WTSB Headline News
"Where the Stories Break"
1090 AM ~ Smithfield, NC
Etheridge Introduced Bill To Prevent Excess Speculation In Energy Markets
U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge used the backdrop of Stancil's BP in Selma on Wednesday to talk about his new bill to prevent excessive speculation in the energy market. WTSB Photo
U.S. Representative Bob Etheridge visited Stancil Oil Company in Selma Wednesday afternoon to discuss legislation he has authored that aims to prevent manipulation and excessive speculation in energy markets. Etheridge is Chair of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management of the House Agriculture Committee, which oversees the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The CFTC oversees futures trading on US exchanges. The Committee will hold hearings on the issues starting Monday, July 7. “North Carolina’s families are struggling to make ends meet while the cost of energy soars. Congress must ensure that investors are not artificially raising energy costs for their own gain while hard-working Americans are suffering,” Etheridge said on Wednesday. “No one factor is responsible for the current energy prices, but my legislation will attempt to keep our markets free of manipulation and excessive speculation.” Etheridge has thrown his support by the Gas Price Relief for Consumers Act, which has been approved by the US House. It is designed to combat record gas prices by authorizing lawsuits against oil cartel members for pricing fixing.
Fire Burns Two Acres
A controlled burn by a landowner got out of control Thursday morning on Whitley Farm Road off Brogden Road near Smithfield. About two acres of grass and debris burned before the blaze, whipped by gusty winds, was brought under control. Smithfield and Four Oaks fire crews responded to the scene. No injuries were reported, but because of the heat and humidity a Smithfield EMS paramedic crew stood by at the scene. WTSB Photo
Steak Thief Gets Cooked In Benson
A routine traffic stop in Benson yielded some unusual contraband. Dennis Brewington of Fayetteville, was found to be in possession of stolen steak after police searched his vehicle. Officer Dwight Lilly stopped Brewington's Mazda after watching him run a stop sign at the intersection of East Parrish Drive and South Dunn Street in Benson. “The driver looked a little nervous about something," Officer Lilly said. Brewington, 40, said he did not have his license on him but that it was valid and could be checked. He then gave police two fabricated names before offering his real one. Officer Lilly found that his driver's license was revoked. In addition, the Mazda Brewington was driving had been equipped with fictitious tags. Brewington was then placed under arrest and police proceeded to search his vehicle. In the front floorboard, officers found 11 beef steaks for which Brewington did not have a receipt. Police contacted the manager at the nearby Food Lion, who reviewed surveillance footage and confirmed that Brewington was seen stealing at least one steak. Brewington was charged with running a stop sign, driving without a license, driving with fictitious tags, providing false information to a law enforcement officer and larceny. He was released without having to post any bail pending an August 8 court appearance.
Sixth Fatal Wreck Reported On Same Road In 3 Years
A man was killed in Harnett County near Lillington Wednesday when the motorcycle he was driving was hit by a car. Edward. Ray Moore, 50, was driving north on Spring Hill Church Road when he went left of center on a curve in the road and was hit by a vehicle driven by Dulce Maria Chure-Juanohi, 24, of Lillington. Moore died at the scene. Ms. Chure-Juanohi suffered minor injuries and two passengers in her vehicle, including one infant, were not hurt. Trooper J.M. Smith reported there will be no charges filed. Wednesday's accident is the third fatality on Spring Hill Church Road in the last two years. There have been six deaths because of accidents on the road since January of 2005. In June of last year, a man was killed when the car he was driving struck a tree. A Western Harnett High School senior was also killed on the road in October of 2006. There were other accidents in September of 2005 and January of that same year with two people killed.
Two Women Charged In Car Parts Theft
Two women are facing felony charges after they allegedly stole $1,350 worth of car parts from a location on Cummins Drive near Kenly. Louise Toler of Princeton said she had problems with people trespassing on her property before. On Wednesday, Tracy Lynn Bridgers, 21, of Sumner Street, Selma, and Marissa Jo McLamb, 22, of Princeton-Kenly Road, Princeton were arrested on the scene and charged with felonious larceny.
Couple Arrested On Check Forging Charges
A man and his wife were arrested for forging and passing checks under his parents’ names. Brenda Holder of Ira B. Tart Road filed two police reports with police on June 18, saying that her son, Timothy Wayne Holder, 19, and daughter-in-law, Kristin Michelle Capps, 23, of Harvey Allen Lane in Dunn had stolen a number of 
checks from her checkbook and had cashed them locally. Eight of the checks were cashed at McLamb’s Party Beverage on Carolina Drive in Dunn between June 10 and June 15 in the amount of $265. Four checks were cashed by Mrs. Holder’s own bank, First Citizens Bank, from June 11 to June 18 in the amount of $240. Timothy Holder was charged with 10 counts of conspiracy, larceny, forgery and uttering. Capps was charged with 10 counts of forgery, 10 counts of uttering, 10 counts of conspiracy and larceny. Five days later, while they were still being held, both Holder and Capps were issued additional charges: five counts of obtaining by false pretense and five counts of felony conspiracy. “I’m not angry at my son or my daughter-in-law,” James Holder said, “but I’ve never been so hurt in my life.”
