Tag Archive for: #franklincountynews

VGCC Gearing Up for Medical Assistants Recognition Week Celebration

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

The Vance-Granville Community College Medical Assisting Program is gearing up to celebrate Medical Assistants Recognition Week, October 21 – 25, 2019, as designated by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Medical assistants across the country will be recognized during this special week and honored on Medical Assistants Recognition Day, October 23, 2019.

In celebration of Medical Assistants Recognition Week, the Vance-Granville Community College Medical Assisting Program has planned the following special events and activities:

MED Mini Health Fair to be held at Vance-Granville Community College’s Franklin Campus Student Lounge, 8100 NC 56 Hwy, Louisburg, NC on Monday, October 21, 2019, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.

“Medical Assistants are at the heart of healthcare and we support our community,” says Tonia Boyd, Vance-Granville Medical Assisting Class President of the 2020 graduating class.

Medical assisting is an allied health profession whose practitioners function as members of the health care delivery team and perform administrative and clinical procedures. With their unique versatility, medical assistants are proving to be the allied health professional of choice for this decade and beyond. Medical assisting is one of the nation’s careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The American Association of Medical Assistants is the only organization devoted exclusively to serving the professional interests and educational needs of all medical assistants. The association provides numerous services that help medical assistants put their careers on a successful and rewarding track and keep them there.

Habitual Felon Arrested on Cocaine Charges

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Special Response Team arrested Franklin County resident Deshaun Lamont Williams on September 12, 2019. Mr. Williams was arrested at his residence located at 130 Mark Street, Franklinton, NC.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Special Response Team arrested Franklin County resident Deshaun Lamont Williams on September 12, 2019. Mr. Williams was arrested at his residence located at 130 Mark Street, Franklinton, NC. (FCSO photo)

In addition to the arrest, a search warrant was executed at his residence. The search resulted in the seizure of approximately 42 grams of Cocaine, scales and US Currency.

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

As a result of this investigation, Mr. Williams was charged with three (3) counts of Possess with Intent to Sell/Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance, (Cocaine), three (3) counts of Selling Cocaine, three (3) counts of Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Selling Controlled Substances, one (1) count of Trafficking Cocaine, and Habitual Felon. 

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “One of our strategies is seeking those individuals who are repeat offenders and continue to engage in their illegal activities. This is an example of someone who has been through the system before and did not change his way of life after getting caught. We will continue to seek these individuals out and hold them accountable for poisoning our communities with these illegal drugs.” 

Mr. Williams is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $500,000 secured bond.

Deshaun Lamont Williams, 45 years of age 

130 Mark Street Franklinton, NC 27525 

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. 

Terry M. Wright, Chief of Staff

In addition to Deshaun Lamont Williams’ arrest, a search warrant was executed at his residence. The search resulted in the seizure of approximately 42 grams of Cocaine, scales and US Currency. (FCSO photo)

U.S. Department of Justice

Alien Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charge Found in Franklin Co.

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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 a federal grand jury in Greenville has returned an indictment charging JESUS GARCIA-HERNANDEZ, age 43, of Mexico, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien subsequent to a Felony Conviction.

GARCIA-HERNANDEZ, previously deported three times and found in Franklin County, is alleged to have been previously deported subsequent to a felony conviction for illegal reentry of a deported alien in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Therefore, if convicted, GARCIA-HERNANDEZ would face a maximum imprisonment term of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.

Man Wanted in Multiple Franklin Co. Vehicle Break-Ins Arrested in Georgia

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

Kedrick Derrell Jones, who was wanted by the Youngsville Police Department and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office as a result of being a person of interest in numerous Breaking and Entering of Motor Vehicles and Felony Larceny offenses, was arrested in Chamblee, Georgia on September 4, 2019. 

During the past several months, multiple subdivisions in Youngsville and in the county experienced a rash of vehicle break-ins during the night time hours. After a joint investigation by the Youngsville Police Department and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Mr. Jones was identified as a suspect and warrants for his arrest were obtained. 

Mr. Jones has been charged with over 70 criminal offenses and is currently in the DeKalb County Jail in Georgia awaiting extradition to Franklin County. 

Kedrick Derrell Jones, 29 years of age, 120 School Street, Rolesville, NC.

