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Mobile Home Dealership President Pleads Guilty To Federal Charge
The former president of a Johnston County mobile home dealership has been convicted in federal court in Wilmington on mail, wire, and bank fraud charges. Harold Aubrey Overby, 44, of Goldsboro, president of HALO of North Carolina, was doing business as Hunters Creek Homes on US70 in Smithfield. From 2004 to 2006, prosecutors said Overby needed capital to avoid bankruptcy, and obtained funds from Southern Bank & Trust (SBT) by supplying false and fraudulent statements and information about his 
customers’ construction loans. This resulted in numerous distributions of cash, which Overby converted to his own interest. Additionally, Overby made false statements concerning his income, debt and collateral to obtain three other loans from SBT. All the loans went into default resulting in more than $300,000 in losses to SBT. Overby pled guilty Wednesday before US District Judge Terrence Boyle. Sentencing is set for November 2010. Overby could face up to five years in prison. The investigation into the Smithfield mobile home dealer was conducted by the US Attorney’s Office Mortgage Fraud Task Force, FBI, and NC SBI.
Judge Refuses To Increase Bail For Mother Of 4 Year-Old Torture Victim
Detectives J. Gerrell and J. Snipes escort Helen Reyes to the magistrates office following her arrest on Thursday. WTSB Photo
Friday morning, a district court judge denied a request from prosecutors to increase the bail for a woman charged in the death of her 4 year-old daughter. Helen Reyes, 27, of Raleigh posted a $50,000 bond Thursday night, less than 12 hours after her arrest on charges of negligent child abuse resulting in serious injury.
Her daughter, Teghan Skiba, died at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill on July 19, three days after reportedly being brought to Johnston Medical Center by Jonathan Douglas Richardson, the 21 year-old man who was reportedly dating Reyes. Reyes and Teghan had been living in a barn with Richardsons behind his grandparent’s house on Old Sanders Road, before Reyes left for Army Reserve training in New Mexico. Johnston County sheriff’s investigators allege Reyes knew Richardson was abusing her daughter before she left to attend training. Among the alleged abuse included forced consumption of alcohol, as outlined in her arrest warrant. Richardson, who is charged with first-degree murder, allegedly tortured the 4 year-old. Her body showed signed of human bite marks, lacerations, and sexual assault. Reyes is scheduled to be back in court August 12.
Caterpillar To Build New Plant, Hire 392 Workers In Winston Salem
Caterpillar, which announced major layoffs at their plants in Clayton, Sanford and Cary in March 2010, April 2008, and December 2008, shedding about 1,800 
workers, announced Friday they would build a new manufacturing plant in Forsyth County and create 392 jobs over the next 5 years. Caterpillar still maintains about 1,026 full-time workers in Johnston, Wake, Lee, Macon and Burke Counties in North Carolina. The State of North Carolina through the Job Development Investment Grant and One NC Fund, awarded the company $600,000 to lure the plant to Winston Salem. While individual wages for the 392 additional jobs will vary by job function, the overall average for the new jobs will be $40,482 a year, plus benefits. That is higher than the Forsyth County average of $40,352. Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) is headquartered in Peoria, Ill., and has nearly 300 operations in 40 countries and employs nearly 95,000 people. In Winston-Salem, Caterpillar plans to construct an approximately 850,000 square foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for the machining, assembly, test and painting of axle assemblies for large mining machines.
Muddy Helps Close Out Last Miracle League Game Of The Season
Muddy the Mudcat came out to Smithfield Community Park this week for the last Miracle League game of this season. Muddy was on the field to lend a hand to Miracle League team members and to build awareness for the Partnership for A Miracle outdoor play space and ball field.
The play space is an inclusive park designed for accessibility and play for children of all abilities. The Field of Dreams will provide an exciting place for special needs children to play ball and experience team sports. For more information on how you can team up with Partnership for A Miracle, call Dr. Dwight Morris at the Partnership for Children of Johnston County at 919-202-0002 or Monty McLamb with the Miracle League of Johnston County at 919-934-0626.
