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1090 AM ~ Smithfield, NC 

Flood Warning For Neuse River In Clayton & Smithfield

Hanna Brings Much Needed Rain, Causes Only Minimal Damage

Smithfield fire crews block US301 South after a power line fell across the roadway near Country Club Road Saturday morning. Photo by Carter Rabil

A strong Tropical Storm Hanna, which came ashore just after 3am Saturday, brought winds and some much needed rains to the Johnston County area.  Only scattered damage and power outages were reported across our area.  Among the damage was a house on Highway 222 near Kenly that was struck by a tree. Progress Energy had over 55,000 customers in NC without power early Saturday, primarily east of Interstate 95. Isolated power outages were reported near Four Oaks, McGee’s Crossroads, Clayton, West Smithfield, Princeton and Kenly.  A downed power line on US301 South of Smithfield at Country Club Road blocked the highway for about an hour.  Several minor accidents were also reported on rain soaked roadways.  Rains quickly filled creeks and streams, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flood warning for the Neuse River in Smithfield and Clayton. The flood stage in Smithfield is 15.0 feet. It is forecast to rise to near 19.8 feet early Monday. In Clayton, flood stage is 9.0 feet. The Neuse could crest at 13.5 feet by Sunday afternoon before receding.

Bassett Pleads Guilty To Murdering Boyfriend
The trial for a Benson woman accused of killer her boyfriend, Keith West, the owner of Smithfield based West-Tek, a private security company, came to an abrupt end on Friday.  As the second week of the trial was winding up, Tiffany Bassett entered a guilty plea to second degree murder for the July 2006 shooting death of West. He was found dead in the bedroom of the couple’s home on Trey Drive.  Bassett had been on trial for first degree murder, and if convicted, could have served the rest of her life in prison. Under the plea to second-degree murder charges, Bassett will spend 18 to 22 years in prison.  She was also given credit for the two years behind bars while she awaited trial.  Attorney Bob Denning represented Bassett.  The day of the deadly shooting, their Benson home was set to be sold at a foreclosure auction at the Johnston County Courthouse, and evidence suggested the couple was having financial problems.  The trial was moved from Smithfield to Fayetteville because of pretrial publicity. West was a former Smithfield Police officer.
 

Identity Thief Incarcerated For 2 Years, Ordered To Pay Restitution
A Pennsylvania woman has been sentenced to two years in federal prison and ordered to pay $19,681 in restitution.  Lisa Ann Smith, 40, was charged with aggravated identity theft in January and convicted on the charges in May. She was sentenced this week.  Smith and another individual targeted elderly women, stealing their purses by pick pocketing. After Smith’s accomplice snatched the purses, Smith altered the driver’s licenses and used the credit card to obtain cash advances and purchases, according to federal prosecutors.  The crimes occurred in Garner, Raleigh, and Cary areas of Wake County.  The US Secret Service also assisted in the investigation.  US Attorney George Holding commented, “As we have repeatedly seen, identity theft takes many forms. Here, by simply stealing purses and picking people’s pockets, these defendants worked to destroy the victims’ credit and financial security.”  Authorities said the crimes occurred between November 2006 and January 2007.  

Police: Ex-Teacher Caught With Student Again
The former Hobbton Middle School teacher arrested in July on accusations she had an ongoing sexual relationship with a student has been arrested again after police say they found her in the company of the same boy. Jeannie Michelle Hodges, 40, of Autryville, was charged with allowing an unlicensed minor to drive a vehicle and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. Clinton Police Cpl. Eddie Carter, along with other officers, was conducting a routine license checkpoint in Clinton when a blue Ford Explorer, driven by Hodges’ 15-year-old former student, pulled up. Hodges was riding in the passenger seat. When asked for a license, the underage driver told police he did not have one. Police, who didn’t initially realize the boy was a minor, asked him his age and found out he was only 15. Hodges told police she had a license, but did not have it with her. “They were very cooperative,” Cpl. Carter said. Cpl. Carter said Hodges appeared nervous at the beginning of the traffic stop. “She knew she was going back to jail,” he said. When police asked to search Hodges’ purse, she complied, and her ID revealed who she was and that she had been charged with statutory rape. When asked if she had been in jail recently, Hodges admitted she had been charged with statutory rape. Police asked if her companion was the alleged victim of the previous charges and she said yes, according to police. On July 31, Hodges was released on a $50,000 bond July 31 on charges of statutory rape-sex offense with a student and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Following the traffic stop, she was taken to the Sampson County Jail and, through Powell Bail Bonding, posted an additional $2,000 bond and was released.