Two Plead Guilty In Crop Insurance, Money Laundering Scheme
Two people have pled guilty in federal court for their involvement for crop insurance fraud scheme and money laundering scheme. Kenneth Gene Kelly, 46, of Lucama and Joseph Eugene Eason, 77, of Macclesfield entered their pleas in US Federal Court in Raleigh on June 23. Eason engaged in a scheme to defraud crop insurance companies of funds ultimately reimbursed by the federal government and worked with a Wilson tobacco broker to sell tobacco in the names of others. Kelly engaged in scheme, according to the criminal indictment, to defraud crop insurance companies and facilitated the concealment of proceeds of the scheme through his Wilson tobacco brokerage operation. In February, six other defendants associated with the operation, entitled Under the Barn, pleaded guilty. Eason and Kelly have not yet been sentenced but could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of a half million dollars or twice the value of funds involved in the scheme.
Car Caught In Crossfire, Possibly Gang Related
It was a scary afternoon for Joseph Lee Allen and his fiancée’s 10-year-old daughter. Allen said someone shot into the vehicle he was driving along West Granville Street in Dunn on Sunday, shattering the back windshield and damaging 
the lid of the vehicle’s trunk. He and his fiancée’s 10-year-old daughter, Elizabeth Ivey, were in the vehicle at the time of the shooting. “We were on our way to Wal-Mart, around 2 p.m. and we stopped at a red light on Granville Street. There was a group of about six or seven guys standing on the side of the road,” Mr. Allen said. “All of a sudden, a bullet goes through the back window, out of nowhere. It scared my stepdaughter to death.” Allen said the bullet hit the trunk of the car and then went through the back windshield, busting it before it landed in the seat behind his head. Officers located six 9mm shell casings in the 200 block of West Granville Street. Dunn Police were told that a fight had broken out at Deep Discount Store on North Clinton Avenue, just before the shooting. It was suggested the shooter may have been shooting at the group of men Allen saw on West Granville Street. The police report states several citizens in the area believed the incident was gang-related. Photo by The Daily Record
Naked Teen Arrested On Narcotic Charges
A Clayton teenager wearing only one sock was arrested Wednesday night on charges of possessing psychedelic mushrooms or “shrooms”, according to Johnston County sheriff’s investigators. Deputies responded to a reported overdose call at a home on Cornwallis Road and allegedly found the victim screaming and running down a driveway naked, except for a single sock he had on. Jake Edward Ammerman, 19, of Weathersby Lane was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance. He was jailed under a $10,000 bond.
Former Town Attorney Found Guilty Of Embezzlement
A former Benson town attorney accused of embezzling more than $300,000 will see jail time, following a guilty plea entered Monday afternoon.
Donald Alan Parker was convicted of four counts of stealing funds from clients over several years. His sentence includes jail time, probation and
repayment of stolen funds. Parker, who celebrated his 63 birthday last week, stood unflinching in front of a full courtroom 
as Superior Court Judge E. Lynn Johnson recited each of his charges and confirmed the terms of his plea bargain. “Are you in fact guilty of each one of these charges?” Judge Johnson asked. “Yes sir,” Mr. Parker stoically responded. Parker was convicted of three counts of embezzlement carrying a combined sentence of 12 to 16 months prison time. The fourth charge carried a sentence of 73 to 97 months prison time. The fourth judgment has been suspended, pending an additional six-month prison term, five years probation and full repayment of the remaining $262,831.32 stolen from one of Mr. Parker’s clients. Parker served as Benson’s town attorney for more than 25 years. He was censured by the State Bar in January 2006, and was disbarred in July 2006. District Attorney Susan Doyle called Mr. Parker’s position as a well-respected attorney in the Town of Benson an exceptional circumstance in the case, citing his education and community influence as powerful tools used to commit this type of crime. “He is held to a higher standard because of the position of trust that he held,” Mrs. Doyle said. “It sends a powerful message to citizens.” Parker’s attorney, Doug Parsons of Clinton listed his clients long record of public work, a brief stint of service in the military and instances of charitable giving to community members as reasons for the court to be generous. Parsons described his client as being mentally ill. He said when it became clear that Mr. Parker was unable to fulfill his financial obligations to his clients and family, he took out a $1 million life insurance policy with the intent of committing suicide. In his attempt to die, Mr. Parker reportedly drove his vehicle into a lake with the intention of remaining inside while it flooded. Upon impact, however, the air bags in the vehicle deployed and kept the vehicle afloat, saving Mr. Parker’s life. Three of the four victims in the case, Perry Joe Carroll, Dudley Denning and William Robert Denning III, have already been paid back their losses - nearly $150,000 total - by the North Carolina Bar, releasing Mr. Parker of any financial obligations to them. The fourth victim, Bill Johnson of Benson, has yet to be compensated. In 2003, Mr. Parker mediated the sale of Johnson’s home, writing him a check for $262,831 following the transaction. When Mr. Johnson tried to cash the check, it was returned. Johnson and his family attended the trial Monday. ”We want to see him go to prison, get out and pay us back,” Mr. Johnson said. “We’re here today to see justice.”