Most Wanted Suspect Captured In Smithfield
A man wanted on multiple felony charges was apprehended Thursday after being 
I-40 Accident Injures Four Children
Traffic was backed up for several miles on I-40 near Highway 42 Tuesday afternoon after an eastbound Isuzu SUV ran off the interstate, traveled down an embankment and struck a group of trees. A female driver and four children in the SUV were transported by 50-210 and Wake County EMS crews to WakeMed for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The accident, near the 313 mile marker, backed up traffic several miles into Wake County. The NC Highway Patrol and Cleveland Fire Department also responded to the scene. Photo by Carter Rabil
Two Men Indicted For Sexually Assaulting Same Juvenile
Two Clayton men have been indicted on multiple charges for the alleged rape of the same 15 year-old girl. Jamelle Monque Best, 39, of North O’Neil Street was initially arrested by Clayton Police in June. Officers allege Best and a second person, Juan Antonio Batiste, took indecent liberties with the victim between May and June of this year, and may have provided her drugs before the offenses occurred. Best, convicted of felony marijuana possession in Wayne County in March 2003, was also indicted for possession of a firearm by a felony, possession of codeine, cocaine, and for maintaining a location to keep a controlled substance.
Grand Jury Indicts Clayton Man For Sex Crime
A 43 year-old Clayton man was named in a True Bill of Indictment by a 12-member grand jury on charges he molesting a 14 year-old girl who was spending the night with his daughter May 8. Christopher Raymond Baporis, was indicted on one felony count of taking indecent liberties with a child and one count of first-degree sex offense. The alleged incident was reported to Johnston County sheriff’s investigators the following day, according to spokesperson Tammy Amaon. Authorities declined to release any additional details about the case since the victim is a juvenile.
Store Manager Arrested For Embezzlement
A Clayton convenience store clerk has been arrested on embezzlement charges. Sara Lynn Camp, 27, of Massengill Pond Road, Angier is accused of falsifying records and deposits while working as the manager of the Hasty Mart #46 at 531 Highway 42 West. Over a six month period, Camp reportedly embezzled nearly $6,000 in cash. Camp was charged with felony embezzlement. Bail was set at $25,000.
Suspect Charged With Prescription Drug Forgery
Eight felony charges have been lodged against a 53 year-old Garner man arrested by Clayton police detectives on charges of obtaining prescriptions by fraud. Police believe James Frederick Rebbeor scanned a valid prescription into his home computer then altered the dates to obtain Hydrocodone from two different Clayton pharmacies. Rebbeor was charged with 7 felony counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and one count of attempting to obtain a controlled substance by fraud. He surrendered to police and was booked into jail under a $10,000 bond.
Judge To Decide If DWI Defendants Can Be Recharged
A District Court Judge will decide if drunk driving charges can be reinstated against 33 people, some dating as far back as 2005, whose cases were illegally dismissed 
in a ticket-fixing scam. A former assistant district attorney, assistant court clerk, and four attorneys were convicted for their roles in the scheme.
On Thursday, District Attorney Susan Doyle asked Judge Joseph Setzer for permission to recharge all the individuals, claiming former prosecutor Cyndi Jaeger did not have the authority to dismiss the cases. Jaeger (pictured) , along with attorneys Lee Hatch and Chad Lee are currently serving prison terms for their involvement in the scheme. Judge Setzer did not issue an immediate ruling, saying he needed time to do further research. An attorney for at least one of those charged with DWI argued the statute of limitations had expired in the cases and it was too late to refile any charges.
Man Found Dead Next To Meth Lab Suffered Fatal Heart Attack
The NC Medical Examiner’s Office says a man whose body was found inside his Cleveland area home on June 15 near a working methamphetamine lab did not die as a result of the clandestine lab, rather a heart attack.