Kedrick Derrell Jones, who was wanted by the Youngsville Police Department and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office as a result of being a person of interest in numerous Breaking and Entering of Motor Vehicles and Felony Larceny offenses, was arrested in Chamblee, Georgia on September 4, 2019. (FCSO photo)

Open Broadband

Community Meeting Planned for Broadband Expansion in Franklin Co.

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Franklin County citizens will have an opportunity this fall to learn more about Open Broadband’s plans to expand broadband internet service in Franklin County.

On October 22, a Community Information Meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room at Franklin County’s Vance-Granville Community College Campus, 8100 Hwy 56 West in Louisburg. Citizens will hear about the plans Open Broadband has to address areas within the county which lack sufficient broadband service to meet the needs of residences, businesses and government. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions as they learn about how they can sign up, the initial areas where service will be introduced and how other areas will be selected for service deployment.

Open Broadband’s expansion into Franklin County is the result of an agreement County Commissioners approved June 17, 2019. The seven-year agreement provides funds of up to $188,000 per year for a four-year time period to Open Broadband to assist in bringing internet service to unserved and underserved areas of Franklin County.

The agreement is the result of the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Government’s effort with Franklin, Granville and Vance counties that began in late 2017. The three counties were guided by consultant Joe Freddoso of Mighty River LLC. Broadband Action Teams in each county conducted citizen surveys, developed an RFP and ultimately selected Open Broadband LLC to bring their service to the region.

Information about the Franklin County Broadband Initiative is available at www.franklincountync.us along with links to the Open Broadband website and Frequently Asked Questions. Please attend the Community Information Meeting on October 22 to learn more about how service can be expanded into your area.

Open Broadband provides hybrid fiber and fixed-wireless internet service, up to gigabit speed, to many communities across North Carolina. Service is provided to residents, small and medium sized businesses, technology incubators, universities, and government locations including police, fire, town hall, and airport facilities. Open Broadband also provides free public Wi-Fi zones in downtown areas, parks, and campuses.

Network deployment in Franklin County will take place in phases over the next four years. The first customer service activation is planned for the end of 2019.

Open Broadband is now accepting waitlist signups on the Franklin County tab of the website: https://openbb.net/franklinco/. Those on the waitlist will receive regular updates on the progress of the network build and will be contacted once service is made available in their area.

Open Broadband is North Carolina owned and operated. Visit the company at https://openbb.net or follow them on LinkedIn and Twitter @OpenBBNet. For questions, email info@openbb.net or call 919-205-5400.

Franklin County Schools

Franklin County Schools Closed Thursday

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Schools

Due to the unpredictability of Hurricane Dorian, and out of an abundance of caution, all Franklin County Schools will be closed on Thursday, September 5, 2019, for students and staff.

All school-related events, activities, athletics and rentals are canceled on Thursday.

FCS will send out additional updates as necessary. Please monitor the District website, social media and your local news outlets.

Be safe!

Franklin County Logo

Franklin Co. Finance Team Achieves Excellence in Reporting

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Franklin County’s Finance Department now holds a 20-year record of excellence in financial reporting. Once again, the team has achieved the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting.

The Finance Department was recently notified by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) that its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report was awarded the Certificate of Achievement. The Certificate of Achievement is awarded by the GFOA of the United States and Canada for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).

Attainment of the certificate represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

The Finance Office is staffed by Director Jamie Holtzman, Tracy Stevenson, Samantha Sanchez, Regina House and Christy Henson.

Franklin County Government is committed to effective and innovative public services for all Franklin County citizens and businesses. For additional information, contact Franklin County Finance at (919) 496-3182 or visit www.franklincountync.us.

Two Louisburg Residents Arrested on Narcotics Charges

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Special Response Team, arrested Franklin County residents, Rodney Antwan Allen and Disherea Mattquie Forrest on August 22, 2019. The arrest took place during a search warrant at their residence located at 350 Wilders Lane, Louisburg, NC.