5 Arrested After $100,000 In Cocaine Found
Five people are facing charges after a drug investigation in Wayne County led to the reported discovery of cocaine with a street value of $100,000.  It began with a traffic stop on Highway 70 then the search of a home on Slick Rock Road outside of Goldsboro.  Hector Ramos Avellaneda, Antoine Lambert, Juan Acosta Vasquez, Reynoldo Garcia Vasquez, and Vasquez Israel Garcio were arrested. Bonds for the suspects range from $750,000 to $1 million each.    

Meth Lab Suspect Now Facing Additional Charges
A Benson man charged with having a meth lab in the bedroom of his home in June is now facing additional charges. Bradford Christian Calcote was arrested at his Byrdtown Road home after undercover sheriff’s deputies were reportedly able to buy narcotics from two men outside his home.  Agents returned with a search warrant and reportedly found Calcote, meth lab ingredients, meth, and marijuana inside the house.  Calcote was originally charged with ten offenses including manufacturing and selling methamphetamine.  On Wednesday, narcotic agents with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office filed new charges against the 34 year-old man, two counts of trafficking in methamphetamine.  Due to the toxic meth lab found in the home in June, the Johnston County Health Department condemned the residence.  







 

Meth, Drug Paraphernalia Found In Car
A routine traffic stop on North Wall Street in Benson early Tuesday led to the alleged discovery of methamphetamine, with a street value of $50, along with drug paraphernalia.  Winston Earl Butler, 36, of Savannah Road, Dunn, and Heather Louise Jones, 18, of Denning Road, Angier were arrested. Butler was charged with possession of meth, possession of meth precursors, and drug paraphernalia.  Jones was charged with possession of less than one-half ounce of marijuana.  Butler was incarcerated under $41,000 bond. Jones was released on $1,000 bail.     







  

Sex Offense Charges In 2006 Case Upgraded To First Degree Rape
Charges have been upgraded against a Johnston County man charged with raping a teenager in 2006.  Elmer Armando Bonilla, 29, of Webb Mill Road, Four Oaks had been on the run since the October 2006 incident.  Bonilla was captured in May of this year and charged with several offenses including kidnapping, second degree sex offense and interfering with a 911 call.  Sheriff’s investigators reviewed the case after Bonilla’s arrest and after taking additional statements from the victim, who is now 19, detectives added first-degree rape to the charges he faces.  Authorities said Bonilla lived near the victim when the crime occurred. 

Whiskey, Chicken, Mountain Dew Stolen In Break-In
Sheriff’s deputies were called out to a residence on Buffalo Road near Clayton on Sunday after an 82 year-old homeowner discovered a break-in.  Authorities said Thomas Chappell discovered signs of a forcible break-in Sunday night. However, only three items were taken: whiskey, 6 frozen chickens from the freezer, and two packs of Mountain Dew.  Authorities don’t have any strong leads in the case but suspect the stolen items have already been consumed.

Homeless Man Arrested For Business Burglary
A homeless man was arrested Sunday night a short time after deputies said he broke into a Clayton area business.  Tom Gilbert Crandle, 38, who has no address, was found near DMF, Inc. a company on Highway 70 Business east of Clayton.  Crandle was charged with breaking and entering and damage to property. He was placed in the Johnston County Jail under $5,000 bond.

Neighbor Charged With Assault, Pointing Gun
A Princeton man is facing charges after he allegedly assaulted and pointed a gun at his neighbor.  It happened Monday on Woodard Road. Raymond Leroy White, 48 is accused of pointing a handgun at 56 year-old James Evans Allison and grabbing him by the neck threatening to kill him, according to Johnston County sheriff’s deputy’s reports.  White was arrested a short time after the alleged incident and charged with assault with a deadly weapon, simple assault, and communicating threats. He was released on $800 bond.  The victim was not injured during the altercation. 