The body of 55 year-old Billy Tisdale Jr. was found inside of his Pecan Lane mobile home by deputies. Due to safety concerns, officers waiting for a haz mat crew to arrive and remove the meth lab components before reentering the property. The Medical Examiner did note a “low concentration” of meth was found in a blood sample taken from Tisdale but not a lethal dose. There was also no evidence of physical injuries. Photo by Carter Rabil
Shovel Handle, Other Items Helped Police Track Down Sexual Assault Suspect
WTSB News has obtained a copy of a search warrant issued by Smithfield Police that sheds new light on how detectives were able to locate and charge 24 year-old Daniel Robert Muller of Garner with the sexual assaults of two local women. One of the victims accepted a ride with Muller but once in his 2007 Jeep, the warrant 
says he held her at gunpoint and said, “Don’t try and get out or I will put one in you.” She was driven to a location in Selma where she was dragged from his vehicle, bound with duct tape and sexually assaulted. She also said Muller sprayed an unknown type of chemical in her mouth.
Police recovered a number of items at the scene of the assault including a broken shovel handle, pieces of duct tape, condom wrappers, and underwear. Detectives later determined Muller had purchased all the items at Wal-Mart in Smithfield on July 18 at 5:10pm with his bank debit card. Muller was renting a room from a woman at an address on Black Angus Drive in the Cleveland community and was enrolled as a Raleigh firefighter trainee. During a search of his room, a black skull design bandana with a lock was seized by Smithfield Police. Muller is also charged with a second similar sexual assault that occurred in May. He is currently in the Johnston County Jail under a $350,000 bond.
DOT Asked To Study Busy Benson Intersection
At the intersection of N.C. 242 and Dogeye Road in Benson vehicles entering or leaving the new State Employees Credit Union have a problem seeing oncoming traffic from the right due to an incline in the road. Photo and story courtesy The Daily Record
Traffic has increased at the intersection of Dogeye Road and N.C. 242 in Benson with the nearby addition of the new State Employees Credit Union. Now, Benson commissioners have asked the North Carolina Department of Transportation to do a study regarding the need for a caution light at the intersection. Benson Town Planner Braston Newton said the town has been keeping an eye on the increase in traffic at the intersection since they were made aware of the plans for the new credit union. Local resident Monica Hinson said she spoke to the commissioners several weeks ago to express her support for a caution light. “It’s not only because of the new bank,” she said. “My parents live on that road and it’s a very busy area. Right there, coming off 40, people fly down that road.” Mrs. Hinson said she also feels a light is needed in view of the nearby schools.
Benson attorney Jim Johnson lives on Dogeye Road and he said he also hopes DOT will decide to provide some type of light at the intersection. “It is a dangerous area,” he said. Johnson said when school gets back in session is when the greatest traffic problems will become evident.
Lucama Man Charged In Theft From Railroad
A Lucama man has been charged with stealing six metal I-beams from CSX Railroad property on Aycock Acres Road in Wayne County. Christopher Earl Radford, 35, was arrested after he allegedly sold four of the six beams to a local salvage yard. Detective Sgt. L.N. Mitchell arrested Radford on 13 charges including felony larceny, possession of stolen property, obtaining property by false pretenses, and trespassing on the railroad right of way.
Husband & Wife Charged In Princeton Break-In
A Selma man and his wife have been charged with breaking into a barn behind a Princeton home on May 22 stealing $400 worth of power tools. Jackie Lynn Rook Jr., 25, and his wife Tiffany Sue Creech Rook, 22, of Hunting Drive were arrested July 8. They allegedly broke into a barn owned by Joseph Edward Stancil on Old Cornwallis Road taking the property. The couple was charged with felony breaking and entering, felony larceny, and felony conspiracy. Bail was set at $30,000 each.