Child Pornographer Sentenced To Prison
A child pornographer has been sentenced to 18 years in prison. A federal court judge in Greenville sentenced Robert Johnson, 57, of Raleigh to prison for the transmission of child pornography over the Internet, receipt of child porn, and possession of pornographic photos of children. In 2005, Johnson pled guilty to the charges and was initially sentenced to 12 years in prison. Prosecutors appealed the first sentence and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals recently remanded the case for re-sentencing. In all, Johnson was found to have more than 1900 pictures and videos of child pornography. A search of his computers revealed numerous internet chat logs where Johnson had sexual conversations with 13 and 14-years old girls, and chat lots where he asked women to bring their children to North Carolina for him to sexually abuse. The case was part of an undercover operation known as Operation Baby Net, conducted by the NC SBI, Raleigh Police, Department of Homeland Security, ICE, and the US Attorneys Office.
Missing 15 Year-Old Found Unharmed
A 15 year-old girl reported missing June 18 has been found unharmed. Yezica Ramirez Hernandez disappeared from her West Main Street home in Clayton last month. She was reported missing by her father. Authorities believed all along she left on her own freewill however relatives were still concerned about her safety. Hernandez was located at an undisclosed location on Tuesday, according to Police Chief Glen Allen.
Peeping Tom Suspect Linked To 3 Break-Ins In Same Neighborhood
A Smithfield teenager charged in June with peering into the bedroom window of a 24 year-old woman on Charles Street in Clayton has been rearrested, this time for 
breaking into three homes in the same neighborhood. Seventeen year-old Joshua Michael Ray of Bryant Drive, Smithfield was charged Tuesday with the break-ins. In one burglary, ray is accused of taking two guitars valued at $3,000. Detective A.R. Jernigan recovered the property. The break-ins happened between June 7 and June 8. The peeping tom incident was reported June 9. Ray was arrested after being chased down by a neighbor armed with a baseball bat who reportedly witnessed the teen looking into his female neighbors window. Johnston County sheriff’s deputies provided valuable assistance with the investigation, according to Chief of Police Glen Allen. Ray is currently in the Johnston County Jail under a $202,000 bond.
Body Found In Roadway Identified
Authorities have identified a body found in the middle of Strickland Road near Dunn on Tuesday as 34 year-old Johnnie Robert Jones. Jones, who lived on Wise Road in 
Dunn, was found by a passing motorist around 5:30am. The motorist had to swerve to avoid hitting the victim’s body. Jones body has been sent to the NC Medical Examiner’s Office in Chapel Hill for an autopsy. The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office has not said how they suspect Jones died, but said several people are being interviewed about his death. Jones, a former maintenance worker at a local business, was described as outgoing and hardworking. Friends said they were shocked to learn about his death. Photo by The Daily Record
Fatal Fire Linked To Meth Lab
The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office has officially confirmed a fire at a home on Old Stage Road, which resulted in the death of one man and left two others hospitalized , 06-08-08.jpg)
with severe burns, was the result of a methamphetamine lab. The new revelations regarding the fire came in the aftermath of the death of one of the men severely burned in the June 8 blaze. Robert Dean Stewart Jr., 24, of Dunn died Sunday at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. Sheriff Larry Rollins said there will be charges coming in relation to the meth lab, however no charges have been filed as of yet because both Allen Dale Beasley, 40, who lived in the home that burned, and Christopher Tart, 33, of Dunn are still receiving treatment at the medical center. Photo by The Daily Record
Man Driving Stolen Motorcycle Critically Injured
State troopers examine a stolen motorcycle that crashed on Fulghum Little Creek Road near Pine Level on Sunday. The driver, Mark Daniel Gore, 23, of Clayton was critically injured. Photo by Carter Rabil
A man troopers said was drunk and driving a stolen motorcycle was critically injured after crashing the sports bike three times in a matter of minutes. Witnesses said 23 year-old Mark Daniel Gore of Buffalo Road, Clayton ran off the road twice and ended up in a ditch. The third time, Trooper C.R. Thompson said Gore was traveling at 75mph on Fulghum Little Creek Road outside of Pine Level when he struck a ditch and was ejected. Gore sustained life threatening injuries. The 2005 Suzuki he was operating had been reported stolen in Wake County. Gore was charged with driving while impaired and reckless driving. At last check, Gore remains in critical condition at WakeMed in Raleigh.
