Tag Archive for: #vancecountysheriffsoffice

Henderson Man Sentenced for Two Counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon

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NEW BERN – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced that in federal court, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced ISMIL GRAY JEFFERS, 23, of Henderson, NC to 140 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.

JEFFERS pled guilty on November 15, 2016 to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

On September 22, 2015, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance complaint. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found JEFFERS in the bathroom of Auto Connection Used Auto Sales and subsequently conducted a search of his vehicle where a firearm and controlled substances were found. On October 19, 2015, members of the Henderson Police Department conducted a checkpoint traffic stop in which JEFFERS was a passenger in a vehicle. The vehicle pulled away from the checkpoint causing an officer to pursue. The vehicle stopped a short distance later and JEFFERS, a convicted felon, was observed throwing a handgun into a grassy area.

This case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.

The criminal investigation of this case was conducted by the Henderson Police Department Police Department, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and the North Carolina State Crime Lab. Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette is handling the case on behalf of the government.

USAO – North Carolina, Eastern

Topic: 

Firearms Offenses

Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers Approve New Text-a-Tip Program

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Henderson, NC – Henderson and Vance County Residents will now be able to text the Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers along with the traditional phone in method to report crime.

Kevin Bullock, the president of the Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers said, “We’re still in the early stages of setting up our local Text-a-Tip program, but once completed, the Text-a-Tip will allow anyone with a cellphone to not only call 252-492-1925, but text in a crime they witness as well. Other Crime Stopper groups across North Carolina are using this technology with great success to reach younger audiences.”

The program will be ready to go later in the year.

Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow said, “Text-a-Tip will put us in contact with a new generation and also give others another simplistic way of reporting criminal activity anonymously.”

If anyone should have any information related to a case, they are encouraged to call the Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925. Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $2,000 for information that may lead to an arrest. Callers may remain anonymous.

Operation Silent Night Additional Coverage

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Immediately after today’s press conference for Operation Silent Night, WIZS News conducted live radio interviews with District Attorney Mike Waters of the 9th Prosectutorial District, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Director Robert Schurmeier and Lieutenant Allen Hedgepeth of the Henderson Police Department.

To see more about Operation Silent Night please view our other WIZS News post which includes the news release and photos or click here.

Sheriff Peter White Offers Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

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The holiday season is here and shoppers are crowding malls and discount stores to buy the latest gadgets and find the best deals.

But what shoppers are neglecting is their safety. According to Sheriff White, this time of year attracts more shopping-related criminal activity because of larger crowds and extended store hours. These factors, and the unusual distraction of shopping, creates a more favorable environment for petty thieves and other offenders.

The Sheriff reminds all Vance County residents to follow these safety tips:

Shopping Safety

  • A single shopper is the best target for theft. Always shop with a friend or relative.
  • When going shopping, tell someone where you are going and what time to expect you to return. Also, make sure they know what you are wearing, as well as the type of vehicle you are driving.
  • Shop during daylight hours. If you shop at night, park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
  • Dress casually and comfortably and avoid wearing expensive jewelry. If carrying cash, keep it in your front pocket rather than your purse or wallet. This makes it much more difficult for a pick-pocket to remove. Also store car keys in a pants or jacket pocket. If your purse is stolen, you will still be able to drive.
  • Pay careful attention to your surroundings and avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
  • When returning to your vehicle, check around it and in the back seat. Be aware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Have your keys in your hand to avoid spending unnecessary time unprotected from the security of your vehicle.
  • If you feel uneasy returning to your vehicle alone, find a security guard and ask them to walk you to your car.

According to Sheriff White, during this time of year, busy holiday shoppers become careless and vulnerable to other crimes as well. Credit card fraud and gift card fraud are on the rise. However, taking a few preventive measures can help.

Credit Card Fraud

  • Keep a close watch on your credit card every time you use it, and make sure you get it back as quickly as possible.
  • Never write your pin number on your credit card.
  • Never leave your credit card receipts lying around.
  • Shield your credit card number so that others around you can’t copy it or capture it on a mobile phone or other camera.
  • Only carry credit cards that you absolutely need.
  • Shred anything with your credit card number on it.
  • If you’re planning to purchase online, make sure the web page where you enter your credit card information is secure through SSL (Secure Socket Layer). You can tell if the web page is secure by looking for the gold lock or key icon at the bottom corner of your browser window.
  • If you’re not comfortable submitting your information through the internet, call the seller and give them your information over the phone. Never send your credit card information via email.
  • Check the company out. Only do business with companies that provide a physical address and phone number.
  • Lastly, keep good records. Always print out a copy of any online products or services you purchase.

For more information contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252-738-2200.