Harnett Teen Held In Four Oaks ATV Theft
A Coats teenager was arrested Monday for the theft of a four-wheeler from a Four Oaks home. Collin Trey Stephenson, 17, is accused of taking a red Honda ATV from the residence of Michael Lee on Lee’s Union Church Road on June 24. Stephenson was charged with felony breaking and entering, felony larceny, and felony larceny of a motor vehicle. The Harnett County teen was confined in the Johnston County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail.
Police Seeking ID Of Person Targeting Downtown Antique Stores
Selma Police are asking for the public’s help in trying to identify a man who targeted four antique dealers in Downtown Selma, stealing over $1,750 in rings and gold coins. All the thefts happened on June 5. The same man is also a possible suspect in a June 18 theft in Selma. The individual, a white male in his 50’s, calmly walks into the antique stores and pretends to be shopping. When the clerk is distracted, he opens a display case and removes merchandise. The individual has thick gray hair, is about 5 foot 10, and weighs 250 pounds. He was wearing a black t-shirt with a sword and blue writing on the back of the shirt. He was also wearing blue jeans and white tennis shoes. Police said he also had an unusual walk. A cash reward may be offered in the case. Anyone with information about the suspect or thefts is asked to contact Selma Police Detective Ward Creech at 919-965-8189 Extension 216. Callers can remain anonymous.
Johnston's Unemployment Rate Increases To 9.2 Percent
Johnston County was among 45 counties across the state that saw unemployment numbers increase last month. The jobless rate climbed from 9.1 percent in May to 
9.2 percent in June, according to the NC Employment Security Commission. At the same time, the statewide unemployment rate also increased one-tenth of a percent to 10.1 percent. Currently, 457,341 people are unemployed in NC, according to the report. Unemployment rates increased one-tenth of a percent in Wake, Wilson, and Wayne Counties. Jobless numbers went up by two-tenths of a percent in Harnett, Sampson, and Franklin Counties. Nash County’s unemployment rate was unchanged at 12 percent. Mecklenburg County paid out $18.4 million in unemployment benefits in June followed by Wake County at $14.8 million.
Suspect Indicted In June 24 Murder Of Patricia Stevens
A Smithfield man has been indicted by a grand jury for the June 24 murder of Patricia Warren Stevens of North Third Street. Matthew Hagert Salentine, who lived less than a block away from the 74 year-old victim, was indicted on first-degree murder, first-degree burglary, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of uttering forged checks belonging to Stevens. Authorities said the motive in the case appears to be robbery.
The indictments indicate police believe Salentine broke into the 
elderly woman’s home between 3am and 5am on June 24, fatally beat her to death, then took among other things her pocketbook, jewelry, and checks. He later attempted to cash checks for $200 and $350 at the State Employees Credit Union (SECU) in Smithfield, and $278.79 at the SECU in Benson. Mrs. Stevens was the widow of the late attorney Austin Stevens who died in 2005. The Smithfield Police Department, SBI, and Johnston County District Attorney’s Office investigated the case.
Sheriff Narcotics Captain A.C. Fish looks for contraband in the trunk of a car during a September 2009 search warrant at the home of Melvin "Zipper" Hill of Braswell Road. Hill was apprehended last week in Craven County, following a nearly 10 month search. WTSB Photo
A man on Johnston County’s Most Wanted List since October 2009 was arrested during a traffic stop July 22 in Havelock. Melvin “Zipper” Hill, 42, of Smithfield had been wanted since narcotics agents with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at his home last September, following an undercover operation involving the sell of methamphetamines.
Hill allegedly sold meth on four separate occasions to an informant working with drug agents. During last September’s search, Hill’s wife, son, and two others were arrested. Hill is facing multiple charges that include possession with intent to sell and deliver a controlled substance, possession of meth, possession of marijuana, maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance, and possession of equipment to manufacture illegal liquor.