Suspect Charged With 10th DWI In 17 Years
When 35 year-old Larry Charles Alley of Louisburg was stopped by Wilson’s Mills Police Monday night for driving while impaired, it wasn’t the first time. Authorities 
said the self-employed painter had been arrested 9 previous times for DWI since 1991. During his tenth DWI arrest, police said he registered a .10 on the Breathalyzer, above the legal limit of .08 in North Carolina. Officer Brandon Holland stopped Alley’s Ford Ranger after it ran off the roadway on Fire Department Road. Then, at a stop sign, he stopped in the middle of an intersection. Four of Alley’s previous DWI arrests came in Wake County, two in Franklin, one in Halifax, one in New Hanover, and two in Johnston County, including Monday’s charge. Alley was also cited for driving on a revoked license. He was released from custody after posting a $3,500 bond.
Witnesses Chase Thieves Across Two Counties
Neighbors and family members chased two accused burglary suspects through northern Johnston County and southern Wake County Monday before they were 
finally captured. Witnesses spotted the two suspects attempt to flee with a truckload of metal from a farm on Medlin Road, outside of Clayton, owned by retired Highway Patrol Captain Talmage Harris, 75, of Salisbury. Wake County deputies captured the duo near Knightdale and turned them back over to Jhnston County deputies. Wesley Thomas Johnson, 34, of Clayton (pictured) and David Quintin Johnson, 27, of Raleigh were charged with burglary, felony conspiracy, and two counts of larceny. Both men were jailed under a $151,000 bond. Sheriff’s deputies said the men were attempting to flee with $1,200 worth of sheet metal when they were spotted.
Accused Burglar Claims He Was A Curious Renter
Two men held an accused burglar at gunpoint Monday evening until Johnston County 
deputies arrived on the scene. Officers arrived to find 26 year-old Robert Jason Martin of Wood Lee Road, Four Oaks on the ground and two men holding rifles towards him. Martin is accused of breaking into a vacant home owned by Linda Narron Barnes on Highway 96 near Selma. Martin reportedly told officers he was curious about renting the home and went inside to take a look. Martin claimed when he came back outside he was met by the armed men. Martin was charged with breaking and entering and damage to property, for allegedly damaging a metal entry door. Bail was set at $2,500.
Traffic Violation Leads To Marijuana Find
A Smithfield man was locked up on felony cocaine possession charges after he attracted the attention of a sheriff’s drug agent when he passed three cars in a no passing zone on Highway 301 near Selma. Officers pulled over the driver and a Clayton Police K-9 unit alerted on the vehicle. A subsequent search revealed one-fourth ounces of marijuana, digital scales and drug paraphernalia. Johnnie Tyrell McKoy, 27, of May Drive was incarcerated in the Johnston County Jail in lieu of $25,500 bond.
Two Added To Johnston County's Most Wanted List
Two people have been added this week to the Johnston County Most Wanted List. Vela Marcelo Mendoza, who also goes by the name of Vela Marcelo, (left photo) is wanted for a 
deadly hit and run accident on US70 in Princeton in October 2007. Princeton Police said Mendoza was behind the wheel of a minivan when he struck and killed a 25 year-old Goldsboro woman attempting to cross the highway. Mendoza, a 45 year-old Hispanic male who lived in the Selma area, never stopped at the scene. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Princeton Police at 919-936-5131. Johnston County deputies are asking for the publics help in tracking down 21 year-old Darious White, (right photo) who also lives in the Selma area. White, a black male, is wanted for breaking into a Four Oaks home in late-May. Warrants have been obtained for his arrest charging him with burglary and larceny. If you have information on the whereabout of Darious White, contact the Johnston County Sheriff's Office at 919-989-5000.
Ex-Special Deputy Accused Of Possessing Rocket Launcher, Explosives
A former Johnston County special deputy in the 1980’s, and a former dispatcher for Smithfield Police and the NC Highway Patrol, was arrested by ATF agents and Smithfield Police during a raid at his home on Highway 210 Monday night. Ricky Wayne Creech, 52, is accused of having a military-style rocket launcher in his 
possession, along with a quantity of bomb materials, including Kinepak, a commercially available product that when mixed with another component makes an explosive device. WTSB has learned that on June 22, Smithfield Police with the help of the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, purchased a light anti-tank weapon (LAT) rocket at an undisclosed location on Brightleaf Boulevard. Anthony Clark, 17, Rakheim Prather, 17, and Afries Maham, 24, all of Smithfield were charged with possession of a weapon of mass destruction following the undercover purchase. Clark was also charged with selling a weapon of mass destruction. Creech recently reported a break-in at a storage building at his home at 825 NC210, and authorities suspect the rocket launcher may have been stolen at the time. ATF agents accompanied Smithfield Police during a search warrant Monday night and took possession of several firearms and “bomb materials” seized. Creech was charged with two counts of possession of a weapon of mass destruction and released on $20,000 bail.
