Internet First: Statement On Indictment Of Former Martinsville Fire & EMS Assistant Chief Russell

The following is a press release from the City of Martinsville, VA:

This document serves as the only official statement from the City of Martinsville administration in regard to the termination of employment of Fire & EMS Assistant Chief John W. "Jay" Russell, Jr. In addition to serving as the supervisor in charge of "A Shift", he was also in charge of managing the time records for all employees of the Fire & EMS Department. Russell began his employment with the City of Martinsville in December 1993.

The summary of events is as follows:

• Discrepancies in Mr. Russell's own time records were discovered in early June 2009. A preliminary investigation was conducted by internal Fire & EMS administration, treating the issue as a personnel matter.
• After reviewing the evidence in the initial personnel investigation, Martinsville Fire & EMS administration terminated employment of Assistant Chief Russell on June 30, 2009.
• Additional discrepancies were discovered in the preliminary investigation and the findings were brought to the attention of Martinsville Commonwealth's Attorney Joan Ziglar in late June 2009.
• Following professional protocol to ensure an unbiased investigation the decision was made to contact the Virginia State Police to conduct an independent investigation. The Martinsville Circuit Court appointed Petra Haskins from Mecklenburg County, VA, to assist in the investigation; functioning as the special prosecutor.
• Virginia State Police conducted a thorough criminal investigation; findings were reviewed with the special prosecutor.
• The information and evidence gathered in the investigation was presented to a grand jury for deliberation on Monday, February 8, 2010.
• The grand jury issued indictments for the following charges, which are all felonies, on February 8, 2010: Grand Larceny; Embezzlement; Obtain Money By False Pretense; and, Misappropriation Of Public Funds.

In order to safeguard against a similar incident occurring in the future the Martinsville Fire & EMS Department has instituted changes in their policy regarding how hours worked must be logged for all employees of the department.

Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page Files For Re-Election

Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page filed for a re-election bid on Monday, February 8. Sheriff Page told on-lookers, "I will continue working hard to keep Rockingham County residents safe and practice the fiscal responsibility people have come to expect from me and my team." He says his first priority will remain safety, in the schools and community as a whole: "I know that safety impacts the choices employers make when locating a business, and jobs are critical to Rockingham County now and always." He also promises to expand existing in-school safety and crime prevention programs and training for the three existing school resource officers, saying, "Safe schools are number one for me; if kids feel safe, they can learn, and if teachers feel safe, they can teach to the best of their ability."

Beginning July 2010, Sheriff Page will assume leadership of the North Carolina Sheriff's Association as the president, representing issues of importance for all 100 counties. A press release states that you can learn more about Sheriff Page on Facebook at Friends to Re-Elect Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page.

Ice Aftermath

These particular pictures are from Reidsville, NC. The utility pole is down in front of the Reidsville Elk's Lodge, and the trees are down at the entrance to the Reidsville Swim Club.

Stoneville Man Charged With Assaulting Niece

A man from the Stoneville area of Rockingham County, NC, was arrested for assaulting his own niece, then obstructing deputies trying to get to the bottom of just what happened. Raphael Lamont Shelton was arrested on the charges of Assault On A Female and Resist, Delay, And Obstruct. A magistrate set his bond at $1,500.

A report from the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office says that on Wednesday, February 3, deputies responded to speak with Kendra Shelton of 177 Snead Road in Stoneville. It looks like that during an argument with her uncle, Kendra Shelton received a punch to the back of her head. The punch allegedly came from her uncle, Raphael Shelton. The report goes on to say that during the investigation, Raphael Shelton interrupted by being loud, and he refused to cooperate with deputies; therefore, he was charged with delaying the inquiry. The report from the Sheriff's Office says that alcohol may have been a factor in this incident.

Reidsville Movie Rental Store Closing

Reidsville, NC, will be losing one of its popular retail businesses on Freeway Drive. Movie Gallery, Inc., the owner of the Hollywood Video movie rental chain, has filed for Chapter 11 protection and plans to close 805 stores. Three of those Movie Gallery stores, including the one in Reidsville on Freeway Drive at Lowe's Crossing Shopping Center and the ones in Burlington and Clemmons, will close for good. A Hollywood Video store in Burlington is slated for the chopping block, too.