  

Teens Arrested For Disorderly Conduct
Two teenagers were arrested early Monday for allegedly standing in the middle of Rains Crossroads road near Princeton yelling profanities and interfering with traffic.  Nekko Ewell, 16, of Princeton and Kevin Hinnant, 16, of Wilson were charged with disorderly conduct. Both teens were released after posing a $3,500 bond.    

Former Drug Center Director & Daughter Arrested For Narcotic Trafficking
The former director of a drug and alcohol treatment center has been arrested on charges of trafficking narcotics.  Alice Faye Mozingo, 62, of Keen Road, Four Oaks and her daughter, Lisa Mozingo Shallington, 35, of Kay Drive, Smithfield were arrested Tuesday. Four Oaks Police Chief Danny Toppings said Shallington reportedly called in prescriptions for morphine, hydrocodone, and Xanax to Kerr Drug in Four Oaks.  A short time later, her mother, Alice Mozingo picked up the drugs and took them to her daughter’s apartment.  Mozingo is the former director of the Day By Day Treatment Center in Selma. Chief Toppings said a pharmacist immediately became suspicious about the transaction because these types of painkillers cannot be filled by phone.  After consulting with a Benson physician Shallington claimed had authorized the prescriptions, authorities learned they were fraudulent.  Mozingo was charged with four counts of trafficking a controlled substance and possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance. She was released Wednesday after posting a $25,000 bond. Her daughter, Ms. Shallington, was charged with four counts of trafficking, one counts of possession of a controlled substance, and one count of attempting to obtain a controlled substance by fraud or forgery. She remains in the Johnston County Jail under a half million-dollar bond.          

Gang Member Charged With Raping Teen He Met Over The Internet
A Johnston County teenager is accused of raping a 13 year-old girl he met on MySpace, a popular internet website for youth.  Daniel Sosa, 19, of Highway 210, Four Oaks was arrested by Johnston County sheriff’s detectives on Wednesday and charged with statutory rape.  Investigators said Sosa was an admitted gang member.  Sosa allegedly met the female victim, from Wake County, on MySpace, and began a relationship.  The alleged sexual assault occurred at Sosa’s, home according to sheriff’s detectives.  Sosa was jailed under a $100,000 bond.

Four Oaks Resident Charged With Sexually Assaulting 15 Year-Old
A 29 year-old man was arrested Tuesday on charges he had sex with a 15 year-old girl.  The incidents happened near Four Oaks.  Durwood Eugene Stanley of Parkertown Road was arrested following an investigation that began in mid-July, according to sheriff’s office spokesperson Tammy Amaon.  Sheriff’s deputies said Stanley was acquainted with the female victim. Stanley was charged with statutory rape and placed in the Johnston County Jail under a $60,000 bond. 

Fire Destroys Selma Garage
A fire destroyed a garage and damaged a bedroom to a home on North Webb Street in Selma Thursday morning. Fire crews from Selma, Micro, and Pine Level responded to the alarm at the home of Roger Yelverton.  No one was at home when the fire broke out around 6:30am.  Yelverton said he suspects the blaze was started by an electrical malfunction, possibly electrical wiring. WTSB Photo 

Knife Fight Over Marijuana Smoking Youth Lands Couple In Jail
A Benson couple, apparently arguing over the best way to deal with some pestering youth, was arrested after a call from a child warned police that the couple had been fighting with a knife. When police arrived at the couple’s Whittington Street apartment, yelling could be heard from inside. After knocking on the door, both officers were permitted into the home. Blood was seen on the floor of the apartment. The man's right hand had been cut and the woman's shirt was stained with blood, according to police. The couple, Darl Johnson and Crystal McDougald, told police they were arguing over the boys outside their apartment who allegedly had marijuana. McDougald wanted to confront the boys with the knife but Johnson tried to stop her and was cut in the process, according to police. Johnson, 28, and McDougald, 27, both admitted to striking each other during the fight, according to police. Medical workers were called to the scene, but the couple refused to be taken to the hospital. Johnson was charged with domestic assault on a female. McDougald was charged with assault with a deadly weapon. They were taken to the Johnston County Jail and released on $1,000 unsecured bonds.