Man Who Sexually Assaulted 3 Year-Old In Clayton Captured In Western NC
A Clayton man who reportedly fled from the area in February after he allegedly sexually assaulted a 3 year-old girl has been captured in western North Carolina. Roger Dale Benton, 50, was arrested in Concord, NC on Monday. Clayton Police have also charged his wife, Sarah Furr Benton, with accessory after the fact to this crime, according to Clayton Police Chief Glen Allen. Mr. Benton is accused of committing the crime against the child around February 6. The Benton’s previously lived on Robin Lane in Clayton before they reportedly fled from Johnston County. The couple is now in the Cabarrus County Jail under $20,000 secured bonds each.
Lowes Home Improvement Employee Facing Embezzlement Charges
An employee at Lowes Home Improvement in Smithfield is facing embezzlement charges. Smithfield Police arrested 19 year-old Ashley Delaine Carter of Selma on Friday after store officials allege she stole $2,159 from the business by fraudulently ringing up refunds for merchandise. Carter was taken into custody at work and charged with felonious embezzlement. She was released on $15,000 bail pending her next court appearance.
No Tax Increase For Newton Grove
Hot on the heels of a 4.3 percent tax hike by Sampson County, Newton Grove residents will not have to worry about any new city taxes this year. The northern Sampson town’s current tax rate of 36 cents per $100 property valuation will stay the same, despite an increase in the district’s fire tax. “The board has decided to pay that extra $8,000 a year instead of raising the taxes 2 percent,” said Shelia Barefoot, town clerk and financial officer. “We decided to use the surplus money to cover that this year. We really don’t know what will happen next year.” For the past several years, 4.5 cents of the tax rate was allotted to the fire department. A change to 6.5 cents was approved for the coming year’s budget, which the town will absorb, keeping citizens’ expenses similar to the current year. The $744,490 budget represents a 2.1 percent increase from the 2007-2008 budget of $729,000. No new town positions have been approved, affording current employees a 4 percent cost-of-living raise. No major capital expenses are included in the approved budget, although the town is still paying for a police car purchased a few years ago. Ms. Barefoot said the growing cost of fuel was a concern for the town’s budget, but also the primary reason commissioners did not want to pass any unnecessary expenses to citizens.
Shoplifter Tries To Strike Officer
A Wilson County man is accused of trying to strike a Smithfield police officer with 
his car. It reportedly happened on Sunday as officer S.M. Greer was attempting to stop a shoplifter attempting to flee the parking lot at Carolina Premium Outlets. The suspect, 39 year-old Dwayne Eddie Burgess of Sims, NC managed to get away but was captured a short distance away. Burgess reportedly had $536.96 worth of merchandise in his possession stolen from Polo Ralph Lauren, Shelton’s Harley Davidson, Timberland Outlet, and Nike Factory Store. Burgess was charged with four counts of larceny, assault on an officer, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bail was set at $4,000.
Ribbon Cutting Held At Mattress Max In Smithfield
Open house and the ribbon cutting for Mattress Max in Smithfield was held last Friday. Mattress Max is located at 388-D Venture Drive and is open Monday through Saturday from 10am until 6pm. WTSB Photo
3 Arrested After Breaking Into Home To Sleep
Three men are accused of breaking into a vacant home on Hereford Drive outside of 
Clayton to sleep after leaving a party. The owner of the home reportedly discovered the break-in on Sunday and when deputies arrived, the suspects were still inside asleep. Joshua Wayne Langley, 22, of Raleigh, Thomas Michael Accardi, 21, of Clayton, and Anthony Richard Walls, 18, of Raleigh were charged with breaking and entering. One of the men allegedly confessed to officers a relative had rented the home recently and he reportedly knew the house was still vacant.
11 Vehicles Vandalized In Eden Woods Subdivision
Police think juveniles may be behind a vandalism spree in the Eden Woods Subdivision off Booker Dairy Road early Saturday morning. At least 11 vehicles were egged while sitting in driveways or parked along the street.