4 Charged In Meadow Robbery
3 Of The 4 Suspects Arrested On Drug Offenses
Four people have been charged with robbing an individual Monday in the Meadow community, reportedly stealing $120 in cash. The suspects were arrested during a traffic stop on Highway 50 near NC96 South. Narcotics agents with the sheriff’s 
office also charged three of the four people in an unrelated drug investigation that had been ongoing. Brandon Lee Oglesby, 23, of Dunn; Justin Luke Guerrero, 19, of Benson, Misty Michelle Stanley, 16, of Four Oaks, and David Robert Stanley, 23, of Four Oaks were charged with felony larceny. Gurerrro, along with Misty and David Stanley were also charged with numerous drug offenses including possession, sell and deliver, and conspiracy to sell and deliver a controlled substance. They were confined in the Johnston County Jail under a $110,000 bond each. Oglesby was held in lieu of $40,000 bail.
Woman Indicted For Defrauding Assisting Living Center Resident
Nearly two years after a resident at a Smithfield assisted living center was defrauded out of thousands of dollars, a Benson woman has been indicted. Juanita Williams Woodard, who also uses the names of Juanitta Williams Woodard, reportedly used a credit card belonging to a 68 year-old woman to make $7,574 in purchases and loan payments. The incidents occurred between September 4, 2008 and October 17, 2008. Smithfield Police said the victim was not familiar with Woodard and authorities have not been able to determine how she ended up with the woman’s credit card. Woodard was indicted on one count of the exploitation of an elder or disabled adult.
Police Need Help In Solving Dairy Queen Holdup
Clayton Police are looking for witnesses or anyone with information about a late night armed robbery at the Dairy Queen at 11697 US 70 West Business. Around 10:15pm Sunday, four employees were inside when two suspects entered through a back door and stole an undisclosed amount of money. One suspect acted as if he had a handgun. Officers searched the area but couldn’t find the suspects, described as black males wearing black t-shirts and black pants. Anyone with information about the suspects in the Dairy Queen robbery is asked to contact the Clayton Police Department at 919-553-4611. Callers may also contact Clayton Crime Stoppers at 359-TIPZ (8479) who is offering acash reward for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible. Callers may remain confidential.
Arson Fire Destroys Honeycutt Road Building
A suspicious fire destroyed a building on Honeycutt Road in western Johnston County late Tuesday. A small brown passenger car was seen leaving the area moments before the fire was discovered at a barn owned by Linda Matthews of Cape Carteret, NC. There was no electricity connected to the building and there was no lightning in the area at the time of the blaze. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and Johnston County Fire Marshal are jointly investigating.
Home Health Worker Charged In Theft From 84 Year-Old Client
A home health care worker is facing felony charges for allegedly stealing from an 84 year-old woman. Charlene Terry Barnes, 52, of Henley Place, Smithfield was arrested July 22 by Johnston County sheriff’s detectives. Barnes was reportedly working as a home health care aide when she went to the home of the victim on Matthews Road in the Cleveland community. She reportedly obtained the victim’s debit card number and used it to buy a pizza and make a purchase at a cell phone store. Barnes was charged with felony identity theft and obtaining property by false pretense. She was released on a $6,000 secured bond.
Flasher Wanted For Exposing Himself Inside Business
Smithfield Police are reviewing video surveillance footage of a man who exposed himself to an employee inside K-Mart at 950 West Market Street around 9:30pm July 22. Lt. Keith Powell said the 28 year-old woman realized the suspect, a black male, was watching her. About that time, he exposed himself then fled from the business on foot. Lt. Powell said detectives are reviewing video footage in an effort to identify the suspect.
Drunk Driver Arrested Following Chase That Ends In Her Driveway
A Johnston County woman is facing multiple charges after reportedly leading a 
deputy on a chase that reached speeds of 80mph. Angela Lynn Sorrell, 42, of Willow Spring was arrested after she finally stopped in the driveway of her home on Darphrid Drive, authorities said. The incident began when a man flagged down a deputy on Highway 210 near McGee’s Crossroads saying Sorrell was following him, according to sheriff’s office spokesperson Tammy Amaon. The deputy spoke with Sorrell but when he asked her to exit her vehicle, she allegedly sped away. The chase reached speeds of 80mph, Amaon said. After stopping, Sorrell was charged with felony fleeing to elude arrest, driving while impaired, reckless driving, and speed. Sorrell reportedly registered 0.12 on the Breathalyzer. Her bail was set at $27,000.