Rotary Clubs Remodel National Guard Armory

Left to right are Captain Jeffry J. Vones, Representative James Langdon, Congressman Bob Etheridge, Rotary Past Presidents Chris Key and Laurel Grantham, and Major Davis.

The Rotary Club of Central Johnston County and Rotary Club of Smithfield worked together to remodel the kitchen and training room at the National Guard Armory in Smithfield.  The Rotary Clubs chose this project to thank the unit for their service in Iraq last year and in preparation for their re-deployment later this year.  At the dedication ceremony, Congressman Bob Etheridge and Representative James Langdon spoke about what the unit’s service means to the people in our community.  They also acknowledged the guardsmen’s families for their sacrifices.  “This project meant a lot to the members of both clubs”, said Chris Key club member. “We wanted the men and women of the Bravo Company to have a useable kitchen and a updated and comfortable training room to get ready for their re-deployment.  We cannot thank them enough for their service in Iraq.”  The Rotary raised money for the project and all installation and labor was completed by the club and unit members.

Driver Attempts To Run From Cops
A routine traffic stop in Benson yielded an arrest when a 34-year-old Godwin man tried to flee from police. Courtney Dion Raines, of Jeanett Lane in Godwin, told police that he didn't have a license when he was stopped at a checkpoint at the intersection of Chicopee Road and Brocklyn Street. He was told to pull over to the shoulder, which he did. As Officer Jeff Carter approached Mr. Raines' Nissan, the car sped away, according to police. Officers gave chase and Raines was charged with driving with a revoked license and obstructing a public official. He was taken to the Johnston County Jail and held on a $2,000 secured bond.

Commissioners Approve Contract For Property Revaluations
Johnston County Commissioners have approved a contract to pay a company, located in the Cleveland community, to assist with property revaluations.  Assessment Solutions was the low bidder for the project.  The company will be paid $17.50 per parcel to reevaluate the price of land in Johnston County. That’s equivalent to about $1.6 million for the 2-1/2 year project.  The company will also review recent home sales and construction cost values in determining new property values.  Homeowners can expect to see a change in the property tax bills by the fall of 2011.  The last revaluation took place in 2003, angering many residents when the average land value jumped by 27 percent.  Officials currently estimate property tax values are 15 percent higher than what owners are being taxed.   In other board action on Tuesday, Commissioners approved an economic incentive package for Coates Asphalt Corporation, a new subsidiary of Coats Grading, owned by Michael and Daniel Coates. The incentive provides a 5-year grant, effectively reimbursing the company half of their annual property taxes.  The company will begin building a new $5 million asphalt plant in 2009, with completion a year later.  The company plans to increase its payroll from 48 to 85 full-time employees when the expansion is completed. WTSB file photo           

Double Amputee Seriously Injured When Car Hits Wheelchair
A Benson man is in serious condition after being hurled from his wheelchair following a collision with a car Tuesday. Seventy year-old Leroy Armstrong was traveling on Johnson Street when a car plowed into his motorized wheelchair. The impact ripped Armstrong’s wheelchair in half and sent him flying 35 feet through the air.  The driver of the car, Sharon Johnson, 57, of Four Oaks told Benson Police said she was momentarily distracted and didn’t see Armstrong until it was took late.  Armstrong was riding on the left side of the road, facing traffic, as required by law. In North Carolina, citizens operating motorized wheelchairs are considered pedestrians on roads with a speed limit greater than 25 mph. Johnson was reportedly driving about 35 mph, the posted speed limit. Police said Johnson, together with another motorist who witnessed the accident, immediately stopped and tried to help Armstrong, who came to rest in the grass alongside the road. Armstrong, a double amputee, reportedly suffers from a severe cut on the back of his head and possibly a broken bone in the remaining portion of his left leg. He was rushed to WakeMed in Raleigh. At last report, no charges had been filed, but Benson Police were still investigating the accident. Photo courtesy The Daily Record