Teen Arrested On Drug Charges After Trying To Outrun Deputies
A Raleigh teenager who tried to outrun a Johnston County sheriff’s deputy on his Cadillac was apprehended following a brief chase on Highway 42 West of Clayton early Sunday. Officers initially tried to stop 19 year-old Troy Anthony Watkins for 
speeding. Watkins allegedly failed to pull over. When he did stop, he sped away again as the officer started to approach his vehicle. Watkins was finally apprehended in the parking lot of a convenience store near NC42 and I-40. Deputies reportedly found $4,057 in his pockets and his car, 3.5 ounces of marijuana, 4 cells phones, and several unknown pills. Watkins was also wanted for failing to appear in court for a probation violation hearing. The teen was cited for possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, driving while on a revoked license, and felony fleeing to elude arrest. Bail was set at $202,000.
Cocaine Found During Benson Traffic Stop
Two Johnston County men are facing felony cocaine charges after deputies stopped their car on Highway 242 South of Benson and reportedly found drugs in both suspects’ pockets. Robert Wayne Frazier, 30, of Eldridge Road, Newton Grove, and Dennis George Gregory, 65, of Woodshed Drive, Benson were charged with one count each of possession of cocaine. Bail was set at $25,000 for each defendant.
Police Find Drugs In Driver's Sock
Selma Police said they found cocaine in a car stopped on Ricks Road near US70 on June 23. Christopher Antonio Surles, 21, of South Third Street, Smithfield was arrested after officers allegedly found cocaine in a sock stuffed in his shoe. Surles was wanted at the time of his arrest for probation violation warrants. He was also charged with giving a fictitious name to police during the traffic stop. The drugs found in his possession had an estimated street value of $250.
Woman Accused Of Sexually Exploiting 10 Year-Old Over The Internet
A Johnston County woman is accused of sexually exploiting a small child over the 
Internet. WTSB has learned Johnston County social service workers and sheriff’s detectives were tipped off about the case around May 15. On Friday, authorities arrested 45 year-old Gabriele Birzer Secrest of Black Pine Lane, Angier on one count of felony child abuse. Sheriff’s investigators allege Secrest forced a 10 year-old girl to perform sex acts in front of a web cam on her computer and also disciplined the young girl in front of the web cam. Authorities did not say who might have viewed the images. Sheriff’s office spokesperson Tammy Amaon said investigators did not believe the incidents had been ongoing for any extended length of time. Secrest was jailed under a $50,000 bond.
Silver Alert Issued For Missing Johnston County Resident
A Silver Alert has been issued by the NC Center for Missing Persons for an endangered Johnston County resident. John Wrenn Cook, 27, of Ridge Road, Clayton was reported missing on Sunday by his mother. Relatives said Cook was last seen about a week ago. He is on medication for a medical condition, but he does not have the medication with him. Cook was last seen operating a green 2004 Ford Escort with NC license MRN7926. Cook is 5 foot 10, 165 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing a green t-shirt and blue jeans. A citizen notified Johnston County sheriff’s deputies of a possible sighting of the missing man in the Cary area. Anyone who has any information on John Wrenn Cook of Clayton is asked to contact the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office at 919-989-5000.
Autistic Child Drowns In Clayton, 4 Year-Old Revived After Being Pulled From Benson-Area Lake
Johnston County emergency workers responded to two drowning calls on Sunday. A 4 year-old died several hours after he reportedly fell in a fountain in the Riverwood Athletic subdivision. The child, Derek Casanova-Gonzalez, was with his parents Sunday morning around 9am as they were cleaning the inside of the Child Development Center. Clayton Police believe the child wandered away and left the building. He was found a short time later by his father in a fountain pool. His father began CPR and Clayton EMS transported the child to WakeMed but he died a few hours later. Police said Derek was autistic. Around 4pm Sunday, a 4 year-old girl nearly drowned while at Tucker Lake outside of Benson. The child was with her mother and sister when she apparently wandered away. A man swimming in the lake discovered the child underwater and pulled her out, according to Tammy Amaon, a spokesperson for the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office. Two off-duty nurses who were at Tucker Lake started CPR on the child, who was airlifted to Duke Medical Center. On Monday, the victim, who is from the Mt. Olive area, was in serious but stable condition. Her name has not yet been released by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, which is still investigating the near drowning. Photo by Carter Rabil
Shooting, Drug Suspects Captured In Cleveland Community
Clayton Police located a man Monday afternoon wanted for a weekend shooting in the Clayton Estates Mobile Home Park. Frankie Devone Clark, 48, allegedly shot 37 
year-old Dwight Thomas Ray in the front yard of Clark’s home on Saturday. Ray was seriously injured. Clayton Police learned Clark was at a home on Polenta Road in the Cleveland community and with the help of Johnston County sheriff’s deputies arrested him without further incident. Police also located 31 year-old Jennifer Cameron at the address. She was wanted on unrelated felony charges by Clayton Police for possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, sell and delivery of cocaine, and maintaining a location to sell controlled substances. Clark was jailed under a $100,000 secured bond. Cameron was jailed under a $25,000 secured bond. Scene photo by Carter Rabil
Gunmen Rob Guy Road Convenience Store
A surveillance camera captures the images of two of three suspects who robbed Las Carolinas Grocery & Grill on Guy Road near Clayton late Friday.