Teen Charged In Girlfriend's Death Under House Arrest
Dillon Tart, the 18-year-old Triton High School graduate who was charged with second-degree murder for the June 4 death of his girlfriend, Triton junior Ashley Moore, has made bond and is under house arrest awaiting his next court 
appearance Aug. 2. Tart was granted a pre-trial
release last week after posting a reduced $50,000 bond.
According to Lillington attorney Jesse Jones, who represented Tart during his bond hearing and is still representing him, Mr. Tart is under house arrest and wearing an electronic bracelet until his next court appearance.
While under house arrest, Mr. Tart has to check in with a pre-trial release officer on a daily basis. Tart was charged by a grand jury after he was the driver in an accident in Dunn where he left the Murphy USA parking lot, turned twice and then drove down a lane in the Wal-Mart parking lot, reaching speeds of up to 60 mph before finally striking two vehicles and flipping into the front of the Wal-Mart building. He and Ashley were taken to WakeMed where she was pronounced dead and he was treated and released. Tart has reportedly maintained he cannot remember what happened during the incident and that he would never have done anything to hurt Ashley.
Former Teacher Pleas Guilty To $3M Trading Scam
A former Harnett County teacher has pleaded guilty to charges he swindled more than $3 million in a fraudulent trading scheme. Ronnie D. Rainey, 43, pleaded guilty to federal mail fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 1. Rainey, who now lives in Oklahoma, taught at Harnett Central High School from 1994 to 2002. Working as a day trader, Rainey solicited investors in North Carolina and other states to invest their money with him from 2003 until 2005 through four limited liability companies (LLC’s) he created - Par 5 Investors, Birdie Investors, Eagle Investors and Double Eagle Investors, according to a press release from the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Office.
Rainey, who was never registered to sell securities in NC, created multiple accounts with E*Trade and Ameritrade and drew in investors with claims they would get monthly returns of 10-percent if they invested with him. Rainey is accused of defrauding 60 investors including 12 North Carolina investors of nearly $3 million between 2003 and 2005. When Rainey’s investments began losing money, he manufactured false monthly and quarterly statements for investors indicating their investments were turning a profit. Investigators allege he shuffled funds between accounts and converted much of investors’ money to his personal use. Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall appealed to potential investors to
always use caution when considering an investment. “Mr. Rainey lured victims with promises of high returns. But please remember
if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is,” Mrs. Marshall said.
Curbside Recycling Starts Sept. 1 In Benson
Benson residents and businesses will start curbside recycling starting September 1. Benson Commissioners have approved a five-year contract with Waste Industries to provide recycling service for the next 5 years. The company will provide customers a 65 gallons rollout cart. Carts will be emptied every other week. The town will pay Waste Industries $2.90 per month per customer for the service.
Public Hearing Aug. 10 On Selma ETJ Zoning
The Selma Town Council will hold a public hearing on August 10 to decide the type of zoning it will assign to properties in their expanded ETJ or Extraterritorial Jurisdiction. In a 3-to-2 vote last week, the Council adopted the extension of the ETJ from 1 to 2 miles around the current town limits. The council then voted 3-to-2 to make the expansion effective immediately. During a recent public hearing, everyone who spoke to the Council was in opposition of the ETJ expansion.
Johnston County 4-H Compete in State Livestock Judging Contest
(Right) The
2010 Junior Team
The Johnston County Junior Livestock Judging Team placed fourth in the
state. Pictured from left are Marshall Stewart, NC State 4-H and Youth
Development Department Head, team members Travis Anderson, Kelsey
Bentley, Joy Leigh Hinnant and Macy Massengill and Johnston County
Livestock Agent Dan Wells.