Inmate Gets Life In Attempted Rape Of Prison Guard
A prisoner at Harnett Correctional Institution who was nearing parole eligibility on a previous life sentence, has been sentenced to life in prison for the attempted rape of a female guard at the Lillington prison. It took a jury just 20 minutes to convict Robert Donnell Johnson Jr., 41, on kidnapping and attempted first-degree rape charges.  Johnson was then sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole. According to prosecutors, Johnson entered the office of a female sergeant working at Harnett Correctional Institution in February 2007 and asked for a clothes hanger. When she got up from her chair, she was shoved into a bathroom and held down. Johnson has a criminal history that goes back to 1987 and includes convictions for second-degree rape, attempted first-degree rape, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, and breaking and entering. He was serving a life sentence on these Lee County charges.

Teen Killed During Argument Near Primary School
A Harnett County teenager was killed Labor Day evening after reportedly getting into an argument with a friend. Tyrek Blue, 18, was shot in the stomach on Allen Drive, just yards from Gentry Primary School in Erwin. Only a chain-link fence with an open gate separated the shooting scene from the school. Blue died during surgery at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. Centry McNeill, 17, of Erwin is charged with first-degree murder.  Erwin Police Chief Preston Howell said the two men were reportedly hanging out with friends when they got into a fight. During the altercation, McNeill allegedly pulled out a handgun and shot Blue.  Blue was described as a quiet and respectful teenager who was working towards earning his G.E.D. at Central Carolina Community College. “The only thing I knew about him was he was a good boy,” said Thurman McLean, who lived on Allen Drive. “I don’t see no fault in him.”

Suspicious Fire Destroys Vacant Home
Law enforcement officers and fire investigators are treating a blaze near Clayton as arson.  A fire ripped through a vacant house in The Bluffs of Austin Pond, a subdivision off Highway 42 East Monday morning around 9am.  Johnston County sheriff’s deputies and the fire marshals office are jointly investigating the incident.  A canoe reportedly stolen from a resident in the area was also found burned in a nearby pond.  Detective Lt. Chris Strickland with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office said investigators have three possible suspects.   









Murder Charges Filed In Deadly Hit & Run
Second-degree murder charges have been filed against a Four Oaks man following a fatal hit and run accident August 27 on Highway 701 at NC96.  Jeffrey Underwood is accused of striking Jerry Lynn Messer Sr. with his vehicle, then fleeing from the scene. Underwood was arrested minutes later at his home, about a half-mile away, on hit and run charges. Messer died from his injuries on Sunday at WakeMed. Afterwards, Four Oaks Police Chief Danny Toppings said he took out second-degree murder warrants on the 30 year-old driver.  Chief Toppings said it appears Underwood and Messer had been involved in an ongoing dispute.  When the men happened upon each other at the busy intersection, witnesses said Messer got out of his car and approached Underwood’s vehicle. Underwood reportedly pulled out a pocketknife on Messer, who then took the knife away from him.  After an exchange of words, witnesses said Messer started walking away, when he was allegedly hit by Underwood’s vehicle.  Chief Toppings said the second-degree murder charge was issued after he consulted with the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office. Underwood remains in the Johnston County Jail without bond. WTSB Photo





    

Imposter Attorney Cons Smithfield Woman
The Benson Police Department is searching for a confident man who stole $200 from a Smithfield woman while posing as an attorney. The man, identifying himself as Elton Johnson, first met Mary Holden through the Internet. He offered to help her with several minor legal issues and the two arranged to meet at the White Swan Restaurant in Benson. Holden, 68, gave Johnson a $100 check at their first meeting in December and another $100 the following week. She tried to stay in touch with him over the next several months but had difficulty reaching him. When she traveled to Fayetteville to find out why the legal work she paid him for had not been done, it became apparent that Johnson had lied about his address. Holden called the North Carolina Bar Association and was told not only that Johnson was not an attorney, but that the bar association was investigating another account of fraud by the same man. The Benson Police Department, along with the Garner Police Department, the bar association and the state attorney general's office, are all searching for the imposter using the name of Elton Johnson.