Rodney Antwan Allen, 31 years old, resident of 350 Wilders Lane Louisburg, was arrested August 22, 2019, on 21 felony charges. (FCSO photo)

This investigation into illegal drug activity began as a result of citizen complaints alleging Mr. Allen was involved in selling illegal narcotics throughout Franklin County. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit validated Mr. Allen’s illegal activities and began an investigation. As a result of this investigation, the Drug Unit determined Ms. Forrest was also engaged in illegal drug activity. Mr. Allen was ultimately charged with 21 Felony charges and Ms. Forrest was charged with 7 Felony charges.

In addition to the original charges, Narcotics Detectives also seized Cocaine, Marijuana, pills, US Currency, drug scales and other drug paraphernalia during the search.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “We encourage the public to be observant and report drug activity when they observe it occurring in their neighborhood. We continue to use the information our citizens provide to actively pursue those who sell drugs in our communities”.

Disherea Mattquie Forrest, 29 years old, resident of 350 Wilders Lane Louisburg, was arrested August 22, 2019, on seven felony charges. (FCSO photo)

Rodney Antwan Allen is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $250,000 secured bond.

Disherea Mattquie Forrest is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $150,000 secured bond.

Rodney Antwan Allen, 31 years old, 350 Wilders Lane Louisburg, NC 27549

Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance (6 Counts)

Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance (4 Counts)

Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling for the purpose of Storing/Selling a Controlled Substance (7 Counts)

Trafficking Opiates (3 Counts)

Conspire to Sell Cocaine

Disherea Mattquie Forrest, 29 years old, 350 Wilders Lane Louisburg, NC 27549

Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance

Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance

Trafficking Opiates (4 Counts)

Conspire to Sell Cocaine

If you have information regarding this case or you would like to report drug activity in your area, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186, a criminal defense lawyer has already been assigned to the case.

Smith, Louisburg Resident, Arrested on Multiple Drug, Firearm Charges

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Community Action Team, arrested Franklin County resident, David Sidney Smith, on August 21, 2019. Shortly after Mr. Smith’s arrest, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team executed a search warrant at his residence located at 130 Smooth Rider Road, Louisburg, NC before sending him off to one of the drug rehab centers Delray Beach.

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

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Community Action Team, arrested Franklin County resident, David Sidney Smith, on August 21, 2019. This investigation into illegal drug activity began as a result of multiple citizen complaints alleging Mr. Smith was involved in selling illegal narcotics throughout Franklin County. (FCSO photo)

As a result of this investigation, Mr. Smith was charged with three (3) counts of Possess with Intent to Sell/Deliver a Schedule I Controlled Substance, (Heroin), one (1) count of Possess with Intent to Sell/Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance, (Pills), two (2) counts of Sell and Deliver Controlled Substance (Heroin), two (2) counts of Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for storing controlled substances, two (2) counts of Conspiracy to Sell and Deliver a controlled Substance (Heroin), two (2) counts of Trafficking Opiates, and Possession of a Firearm by Felon. 

In addition to the original charges, Narcotics Detectives also seized Heroin, various pills, a Smith & Wesson firearm, US Currency, drug scales and other drug paraphernalia during the search. 

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “This is another great example of taking the information we received and responding in a way that makes our communities safer. The partnerships between the agencies involved with this case prove that working together is an effective way of truly making a difference.”

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in this investigation by the District Attorney‘s Office, the US Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Agents with North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement. 

David Sidney Smith is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $540,000 secured bond. 

David Sidney Smith, 24 years old, 130 Smooth Rider Road Louisburg, NC 27549. 

For more information regarding this investigation, or to provide information regarding drug activity in your community, please contact Sergeant Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.

Terry M. Wright, Chief of Staff

Search On for Man Charged With 70 Counts of Vehicle B&E, Larceny

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Youngsville Police Department, is seeking the public’s help in locating Kedrick Derrell Jones, age 29, of Wake County.

Jones frequents the Rolesville, Wake Forest, Youngsville and Zebulon areas.

Mr. Jones has been charged with approximately 70 criminal offenses to include Breaking and Entering of Motor Vehicles and Felony Larceny.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Crime Stoppers at (919) 496-7867.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Youngsville Police Department, is seeking the public’s help in locating Kedrick Derrell Jones, age 29, of Wake County. Jones has been charged with approximately 70 criminal offenses to include Breaking and Entering of Motor Vehicles and Felony Larceny. (Photo courtesy FCSO)