Louisburg College, and turn onto Wade Avenue/Johnson Street for disbandment.

 

Law Enforcement Partnership Results in Franklin Co. Drug Arrest

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On November 15, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit executed a search warrant at 114 High Rock Drive Louisburg, NC. As a result of the search warrant, Franklin County resident Daniel Casey Clark was arrested and charged with multiple felony drug offenses.

On November 15, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit executed a search warrant at 114 High Rock Drive Louisburg, NC. As a result of the search warrant, Franklin County resident Daniel Casey Clark was arrested and charged with multiple felony drug offenses. (FCSO photo)

In addition to the arrest of Mr. Clark, Narcotics Detectives seized LSD, Methamphetamines, Psilocybin (Mushrooms) and US Currency during the search.

This investigation into illegal drug activity began as a result of information provided by the Wake County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit alleging Daniel Casey Clark was involved in illegal drug activity in Franklin and surrounding counties. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit was able to validate the information provided which resulted in the arrest of Mr. Clark.

Daniel Casey Clark was charged with: Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver LSD, Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Psilocybin, Possession with Intent to Manufacture Dimethyltryptamine, Possession of Methamphetamines and Felonious Possession of THC Concentrate.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Partnering and sharing information with our fellow law enforcement agencies continues to be important to our overall strategy of eliminating dangerous drugs from our neighborhoods. We appreciate the assistance of the Wake County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit with this arrest and search.”

Daniel Casey Clark is currently in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $75,000 secured bond.

Daniel Casey Clark
35 years old
114 High Rock Drive Louisburg, NC 27549

If you have information regarding this case or if you would like to report drug activity in your community, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.

FCSO: Gutierrez Arrested on Assault With A Deadly Weapon Charge

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On Friday, November 15, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit arrested Lisandro Gutierrez, a Franklin County resident.

Gutierrez was charged with the following: one (1) count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon With Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury. 

Gutierrez was placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $20,000.00 secured bond.

Lisandro Gutierrez – 21 years old – 130 Coachmans Trail Louisburg, NC 27549 

On Friday, November 15, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit arrested Lisandro Gutierrez, a Franklin County resident. Gutierrez was charged with the following: one (1) count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon With Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury. (FCSO photo)

After Six Month Search, Town of Youngsville Hires Chief of Police

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-Information courtesy the Town of Youngsville

Six months after Chief Daren Kirts of the Youngsville Police Department announced his retirement, the Town of Youngsville announced that Lieutenant Greg Whitley of the Knightdale Police Department will be Youngsville’s next chief of police.

Town Administrator Phil Cordeiro shared, “Foremost, I’d like to express my sincerest gratitude for the department’s – and the community’s – patience and participation throughout our recruitment and selection process. I know it’s taken a bit longer than some would prefer, but this was an extremely important decision and needed to be managed with the utmost care.”

The chief of police recruitment process began in May and the town received over 60 applications for the position.

Through a process comprised of three rounds and eight separate interviews, nearly 40 assessors provided written feedback to the town administrator on candidate performance and qualifications. Assessors’ backgrounds ran the gamut, including community watch leaders, retired law enforcement professionals, neighboring town managers, current town employees, and elected officials.

Among many factors in a crowded field, Mr. Whitley was selected as chief in response to his two decades of diverse law enforcement experience and a myriad of professional law enforcement credentials – including an advanced law enforcement certificate, multiple instructor certifications, and formal training with federal agencies such as the FBI and FEMA.

In reaction to the decision, Mr. Whitley remarked, “It is an honor to be selected as chief of police. I am committed to providing the highest level of customer service to citizens through professional policing, with a focus on the training and development of officers. I believe police and community relationships are best built upon a bank of public trust and I will ensure transparency in the agency’s operations and a commitment to building community partnerships.”

Mayor Fonzie Flowers shared, “I think Mr. Whitley will bring a valuable array of skills to the department that will strengthen its ability to make Youngsville a safe and exciting place to live.” He went on to add, “And, I want to underscore my appreciation for the stalwart efforts of Interim Chief Kimball, Captain Magsi, and the entire department. Their leadership and dedication during this time of transition have propelled the department in the right direction and have forged a cohesive team of competent professionals.”

Mr. Whitley is slated to be privately sworn-in and assumes the chief role on December 2, 2019. The town will hold a public swearing-in ceremony during its regular board of commissioners meeting on Thursday, December 12, 2019, where all members of the public are welcome.

Living With Joint Pain? Join MPH for a FREE Lunch & Learn Event

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-Information courtesy Maria Parham Health

Living with joint pain? Join Maria Parham Multispecialty Clinic for a FREE lunch and learn event on Thursday, December 12, 2019, at Johnny Bull’s Steakhouse in Louisburg. The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Come hear from Dr. Darius A. Divina, orthopedic surgeon, on how to get back into the swing of life with treatment options for joint pain.