Man Struck By Train Identified
Smithfield Police have identified a man struck and killed by a train on Sunday.  The victim, 46 year-old Julio Jarquin, was apparently sitting next to the railroad tracks just north of the Brogden Road rail crossing when a southbound CSX train hit him.  The unemployed man lived in the 301 Mobile Home Park.  Police said the incident still remains under investigation. WTSB Photo

Cash Taken In Motel Robbery
Police are searching for an armed robber who made away with cash after holding up the clerk at Becky’s Log Cabin Motel. It happened around 9:30 Sunday night.  Officers said a man came into the lobby on the pretense of renting a room. When the clerk turned away for just a moment, the suspect produced a handgun and demanded money. The suspect then fled with $400 in cash.  No injuries were reported. 

Andrews To Lead Small Business Center
Rosa Andrews has been named the director of small business and occupational licensure at Johnston Community College. In her new job, Andrews will oversee the Small Business Center at JCC, one of 58 centers in North Carolina that supports the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses. She will also coordinate courses offered by the Continuing Education division of the College that lead to professional licensure, such as real estate and notary. “I am excited to be working with the citizens of Johnston County to provide training, counseling and resource information on small business development and growth,” Andrews says. Located at the Workforce Development Center in Clayton, the Small Business Center offers entrepreneur and professional development seminars and workshops to support businesses and their employees. The center also offers research assistance and houses a collection of print materials and business-related research in its library.  “I am especially excited about the many education opportunities that the Small Business Center provides,” she adds. “One new training topic this fall is Tax Implications for Starting a Small Business and will be lead by staff from the N.C. Department of Revenue. I encourage the community to contact me with training ideas that will assist them in starting or growing their business.”  Andrews has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Francis Marion University and a master’s degree in education from Concordia University. Since 2005, Andrews has worked as the human resources development director where she assisted business and industry and their employees during layoffs and plant closings.

Home Invasion Reported In Selma
Selma Police are searching for a home invasion suspect. Around 5am Monday, a resident on South Sellers Street said a man entered through a window. The victim, 31 year-old Rick Eason, was awakened by the noise and struggled with the intruder before he fled out a window.  Eason suffered minor injuries during the struggle.  Police are following up on leads in the case.    

North Carolina Arts Council Grants Funding to County Organizations

Through a grant from North Carolina Arts Council, the Magic of African Rhythm will perform at Johnston Community College on February 28, 2009.

The North Carolina Arts Council recently announced the awarding of grant funding to three Johnston County organizations.  Johnston Community College was awarded $5,000 for the development of an International Artists performance series, the West Johnston Band Parents Association was awarded $6,000 for two artist residencies that will result in the composition of new high school band or chorus music, and the Johnston County Arts Council was awarded $51,731 for various arts programs, administrative support, and sub grants in Johnston County.  The Johnston County Arts Council receives funding each year from the North Carolina Arts Council through the Grassroots Arts Program, which allows the Johnston County Arts Council to disperse funds to local organizations.  The North Carolina Grassroots Arts Program is the only program in the United States that insures every North Carolina resident has access to the arts.  The amount awarded in 2008-09 is an increase of $8,163 from 2007-08. The North Carolina Arts Council will invest $7,427,425 in grants for arts programs and projects across North Carolina during 2008-2009.

    

$1 Million Bond Set For Accused Cocaine Trafficker
A $1 million bond has been set for a man arrested August 21 on cocaine trafficking charges.  Jarod Scott Porter, 29, of Jeribec Drive in the Willow Springs community was arrested following two undercover cocaine buys, according to Johnston County Sheriff’s Narcotics Captain A.C. Fish.  Captain Fish said an agent was able to purchase approximately one ounce of cocaine from Porter. When the undercover officer attempted a second undercover buy, Porter allegedly tried to pass off counterfeit cocaine as real drugs.  Porter, whose arrest report indicates he works in Atlantic Beach for a yacht sales company, was charged with five counts of trafficking cocaine, felonious conspiracy, and maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance.    

Drugs, Cash Seized During Raid By Narcotic Officers
Cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy pills, cash, and drug paraphernalia were among the items seized from a mobile home after narcotic agents with the Johnston County sheriff’s office raided the residence on Friday.  Maurice Earl Watson, 30, of Braswell Road was arrested on five drug warrants, including two counts of felonious possession with intent to sell and deliver a controlled substance.  Watson has a criminal history dating back 12 years. He was released from prison last year after serving a 13-month sentence on felony charges of selling a controlled substance and maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance. Watson was placed in the Johnston County Jail under a $100,500 bond. 