(Lower right) The 2010 Senior Team
The Johnston County Senior Livestock Judging Team placed fifth in the
state. Pictured from left are team members Alyson Moore, Emily Peele and
Shelby Bireley and Johnston County Livestock Agent Dan Wells.
The Johnston County 4-H Livestock Judging Team recently participated in the state 4-H Livestock Judging Contest at North Carolina State
University. Junior Team members were Travis Anderson of Four Oaks, Kelsey Bentley and Joy Leigh Hinnant of Kenly, Macy Massengill of
Princeton, and Courtney Lanning of Selma. Senior 
Team members were Alyson Moore and Emily Peele of Selma and Shelby Bireley of Four Oaks. The Junior Team finished fourth overall, and also placed fourth in Swine, fourth in Oral Reasons, and third in Cattle.
The Senior Team
finished fifth overall, and was also fifth high team in Sheep. Individually, Alyson Moore was ranked second high in judging swine, seventh in sheep, ninth in cattle, and was second high senior individual in presenting oral reasons. In the junior division, Macy Massengill ranked first in presenting oral reasons and third in judging sheep. Kelsey Bentley ranked fifth in judging cattle and tenth in swine. Courtney Lanning ranked eighth in judging meat goats.
Country Music Showcase Presents Gospel Show
Members of the JCC Country Music Showcase rehearse Monday night for their upcoming "Gospel Jubilee" performance Aug. 6 and Aug. 7. Pictured (L to R)
Craig Kirby of Smithfield,
Gary Hayes of Wilson,
Amy Wiggs of Smithfield,
Jordan Hines of Benson,
Debbie Dunn of Four Oaks, and
Sara Dew of Tarboro. (Lower right) Black Creek which will also perform.
Voices of faith are raised in song as the Country Music Showcase (CMS) cast presents an inspirational evening of gospel and Christian music rooted in southern tradition. “Gospel Jubilee” opens Friday, August 6 at 7 p.m. in the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium on the Smithfield campus. Additional shows are scheduled for Saturday, August 7 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Guest performers for the August shows are Black Creek, Jessica Carter, Sara Dew, Gary Hayes, Jordan Hines, Craig Kirby, Donna Pope and Amy Wiggs.
The gospel bluegrass group “Black Creek” is making their CMS debut and have been performing together since 2000. Carter, a rising senior at South Johnston High School, enjoys singing, dancing & spending time at the beach. She currently holds the title of Johnston County’s Outstanding Teen. She has been singing since age four and sings for local revivals and festivals.
Dew has made several appearances on the Country Music Showcase as a guest performer and as a band member. She has been singing and playing the fiddle since age six. She opened for Josh Turner, Lady Antebellum, Heidi Newfield and Jason Michael Carroll at the NC State Fair. She won the North and South Carolina Colgate Country Showdown in 2008.
Hayes has performed with the New Life Singers for 20 years and Legacy for three 
years. This is his sixth appearance on the Country Music Showcase. Hines has performed at the Strawberry Festival and has sung the National Anthem for the Swampdogs, a Fayetteville baseball team. She also sings for churches and school talent shows.
Kirby makes his home in Smithfield and enjoys guitar, music recording, home projects and old cars. He sang and played bass guitar with The Watchman Quartet from 1979 to 1996 and has been singing, playing bass guitar, rhythm guitar and mandolin with The Royal Descendants the last twelve years. Kirby is also making his CMS debut.
Pope won the NC Patsy Cline singing contest in 1985 in conjunction with the movie “Sweet Dreams” release. She’s performed on Bill Pollard’s radio show, the Homer Briarhopper TV show and Jim Thornton’s TV show. Wiggs is a second-grade teacher at West View Elementary School. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and obtained her teaching certification from Campbell University. She enjoys singing at Wilson’s Mills Baptist church and karaoke at the Flipside in Clayton. Individual show tickets bought in advance are $10 for evening performances and $8 for the Saturday matinee. At the door, tickets are $12.50 for evening shows and $10 for matinees. Special group rates are available by calling the box office. Tickets are available through the JCC Box Office by calling 919-209-2099 Monday through Thursday from 1:30 to 5 p.m. or online.