It's the second trip through bankruptcy court in just three years for Movie Gallery. The company is struggling with competition as more people choose to stream videos over their computers from companies like Netflix, or use the $1-per-night rentals at the very popular Redbox kiosks. In a court filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Richmond, Movie Gallery Chief Restructuring Officer Steve Moore said the company was facing "looming defaults" on its loan agreements. The company listed debts of between $500 million and $1 billion, compared with assets of between $10 million and $50 million.

No word yet on when the Reidsville store will close its doors for good.

Reidsville Water Has High Level Of Contaminants

It seems that some people may be concerned about a letter they received from the City of Reidsville, NC, about contaminants in the drinking water supply. Many of the letters arrived this week explaining that water tests came back and showed the presence of what is called HAAs, or Haloacetic Acids. The letter from the City of Reidsville indicates there are no immediate dangers from using or drinking the water processed by the city, and if there were, residents would have been notified immediately.

But it also said that people who drink HAAs over many years have a higher risk of developing cancer. It looks like the increased level of Haloacetic Acids is because of increased organic material, or run-off, going into Lake Reidsville and mixing with chlorine. The City of Reidsville is looking at systems other cities currently use to make sure they can control the run-off in the future.

The letter advises alternative drinking water is not needed, but if you have specific health concerns, contact your doctor.

Reidsville Sees First Murder Of 2010

The Reidsville Police Department has its first murder investigation underway for 2010 – with the North Carolina SBI assisting – and so far an east Reidsville man has been arrested.

Tavarus Maurice Scales, age 21, of 803 Robinson Circle has been charged with First-Degree Murder and is currently in the Rockingham County Jail without bond. The victim has been identified as 23-year-old Melissa Morris of the same address, and sources say she was shot to death.

It all began on Wednesday night, February 3, at around 9:23, when officers from the Reidsville Police Department were dispatched to 803 Robinson Circle because of gunshots being fired. When the first units got to the scene, they found Scales standing outside the residence. Captain Ken Hanks, chief of detectives for the Reidsville Police, said that officers detained Scales, and when they went inside the home, they found the Morris' body. After their investigation, detectives arrested Scales on a charge of First-Degree Murder. Scales is scheduled for his first court appearance on Wednesday, February 10, in Rockingham County District Court.

Captain Hanks added that if anyone has information they can share about this situation, contact Acting Lieutenant Duwad Muhammad at (336) 349-1010.

Family Wants $5 Million In Police Shooting

In another case of a shooting involving police, the family of a man from Caswell County, NC, wants over $5 million awarded to them in a wrongful death suit filed against law enforcement officers in Virginia.

Halifax County's Gazette Virginian newspaper reports that the estate of Randolph Seamster, Jr., has filed a $5.35 million dollar wrongful death lawsuit in Halifax County Circuit Court. The lawsuit alleges that Thomas Lewis, an investigator with the Halifax/South Boston Regional Narcotics and Gang Task Force, acted negligently and committed Assault And Battery when he fatally shot Seamster at a Sheetz convenience store in July 2008.

Seamster, who was from the Pelham, NC, area, died at the scene of the shooting as members of the narcotics task force investigated a drug-related matter at the Sheetz store. Facts gathered in the investigation of the shooting incident were presented to Halifax County Commonwealth's Attorney who exonerated the officers in August 2008. Members of Seamster's family disagreed with the report and the use of deadly force, claiming that the officer ran into the path of Seamster's moving vehicle with his gun drawn, jumped onto the hood as the vehicle was moving, and shot Seamster in the chest.

The lawsuit seeks a judgment of $5,000,000 in compensatory damages and $350,000 in punitive damages. A jury trial is requested by the plaintiff.

Teen Had Been In Trouble Before

It appears that the 17-year-old who died after being shot by a Guilford County, NC, sheriff's deputy on Tuesday, February 2, was in jail just two months before on Assault charges and may have suffered from mental problems. Sheriff B. J. Barnes said Christian Rook was shot after he approached a deputy with a kitchen knife. Sheriff Barnes said Rook was shot once in the chest when he advanced toward Deputy Sheriff Barry Glossan. Rook was pronounced dead Tuesday afternoon at Moses Cone Hospital, and Deputy Sheriff Glosson wasn't injured, although he was treated at the hospital for stress-related chest pains.