Topics of discussion will include:

  • What is osteoarthritis?
  • What causes joint pain?
  • Treatment options
  • Recovery process

Johnny Bull’s Steakhouse is located at 32 Golden Leaf Dr. in Louisburg, NC.

To register, please call (919) 497-8380. To learn more, visit MariaParhamPhysicianPractices.com.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Town of Louisburg Will Host 2019 Christmas Parade Sun. Dec. 8

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-Information courtesy the Town of Louisburg

The Town of Louisburg will host the 2019 Christmas Parade in downtown Louisburg on Sunday, December 8 from 3 until 5 p.m.

Parade entry begins at the intersection of North Main Street and Smoketree Way. The parade will move south on Main Street, continue past Louisburg College, and turn onto Wade Avenue/Johnson Street for disbandment.

Applications to participate in the parade are now being accepted. Interested participants should submit their application by mail or drop off at the Town of Louisburg at 110 West Nash Street, Louisburg, NC 27549.

Entries postmarked by November 20 will be considered for inclusion based on the number of entries needed for each category. Accepted entrants will be notified prior to the parade.

For additional information on the parade, including cost, float requirements and drop off/unloading instructions, please click here.

Franklin County Logo

Bo Carson Named Airport Manager of Triangle North Executive Airport

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

After serving as Interim Airport Manager for nearly two years, Bo Carson has accepted the position as Airport Manager of Triangle North Executive Airport.

“Mr. Carson’s vision for the airport coupled with his demonstrated track record in economic development position him well for leading Triangle North Executive Airport” commented Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager.

Mr. Carson first came to Franklin County in July 2016 serving as Existing Industry Coordinator with the Economic Development Office. He continued his economic development work and stepped in as Interim Airport Manager of Triangle North Executive Airport in January 2018 after the untimely passing of Stephen Merritt.

Mr. Carson has over 20 years of experience and expertise in economic development and was selected as Airport Manager from a pool of 21 applicants. Prior to his work in Franklin, he served in several capacities within the Research Triangle Regional Partnership in Raleigh including Vice President of Business Development, Vice President of Information Services and Director of Research.

Mr. Carson received a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1997, is a graduate of North Pitt High School, and currently resides in Wake Forest with his wife Lori and three children.

FCSO: Citizen Complaints Lead to Drug Arrest of Two Bunn Residents

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit arrested Franklin County resident James Edward Bullock Jr. on October 18, 2019.

Mr. Bullock was arrested at his residence located at 783 Dead Road Bunn, NC. In addition to the arrest, a search warrant was executed at his residence. The search resulted in the seizure of Cocaine, Marijuana, one firearm, one vehicle and US Currency. 

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit arrested Franklin County resident James Edward Bullock Jr. on October 18, 2019. In addition to the arrest, a search warrant was executed at his residence. The search resulted in the seizure of Cocaine, Marijuana, one firearm, one vehicle and US Currency. (FCSO photo)

This investigation into illegal drug activity began as a result of citizen complaints alleging Mr. Bullock was involved in selling illegal narcotics throughout Franklin County. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit validated Mr. Bullocks’ illegal activities and began an investigation.

As a result of this investigation, Mr. Bullock was charged with five (5) counts of Possess with Intent to Sell/Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance, (Cocaine), five (5) counts of Selling Cocaine, five (5) counts of Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Selling Controlled Substances, one (1) count of Possession of a Firearm by Felon. 

Also arrested during the search was Franklin County resident Dorothy Denise Foster. Ms. Foster was charged with one (1) count of Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine, one (1) count of Maintaining a Vehicle for selling Controlled Substances and Possession of Marijuana. 

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “We continue to identify and pursue those dealers who distribute these illegal drugs in our communities. These arrests are the direct result of citizens who provided information on the illegal activities of these two individuals. We appreciate this type of information and the partnership we have with our citizens. Working together helps us fulfill our commitment to keep our communities safe.” 

Also arrested during the search was Franklin County resident Dorothy Denise Foster. Foster was charged with one (1) count of Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine, one (1) count of Maintaining a Vehicle for selling Controlled Substances and Possession of Marijuana. (FCSO photo)

James Edward Bullock Jr. was placed under a $300,000 secured bond and is currently in the Franklin County Detention Center, 

James Edward Bullock Jr., 51 years old, 783 Dead Road Bunn, NC 27508 

Dorothy Denise Foster was placed under a $20,000 secured bond in the Franklin County Detention Center. 

Dorothy Denise Foster, 50 years old, 60 Scarborough Road Bunn, NC 27508 

If you have information regarding this case or if you would like to report drug activity in your community, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.