Massey Completes Basic Training
Leonard Graduates From Basic Combat Training
Army Pvt. Zach K. Leonard has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, SC. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises. He is the son of Steve and Donna Leonard of Neuse Ridge Drive, Clayton. The private is a 2007 graduate of Clayton High School.
Two Charged With Molesting Young Girl
Two men have been charged with sexually molesting a young girl. Ronnie Glenn Allen, 24, of Denning Road, Benson (left) and Spencer Lamar Capps, 19, of Highway 210, Four Oaks (right) were both arrested Friday. According to the Johnston County Sheriff’s 
Office, Allen allegedly sexually assaulted the victim over a two-year period, starting when the victim was 12. She is now 14, according to Tammy Amaon, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office. Authorities allege Capps, an acquaintance of Allen, also sexually assaulted the child, and on at least one occasion had sex with the young girl while Allen watched. Allen is charged with statutory rape, taking indecent liberties with a child, and permitting sexual activity for production. He remains in jail under a $240,000 bond. Capps is charged with first-degree rape of a child, and taking indecent liberties with a minor. His bond was set at $150,000. He also remains in the Johnston County Jail. The Johnston County Department of Social Services assisted in the investigation.
4 Charged In Illegal Cockfighting Bust
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office arrested four people for cockfighting behind a home on Davis-Homestead Road outside of Micro Sunday morning. Authorities were called to investigate suspicious activity at the residence when they stumbled upon approximately 20 people staging a cockfight. Most of the suspect escaped into a wooded area. Four were apprehended. Deputies seized 23 live chickens, 4 dead chickens, spurs, fighting paraphernalia, money and guns. Seven vehicles were also seized. Some were registered to owners as far away as Maryland. Juan Avlies Villarreal, 50, of Micro; Emilio Aguilar Carrillo, 17, of Smithfield; Cuauhtemoc Zuniga Rodriguez, 32, of Kenly; and Victor Alfonzo Lopez, 25, of Jacksonville were charged with felony cockfighting and felony conspiracy. All four suspects were confined in the Johnston County Jail under a $20,000 bond each.
I-40 Accident Claims Life Of Duplin County Man
A Duplin County man was struck and killed near the I-40 and US70 Interchange Friday evening. The Highway Patrol said 27 year-old Kevin Pickett of Wallace was standing next to his vehicle beside I-40 near the 306-mile marker in Garner when he was hit by a passing truck. The accident reduced westbound lanes on I-40 to one lane, backing up traffic for several miles until emergency workers cleared the scene. Photo by Carter Rabil
Trip To Family Reunion Turns Deadly
An elderly Richmond, Virginia driver, headed to a family reunion at Topsail Beach, was charged with causing a single vehicle accident Sunday that claimed the life of his wife, a passenger in his car. Josephine Massey Williams, 79, died at the 
scene. Her husband, 84 year-old George Keith Williams was trapped inside his vehicle. He was taken to Johnston Medical Center in Smithfield for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
Trooper J.M. Dorsey said Mr. Williams was exiting off I-95 Southbound at US701 (Exit 90) at 3:36pm, but was traveling too fast to negotiate the ramp, which has a recommended speed limit of 20mph. His car skidded across a grassy area and then the I-95 entrance ramp before overturning on its roof. The Highway Patrol charged Williams with exceeding a safe speed. After consulting with the Johnston County District Attorney, no additional charges were filed. Trooper Dorsey said Williams was the second of three cars traveling together headed from Richmond to Topsail. The other vehicles were not involved in the fatal accident. Alcohol was not a factor. Both Williams and his wife were wearing seat belts.