Tag Archive for: #vancecountysuperiorcourt

Mike Waters

Superior Court Session Hands Down Sentences In Several Local Cases

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A Creedmoor man has been sentenced to more than three years in prison recently for a 2022 incident that occurred at a local food mart.

Jordan Lee Turnage had pleaded guilty to discharging a weapon into occupied property and one felony count of inciting a riot for the May 28 incident, which involved gunfire at Gate City Foods and North Henderson Heights Apartments on West Andrews Avenue. His case was heard during a session of Vance County Superior Court, held during the week surrounding Aug. 23, with Superior Court Judge Josephine Kerr Davis presiding.

The office of District Attorney Mike Waters was represented by assistant DAs Charity D. Wilborn, Beau Boyer, Theodore “TJ” Marsh, and Walter T. Ramsey.

In other cases before the court:

  • Datwain Scott Henderson pleaded guilty to one count of discharging a weapon into a moving vehicle for shooting a Wake Electric Membership Corporation vehicle on June 23, Henderson was sentenced to 20-36-months in prison, suspended for 24 months. Henderson was placed on supervised probation, which includes 60 days in the Vance County Jail.
  • Richard Durham, pleaded guilty to trafficking cocaine (28-199 grams) and was sentenced to a 35-51 month active prison sentence. Durham was ordered to begin serving that sentence once his current sentence has been completed.
  • Kelly Jean Hemann pleaded guilty to attempted trafficking of methamphetamine (28-199 grams) and possession with intent to sell, deliver and manufacture Hemann was sentenced to two active prison sentences of 16-29 months, and 6-17 months, to run consecutively.
Vance County Courthouse

Juror Shortage Prompts More Summonses In More Citizens’ Mailboxes

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COVID-19 has been blamed for everything from global supply chain problems to schoolchildren’s lagging academic achievement. And Vance Clerk of Superior Court Henry Gupton said the current lack of jurors for local trials could also be blamed on the virus.

Gupton told WIZS News Friday that for the next five Mondays, the juror pool will bump up to 150 people receiving notices to show up to court for possible jury selection.

“We didn’t have enough Monday a week ago,” Gupton said. Of the 106 summonses that were sent, only 38 people showed up. Some of that number, he said, were excused for medical or other reasons of hardship. “But of those not excused, 38 showed up.”

The summons is not something to ignore, and Gupton said resident Superior Court Judge Cynthia Sturges could step up the process to find out why folks aren’t showing up.

“She’s contemplating how she wants to handle it,” Gupton said, adding that a decision hasn’t been reached yet.

A capital murder trial is slated to begin in Vance County on Sept. 26, but there has to be a sufficient jury pool from which to select a jury. Gupton said the jury selection process could be extended to the first two weeks in September.

“How are we going to administer justice if we don’t have jurors to do it?” Gupton asked.

Sheriff’s deputies could come knocking on your door to find out why you didn’t comply with the summons to appear for jury selection.

“We’ve got to get jurors, there’s no question about that, we’ve got to get jurors,” he said.

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Mike Waters

Man Who Struck Trooper With Vehicle Sentenced in Superior Trial Court

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Office of District Attorney Michael D. Waters

During the October 5, 2020, session of Vance County Criminal Superior Trial Court, with Superior Court Judge John M. Dunlow presiding, Justin Venable entered a plea of guilty to DWI, Felony Hit and Run with Serious Injury, and Felony Failure to Move Over Causing Serious Injury.

Mr. Venable received an active sentence of 12 months in the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Correction (DAC), followed by 16 to 29 months, and 6 to 17 months of supervised probation, suspended for 36 months. 

On October 22, 2019, Trooper Craig Hundley with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) was conducting a routine traffic stop in Vance County when he was struck by a vehicle. Thanks to the quick actions of the citizen who Trooper Hundley had pulled over, and of Trooper Eugene Burrell, the defendant‘s vehicle was identified.

Trooper Burrell was able to stop the defendant and found he was impaired by alcohol. The defendant, identified as Justin O. Venable, was taken into custody and charged with DWI, Felony Hit and Run with Serious Injury, Reckless Driving, and Felony Failure to Move Over Causing Serious Injury.

This was a harrowing experience for Trooper Hundley who was airlifted to the hospital and has suffered life–changing injuries that may not allow him to return to his position as a Trooper with the NCSHP. It is our continued hope that Trooper Hundley achieves a full recovery. 

This case was resolved by Assistant District Attorney Stormy Ellis from the Vance County office of District Attorney Mike Waters.

Clerk of Superior Court Vance County Update 3-25-20

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

 — from Henry L. Gupton, Vance County Clerk of Superior Court

Due to the COVID-19 virus our operations have changed. Our office is still open Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, our doors are locked. Please know that if your matter is not an emergency and can be delayed, we would appreciate you waiting until the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. If it can be handled by phone or mail, please do so. We will continue to accept filings. All other court cases will be continued. You will be questioned at our two windows about your business. We have also set up a public computer terminal just outside our office so that everyone will have access to look up the information they need. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 252-430-5100. Please continue to monitor the North Carolina Judicial on Facebook (click here) for any updates. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. It is our pleasure to serve you. Thank you for your understanding.