Rental Facility Employee Accused Of Embezzlement
A Johnston County woman entrusted with helping operate a rental facility for weddings and receptions is facing embezzlement charges.  Bobbie Joe Turner, 44, of Mulberry Road, Clayton was arrested Wednesday. Turner was employed at Hall at Landmark on Cleveland Road near Highway 42.  In June, an accountant discovered missing funds, according to Johnston County sheriff’s investigators.  Turner allegedly altered receipts and invoices and was able to steal $4,300, deputies said. In addition, Turner gave $4,200 to customers in unauthorized discounts.  She was charged with seven felony counts of larceny by an employee, and six felony counts of embezzlement. Bail was set at $130,000.

Woman Facing Check Fraud Charges In Two Counties
Following a joint investigation between the Wayne and Duplin County sheriff’s offices, a 35 year-old woman has been arrested on five counts of fraud.  Barbara Ann Oates of Dudley is accused of using multiple aliases to pass worthless personal checks at Friendly Food Mart stores in both counties.  Oats was arrested this week on charges in both Duplin and Wayne counties.    












Forged Prescriptions For Painkillers Lands Woman In Jail
A woman who reportedly tried to obtain painkillers with a forged prescription from CVS Pharmacy in Smithfield on Wednesday is facing four felony charges.  Janna Jobson Rainey, a local convenience store clerk, was arrested before she could leave the business.  The 45 year-old Selma woman had allegedly tried to pass two copies of prescriptions for the drugs, police said. Rainey was charged with two counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and two counts of obtaining property by false pretenses. Her bail was set at $25,000.

Urinating In Public Leads To Serious Charges
Urinating in public has gotten more than one person in trouble before, and for one man, it led to more serious charges. Larry Wayne Smith, 35, of Dunn was arrested after officers noticed him urinating on the side of a convenience store off I-95. When officers approached Smith, they searched the area and found a pack of cigarettes containing “three cream-colored rocks that appear to be crack cocaine,” according to the police report. Smith insisted the pack of cigarettes was not his, but officers found a cigarette butt with the same markings as the ones in the pack in one of Smith’s pockets. Smith was charged with possession of .50 gram of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest.

Man Arrested For Third Time This Year On Narcotics Charges
A 24-year-old Dunn man, arrested twice this year on meth charges, is in trouble with the law again. Anthony Glenn Tyndall was arrested after officers, who were attempting to search his residence, noticed a vehicle turn into a bean field when the driver noticed the officers. Police stopped the vehicle, of which Tyndall was a passenger and following a search, allegedly discovered a number of small plastic baggies in one of Tyndall’s pockets. They also noticed a plastic bag containing a blue powder lying at his feet. Tyndall then reportedly picked up the bag and started running. Officers gave chase. When officers caught Tyndall, they allegedly found the plastic bag lying nearby, which was later confirmed to be methamphetamine, according to a police. After conducting a search of the shed behind Tyndall’s house, they reportedly found pseudophedrine blister packs, plastic tubing, aluminum foil and various other items with meth-making potential. Tyndall was arrested and charged with possession of 3 grams of methamphetamine, possession of meth precursors, possession of equipment/paraphernalia, and resisting, delaying or obstructing an arrest. Tyndall was arrested in April after a Coats Police officer discovered meth in his pickup and he was also arrested in July as part of Operation Pill Crusher, a roundup by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division. Photos by The Daily Record

Suspect In Carjacking Turns Self In

Carla Smith (right) points to the location she was carjacked August 26. The suspect, Anthony Glenn Horne (below), turned himself into authorities on Friday. Photo by The Daily Record