The News & Record reports that Colonel Randy Powers who is chief deputy for the Guilford County Sheriff's Office said that Glossan – a 10-year veteran of the department – was released from the hospital on Tuesday evening and placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure.

Deputies responded to 4810 Moutline Drive on a disturbance call involving Rook and his brother who were arguing that Tuesday afternoon. When Deputy Sheriff Glosson arrived at the house, he encountered Rook who was armed with the kitchen knife. Rook advanced toward deputy Glossan who responded by firing his gun.

Guilford County court records show that Rook spent twelve days in the Guilford County jail in early December 2009 on Assault And Battery charges. In a 9-1-1 call made in December from the home, dispatchers were told that Rook suffered from Bipolar Disorder and had previously threatened to stab family members. That call, made December 3, indicated that someone at the Rook home had a broken hand, and the caller said that Rook had just gotten out of the mental ward for attempting to stab his brother and was making threats to fight police. The caller also said that Rook was also making threats to kill someone at the house.

The investigation has been turned over to the NC State Bureau of Investigation.

Winter Warning Through The Weekend

The latest from the National Weather Service as of 10:06am Friday, February 5, is that the winter storm warning remains in effect until 10pm Saturday, February 6. Snow and sleet will transition to a mix of sleet and freezing rain Friday afternoon before changing back to snow at night, the snow continuing into Saturday. Up to one quarter inch of additional ice is possible with this storm with snow and sleet accumulations of five to nine inches. Travel conditions will remain dangerous through Saturday.

Precautionary/Preparedness Actions:

Officially, winter storm warning for snow and ice means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Only travel in an emergency. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of additional emergency.

Snow Around The Area

Sheriff Could Possible Eliminate Jobs

There could be fewer deputies in Pittsylvania County, VA, if the Sheriff there has to make some job cuts because of funding problems. In budget proposals given to the finance committee of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors on Monday, February 1, Sheriff Mike Taylor said he may have to eliminate 22 deputies from his agency. It appears this could be a tough budget year for local governments in Virginia since they're unsure of how much funding Governor Bob McDonnell will provide this coming fiscal year. Sheriff Taylor put together four possible budget proposals – and one proposal, under a possible 17% reduction in funding, includes eliminating 22 deputies from the Sheriff's Office.

Leaders in Pittsylvania County have already warned department heads to prepare for a 10% cut in local money with more from the state level. Sheriff Taylor is quoted by one local news source as saying that laying off deputies wouldn't just compromise public safety, it would continue the 10-year ratcheting down of funding for the Sheriff's Office, and he added that the agency has been doing more with less since 2000. Hank Davis, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, said the Sheriff's Office's situation is still up in the air, and that the county doesn't know what the state's funding will be for the coming year. The Commonwealth of Virginia provides about 52% of money for the Sheriff's Office, and Pittsylvania County covers the remaining 48%.

Festival In The Park Won't Include Barbecue

It looks as if one of the main attractions at Danville's annual Festival in the Park will disappear this year. The festival's board of directors is cancelling the Pigs in the Park barbecue contest. GoDanRiver.com quotes Lee Davis, the president of the festival's board of directors, as saying that the children's area at the event will triple in size, the heath fair will double in size, and a second stage is being added for local entertainers. It appears that the festival will add a car and motorcycle cruise-in and a touch-a-truck event where children can learn more about fire department, police, and life-saving equipment. But expanding those areas came at a price: cancelling the Pigs in the Park barbecue contest.

Heather Vipperman, Assistant Director of Tourism and a member of the festival's board, is quoted as saying that the number of contestants for the barbecue contest had grown steadily over the years and took up more space and used more resources. She also said that the utilities for the teams – including water and electric service, with team members camping overnight – it was overtaxing Ballou Park which is not designed to be a campground. Vipperman also said that volunteers were being overrun with the volume of paperwork necessary to hold a state championship cookoff. The Festival in the Park will be held from Friday to Sunday, May 14-16.