The Wake County Sheriff's Office is investigating the robbery of a convenience store on Guy Road outside of Clayton. Three Hispanic men robbed the Las Carolinas Grocery & Grill around 7:30pm Friday. Two of the robbers had guns. Witnesses saw the suspect flee in a white older model regular cab, long bed pickup truck on Highway 70 headed towards Garner. Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to contact the Wake County Sheriff’s Office at 919-856-6800 or 919-856-6911.
Major Traffic Delays Caused By Serious I-95 Crash
Four Oaks firefighters work to free one of 3 victims from an overturned SUV on I-95 Saturday. Photo by Carter Rabil
Traffic was backed up for nearly 10 miles on Interstate 95 in Johnston County Saturday after an SUV ran off the roadway and overturned, pinning two adults and a child inside. North and southbound lanes of the interstate were shutdown to allow for three medical helicopters to land at the scene to transport the victims to nearby trauma centers after they were cut from the mangled wreckage. Troopers believe the wreck happened after two cars slowed quickly to avoid hitting a car making an illegal u-turn across the median between Four Oaks and Benson. The SUV ran off I-95 and overturned several times. The victims suffered non-life threatening injuries. Southbound lanes were backed up to Smithfield and northbound lanes of I-95 were backed up into Harnett County.
Motel Manager Stabbed In Chest
A Dunn woman was stabbed in the chest and hit in the face with a portable CD player after she confronted a man about trespassing at the motel where she worked 
as manager. Melissa Scarbrough called police to report she had been assaulted after confronting the trespasser at the Red Carpet Inn off Interstate 95 in Dunn around midnight Sunday. When police arrived, they found the injured manager and the suspect, 28-year-old Thomas Edward Walden, of a neighboring trailer park. The victim was treated at a local hospital. Walden was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, assault on a female and trespassing. Walden has several criminal convictions in Johnston County including assault,
assault on a female and arson.
Man On The Run For A Year Found At Hotel
Dunn Police arrested a Linden man last week who had been wanted for rape and 
A truck hauling cow feed overturned in Lillington Friday morning, forcing local law enforcement to reroute traffic for nearly six hours. Otto Buttke was driving through
Lillington on his way from Randleman to Spivey’s Corner, hauling mash to be used as cattle feed for Koopman Dairy. He was turning left onto Main Street from West Front Street when the truck overturned. “The weld broke and over she goes,” Buttke said. “There was no one in the right lane, thank God.” Officer J.R. Smith of the Lillington Police said from what he could tell, Buttke “was going too fast around the turn. Some witnesses said he was trying to make the green light.” A dump truck and backhoe were called in to load the mash and clean up the spill, but first the truck had to be turned upright so it could be towed away. Buttke was issued a citation for impeding traffic. “It was basically just an accident,” said Lillington Police Chief Frank Powers. “But traffic was held up for six hours.” Photo by The Daily Record
Town Commissioner Arrested
A local town commissioner was arrested Thursday on burglary and assault charges. Sixty-two year-old Clifton Cooley, a member of the Wilson’s Mills Town Board since 2005, was arrested by police after they were called to a landlord-tenant disturbance 
at one of Cooley’s rental homes in Wilson’s Mills. Police Chief Steve Little said Officer Brandon Holland arrived on the scene and Cooley entered his tenant’s home without their permission. After an exchange of words, Cooley allegedly pushed Edward Goodman off the front porch then jumped on him and began hitting him about the face and head. Officer Holland quickly subdued Cooley who was charged with misdemeanor breaking and entering and misdemeanor assault. Chief Little said, “Mr. Cooley has graciously served the Town of Wilson’s Mills for several years, and he did appear to be remorseful for what had happened.” Cooley was released on a written promise to appear in court on the charges.
ALE Agents, Police Seize DVD Counterfeiting Equipment
Wilson’s Mills Police stumbled across a DVD pirating operation inside a mobile home on Harrison Road. Officers were called to check on the welfare of some small 
children at the residence. The homeowner was reluctant to allow officers inside, but when he agreed, police quickly noticed counterfeit DVD’s and a computer system set up to make illegal copies of movies. ALE agents and Police executed a search warrant at the home and seized a large amount of evidence including over 100 pirated DVD’s. Police Chief Steve Little said 29 year-old Fernando Garcia Herrera denied reselling the DVD’s. However, he was charged with possession of a counterfeit trademark, and possession of an instrument to counterfeit a trademark, Chief Little said. Herrera was released after posting a $2,500 bond. Herrera was also made to comply with several city ordinances, and had to remove approximately 40 chickens and six cars that were on the property illegally.