A Benson man suspected of stealing a car from a woman just outside her home in Angier is behind bars. Anthony Glenn Horne, 37, of Aquilla Road, Benson, turned himself in to Harnett County sheriff’s deputies on Friday, according to his alleged victim. Horne has been charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, common law robbery, second-degree kidnapping and second-degree sexual offense, according to jailers. Last Tuesday, Carla Smith of Angier was driving to meet friends at a local park. After turning onto Old Stage Road, Smith saw a man, apparently injured and bloodied, walking along the street. When Smith asked the man if he needed help, he told her that he had just wrecked his car and been robbed. He wanted a ride to Angier. Smith told Horne she would get her husband to come help, but Horne reportedly said, “You don’t understand. You are going to take me.” Horne allegedly reached into the vehicle and unlocked the passenger door. Fearing for her safety, Smith fled and Horne drove off in the vehicle, a Honda Civic. Smith’s husband came to the scene and found her unharmed. While the Smiths were driving around the area searching for Horne and the Civic, they spotted a girl, apparently in her early 20s, limping down Benson Road. The woman said she had leaped from Horne’s Toyota 4-Runner after he had attacked her. Apparently, Horne continued chasing her until his vehicle struck a tree stump and overturned, eventually coming to rest on its roof. This woman, not Smith, is apparently the victim of the sexual offense with which Horne has been charged. As of press time Monday, Smith’s car has not been recovered. “We haven’t heard a word,” Smith said. “(Investigators) said that (Mr. Horne) wasn’t talking, that he got a lawyer and he won’t tell them anything.”

Sunny Face At Sundown
Gabby West, 2, plays with a balloon during the Sundown in Downtown concert Thursday in Benson as her mother, Megan West, looks on. Mrs. West, who lives in Dunn, said the opportunity to get out in the community and meet people brings her to the Sundown events. Sammy O’Banion and Mardis Gras entertained crowds late into the evening at Benson¹s fifth outdoor concert of the season. The Roy Roberts Band will headline the next Sundown in Downtown event Oct. 23. Photo by The Daily Record

Kenly Restaurant Damaged By Fire
A popular Kenly restaurant was heavily damaged by fire Saturday night.  Several fire departments responded to the blaze at Patrick’s Cafeteria on Highway 301 at NC222 in downtown Kenly just before 8 o’clock.  Due to the number of emergency vehicles summoned to the scene to fight the fire, law enforcement officers shutdown Highway 301 for several hours.  Crews had the fire contained in about an hour. The family owned business has been in operation about 30 years. Despite the damage, the Moore family plans to reopen the restaurant, but that could take several weeks.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation. WTSB Photo  










Fire Leaves Family Homeless
A Harnett County family is homeless after a fire that started in an air conditioner unit destroyed their mobile home outside Coats, near the Johnston-Harnett County line, on Friday. Tommy and Bonnie Hayes lived at the trailer on Chester Lane, with Braxton Liles and Jessica Powell. A 6-month old child also lived at the home. Braxton said the air conditioner suddenly shut down, following by smoke and fire, which quickly spread to a bed and was out of control. The family managed to escape, but the trailer, thought still standing, is a total loss. Fire broke through portions of the walls. Firefighters struggled to put out the flames, attacking the fire from two fronts, with one group entering through the front door of the home and another spraying water through the back window.  "Everything's gone," said Jessica Powell, as she held her daughter. Photo by The Daily Record

JCC Names Student Ambassadors

Pictured from left to right Front row: Samantha Sayers of Clayton; Brittany Tippett of Four Oaks; Brittney Smith of Dudley; Jamie McCormick of Clayton, Officer; Heather Smith of Princeton, Officer; Sara Vaughn of Clayton; and Lindsey Mooring of Wilson. Second row: Omar Montero-Reyes of Four Oaks; Gloria Williams of Clinton; Barbara Anderson of Garner; Brittany Crisp of Angier; Mary Williams of Clinton; and Maria Casarrubias of Four Oaks. Third row: Madison Gardner of Smithfield; Thomas Dean, Advisor; and Michael Montague of Garner.

Fifteen students have been selected to serve as Student Ambassadors at Johnston Community College for the 2008-09 academic year. Student ambassadors are selected on the basis of grade point average and leadership potential and represent the College and the College Foundation at various special events as well as student registration and orientation, and graduation. Tuition and fees for the students is paid from College Foundation scholarships. Jamie McCormick of Clayton and Heather Smith of Princeton are returning ambassadors and have been named officers based on their leadership exemplified last year.