Eden Crime

Warehouse Break-In

An Eden, NC, man was arrested by detectives from the city police department after allegedly breaking into a warehouse. Lacy Rydel Price of 419 Bridge Street was charged with Breaking, Entering, And Larceny; Possession Of Stolen Property; Possession Of Burglary Tools; and, Possession Of Marijuana.

Lt. Tommy Frazier of the Eden Police Department told Star News that police detectives obtained warrants on Price and they were served Thursday, January 28. According to the warrants, he's accused of breaking into a warehouse occupied by Piedmont Folk at 413 Church Street. Once inside, Lacy Price supposedly took nineteen rolls of copper wire, and police charged him with being in possession of burglary tools including a hammer, screwdrivers, wire cutters, and hacksaw blades. Price was confined in the Rockingham County Jail under a $5,000 secured bond and he is scheduled to appear in Rockingham County District Court on Wednesday, February 17.

Multiple Cases Of ID Theft

Eden Police investigators arrested Donald Wayne Chambers of 434 Merriman Street in Eden on Thursday, January 28, on three counts of Identity Theft and three counts of Obtaining Property By False Pretense. Lt. Tommy Frazier says the case goes back to late October 2009. According to the warrants, Chambers committed a felony by knowingly using a Homes Savings Bank Debit Card that belonged to Barbara Kay Chambers to fraudulently obtain over $83 worth of goods from the Daytona Ridge Store, $10.27 from Marathon Oil, and $30 in goods and services at Exxon Mobile, all on Thursday, October 29, 2009. Chambers was confined in the Rockingham County Jail under a $60,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in District Court on Friday, February 12.

Hit-And-Run, Leaving The Scene

Also on January 28, Terry Wayne Shore of 113 Bradford Street in Eden was arrested on warrants from the Eden Police Department, accused of Hit-And-Run then Leaving The Scene Of An Accident that happened at the intersection of Kings Highway and Kennedy Street. Shore was released on a written promise that he will appear in District Court on Wednesday, March 31.

Breaking And Entering, Larceny

Tiffany Lynn Dyer Overby of 162 Community Baptist Church Road in Mayodan was served with an Order for Arrest for Breaking And Entering and Felony Larceny. Eden Police officers served the order on Overby and she was confined in the Rockingham County Jail under a $1,000 bond. Her court date is Monday, March 15, in Rockingham County District Court.

Slapped With Pair Of Pants

Justin Michael Sanders of 817 Klyce Street was arrested on charges of Assault and Communicating Threats, accused of flipping over a chair that Bobby Sanders was sitting in, then slapping him with a pair of pants, then hitting him in the face with his fist. The second charge says that Justin Sanders then threatened Bobby Sanders by telling him that he would be coming back in a couple of days to finish the job. Justin Sanders was released on a $1,500 unsecured bond.

Local woman charged with resisting arrest

A north Eden woman got into hot water with police after they say she refused to be handcuffed. Ashley Lyn Carter of 109 Stoneybrook Drive was arrested by Eden Police officers and charged with Driving While Impaired and Resisting A Public Officer. The report from the EPD says that Carter received the resisting charge after she was told that she was under arrest for Driving While Impaired but then refused to be handcuffed. Carter is scheduled to appear in District Court on Monday, February 15.

Driving, Drugs, And Alcohol

The Eden Police Department reports that Timothy William Carter of 416 Morgan Road was arrested on three separate charges including Consuming Alcohol While Driving As A Provisional Licensee, Possession Of Marijuana, and Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia. The Eden Police Department didn't provide particulars in the case, but did say that Carter was confined in the Rockingham County Jail under a $500 bond and is scheduled to appear in Rockingham County District Court on February 15.

Exclusive 1-On-1 Interview: Lane Perry

The attached video shows all of Star News' own Bob Sharp's exclusive televised live interview with Henry County Sheriff Lane Perry on Tuesday night, February 2, addressing what the Sheriff's Office calls the "flawed jail trustee system."

Internet First: Special Grand Jury's Report – Released

Star News now presents to you the entire Report of the Special Grand Jury that alleges criminal activity against law enforcement, first brought to light when we reported the indictment for Perjury of Deputy Glenn B. Stokes, and now showing former deputy Mary Lois Markland, too.