Motorcyclist In Fair Condition After Colliding With Van
A Middlesex man is in fair condition after troopers said he failed to stop at a rural intersection on his motorcycle and was struck by a van. The crash happened late Thursday. Trooper D.S. Mazzota said Patrick Ryan Witt, 24, was traveling on Hinnant Road and failed to stop for a stop sign at Pine Level-Micro Road. Witt was struck by a minivan operated by 34 year-old Kimberly Parrish of Micro, which was traveling northbound through the intersection. Witt was ejected onto the roadway and sustained numerous injuries including a broken leg. Witt was airlifted from the scene to WakeMed where he underwent surgery Thursday evening. Parrish was treated and released at Johnston Memorial Hospital. The Highway Patrol cited Witt with reckless driving, driving with a revoked license, failure to yield, having no registration, and having no insurance. WTSB Photo
Skeletal Remains Identified As Man Reported Missing In 2004
The NC Medical Examiners Office in Chapel Hill has identified skeletal remains found by a worker clearing land outside of Goldsboro last November. After a lengthy process, the remains were identified on Friday as Genesis Bruce Lewis. Lewis had been reported missing in January 2004. Lewis was known to wander fields and ditches searching and collecting items of value for himself. The cause of death still hasn’t been determined but there were no obvious signs of foul play.
Tomato Day Held At NC State Farmer's Market
Where in the world can you get a delicious North Carolina grown tomato sandwich with salt, pepper and Duke's Mayonnaise for free? At Tomato Day held Friday afternoon at the North Carolina State Farmer's Market Monica Wood and Wendy Brooks are handing the bread over so you can fashion yours just the way you like it. State Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler expected a large lunch crowd and the folks were not disappointed. The sandwiches were so tasty some patrons even offered to pay. Photo by Carter Rabil
Etheridge Votes For Middle-Class Tax Relief Legislation
U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington), a member of the House Budget Committee, voted Thursday for legislation that provides $50 billion in middle-class tax relief for 25 
million families. The AMT Relief Act of 2008 will save 33,083 families in the Second Congressional District from paying higher taxes under the Alternative Minimum Tax. “At a time of economic uncertainty and rising gas and food prices, this legislation will provide tax relief for thousands of North Carolina families who otherwise would see their tax rate rise dramatically due to the Alternative Minimum Tax,” said Etheridge. The Alternative Minimum Tax was originally designed to ensure very wealthy individuals do not avoid paying income tax. The tax now threatens to impact middle-class families and raise taxes on 25 million Americans if Congress fails to take action. The legislation is fiscally responsible and does not require borrowing money or adding to the deficit. To pay for middle-class tax relief the bill closes tax loopholes that allow multi-millionaires on Wall Street to pay a lower tax rate on their income than other working Americans, such as teachers and firefighters, cracks down on tax cheats and ends massive government subsidies for oil companies earning record profits.
Governor Easley Signs Bills Into Law
Gov. Mike Easley has signed several bills into law. Starting in October, social security numbers will no longer be required on child support court orders in an attempt to protect individuals from potential identity theft. Effective December 1, vandalism that results in more than $5,000 in damage will increase from a misdemeanor to a felony. The Governor also signed into law a measure to extend the study of water resources and their availability and maintenance to the state. The report must be presented to the General Assembly by 2010.
State Parks Anticipating Strong July 4th Attendance Numbers
North Carolina’s state parks are anticipating strong attendance during the July Fourth holiday weekend. July, which is National Parks and Recreation Month, is traditionally one of the busiest months of the year at the 36 state parks and recreation areas, and holiday visitation could get an extra boost this year because 
of rising gasoline prices. “Park superintendents have noticed that visitation often increases whenever gasoline prices jump suddenly, perhaps because people look for recreation that’s closer to home,” said Lewis Ledford, director of the
state parks system. “That’s not surprising. State parks offer an affordable alternative for many citizens and beautiful places to rediscover family activities such as camping, hiking, boating and swimming.“ The state parks system reported record attendance of 13.4 million visits in 2007, despite a prolonged drought that affected most of North Carolina. Strong summer visitation should be welcome news to communities surrounding the state parks. A study released in June by researchers at N.C. State University revealed that visitors who travel specifically to
visit a state park spend an average $23.56 each day at nearby businesses. The study found that groups of “tourist” visitors – non-local visitors
to a state park – average 3.14 people and spend an average $127 per trip for such things as food, lodging, souvenirs, services and equipment. Photo courtesy NC Division of Parks & Recreation