 

HPD and VCSO offer Gun Buy Back Program

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Our local law enforcement’s “Gun Buy Back Program” asks you to anonymously surrender unwanted and illegal firearms with “No Questions Asked” and receive a Visa gift card in return. Assault weapons will receive a $150.00 Visa prepaid gift card and handguns will receive a $100.00 Visa prepaid gift card. Rifles and shotguns will receive a $75.00 Visa prepaid gift card.

The “Gun Buy Back Program” will take place on Saturday, December 10, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at two locations:

Gang Free Inc. located at 940 County Home Road, Henderson, NC 27536

Kittrell Volunteer Fire Department located at 54 W. Main Street Kittrell, NC 27544

 

Vehicle Procedure

The following procedure MUST be followed in order to receive a gift card:

  • Place the unloaded gun inside your trunk, truck bed, or cargo area before leaving your home. Gun must be brought to the site unloaded.
    • Approach the location. Signs will be posted for directions to enter the facility’s driveway.
    • Officers will direct you to the designated area.
    • Please remain in your vehicle at all times. An officer will remove the gun. (If you cannot remotely open the trunk or rear hatch from the driver’s seat, you must hand the officer the key.)
    • After the gun is determined to be a working firearm, a gift card will be given – “No Questions Asked”

Walk-up Procedure

  • Place the unloaded gun inside a bag you can carry before leaving your home. Gun must be brought to the site unloaded.
    • Approach the designated location. Signs will be posted directing you to remain in mthe designated area until approached by an officer.
    • Officers will provide you with directions to follow.
    • After the gun is determined to be a working firearm, a gift card will be given – “No Questions Asked”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Gun Buyback Program?
The gun buyback program is a proactive campaign to take guns off our streets. The buyback program asks residents to turn in their gun(s) and in return receive a Visa prepaid gift card. The “no questions asked” program will allow individuals to anonymously dispose of firearms without fear of charges for illegal possession when turning in the weapon.

Q: How is the gun buyback program funded?
The program is funded by two sources. First, the Henderson Police Department and Vance County Sheriff’s Office. Second, from donations made to Gang Free Inc. from businesses, churches and organizations.

Q: Why is the community launching this program?
This program is a partnership effort between the Henderson Police Department, Vance County Sheriff’s Office and Gang Free Inc. This community has been impacted by gun violence. Taking guns off the street is at the heart of violence prevention and we must do everything we can to put an end to the senseless violence. Every gun turned into the program is a life potentially saved.

Q: Will I get arrested when I deliver a gun to the buyback program? Do I have to identify myself?
No, you will not be arrested when you deliver the gun. However, you must follow the turn in procedure. You will not have to identify yourself. This is a “No Questions Asked” program that means you will remain anonymous when you drop off the firearm.

Q: What types of guns are accepted?
All guns will be accepted. Gift cards will be issued only for assault weapons, handguns, rifle/shotguns. These will also have to be workable firearms. Whether a gun is “workable” will be determined by the officer screening the weapon. BB or pellets guns and ammunition will be accepted without compensation.

Q: Is there a limit on the number of guns I can turn in?
There are no limits to the number of guns that you can turn in as long as buy back money is available. After the buyback spends the entire budget, guns may still be surrendered without payment.

Q: What happens after the gun is turned in?
All weapons will be stored by the Police Department and handled according to state law. If possible, recovered stolen weapons will be returned to the rightful owner(s).

Q: Are gun buyback programs proven to reduce gun violence?
We do know that if a gun is turned in, it will not be used in a future crime. The buyback program is one part of a larger strategy and opportunity to mobilize our community in joint efforts against gun violence. This program demonstrates Henderson’s commitment for safer streets. “No Questions Asked” embraces the philosophy that one fewer gun on the street is potentially many lives saved.

 

Shop with a Cop Returns for 2016

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The Henderson Police Department and the Vance County Sheriff’s Office have partnered with the Vance County Department of Social Services to assist children and families in the City of Henderson and Vance County during the holiday season through the “Shop with a Cop” program.

Funds raised through the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce “Shop with a Cop” raffle and by generous donors will be used to help underprivileged children and struggling families who otherwise would go without during the holidays. Individuals and families selected will have the opportunity to “Shop with a Cop” with one of Henderson’s and Vance County’s law enforcement officers.

Individuals or families wishing to participate in the “Shop with a Cop” program can pick up applications on October 18th, 19th, 27th, and 28th at the front desk of three locations: the Henderson Police Department at 200 Breckenridge Street; the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 156 Church Street; and the Department of Social Services at 350 Ruin Creek Road, Henderson.

Completed applications must be returned to any of the three pickup locations no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, October 28, 2016.