Sheriff Perry Addresses "Flawed Jail Trustee System"

The following is a press release from the Henry County Sheriff's Office in its entirety.

On February 1, 2009, the report of the Special Grand Jury was released. The Henry County Sheriff's Office wants to thank the jurors for their dedication and time spent during their deliberations.

Sheriff Perry continues to improve professionalism and ethical culture within the Office. This is being accomplished through the accreditation process, training of personnel, implementation of video and computer technology documentation of inmate and officer actions, and through holding employees and supervisors accountable for actions. The investigation into all accusations of officer misconduct is of utmost importance and immediate actions are taken to investigate.

The findings of the grand jury were placed into 5 categories. Each category has been addressed by Sheriff Perry as indicated below:

1. Inappropriate passing of messages and materials between inmates. Sheriff Perry has implemented severe disciplinary actions on any correctional officer that has been caught passing inappropriate messages between inmates. Supervisors meet regularly to discuss policy issues and continually monitor their staff and each other continually.
2. Officers smuggling contraband into the jail. The Office does not tolerate any illegal action by any officer. Any officer violating policy or state law of bringing contraband into the jail will be investigated and recommendations for prosecution to the Commonwealth Attorney will be made in addition to dismissal.
3. Officers smuggling or facilitating illegal drugs anywhere. The Office does not tolerate any illegal action by any officer. Any officer violating policy or state law of bringing illegal drugs into the jail will be investigated and recommendations for prosecution to the Commonwealth Attorney will be made in addition to dismissal.
4. Correctional officers having inappropriate sexual activities of any kind with an inmate. This has not been nor will it ever be tolerated.
5. Failure of supervisors and administrator to take adequate steps to prevent and eliminate the foregoing behaviors. The current administration has taken steps to prevent and eliminate any and all improper and illegal actions by any officer. This has been a process of training of first line supervisors, discipline of staff for actions taken or not taken and holding supervisors accountable. Internal investigation training has been obtained for one officer and other courses are being sought to train an additional investigator in the proper methods of conducting internal investigations.

As response to the indication of flawed jail trustee system, without knowledge of the actual proceedings, it is not possible to address the incidents that are questioned. However, the current policy of trustees in the jail control room is very limited and is taken very seriously. There are only 2 exceptions that allow trustees into the control room. First, under close supervision, trustees clean the control room. Secondly, during times when an inmate is in the tank cell taking the required shower prior to being admitted into the population, the outside trustees may be escorted through the control room into the general population area. This occurrence is limited and is a non-stop process.

The inmate fund account, the canteen funds, indicated by the grand jury is not taken lightly by this administration. Effective in 2007, all Sheriff's Offices must have these accounts audited in conjunction with the entire annual County audit. This has been complied with. While the recommendation of placing a cap on these accounts is noted, the Sheriff's Office feels that strong restrictions on what these funds can be used for will provide the restrictions that will accomplish the recommendation. This account funds the following: inmate canteen requests with a limit of $50 per week, some medical doctor visits, some dentists visits, medical supplies, over the counter drugs, and some prescription medications. These funds also can be used to pay court fines, attorney fees, and bondsmen fees. Our office is responsible for any monies that inmates may be carrying when then arrive at the jail. Sometimes the inmate may come into the jail with a large sum of money; these funds have to be accounted for regardless of the amount. The restriction on use of the funds provides the accountability for these funds.

While these serious problems have existed, this administration is committed to providing an ethical and professional workforce that protects the citizens; this includes the inmates that we are responsible for.

Danville Man Receives Additional Serious Charges

Danville Police officers arrested 36-year-old Everett Cordell Linder of Danville, VA, on a Grand Larceny charge. Now, Captain Matthew Carter, spokesman for the Danville Police, says that Linder has been charged with more serious crimes. Linder has been charged with two counts of Burglary From A Residence, two counts of Grand Larceny, one count of Robbery, and two counts of Obtaining Money By False Pretenses. Linder was also served with a domestic-related emergency protective order. According to Captain Carter, the situation behind the domestic-related protective order contributed to the urgency of his arrest. He's currently being held in the Danville City Jail under no bond.

Sunshine Brings Life To Star News Region

Warm weather is finally allowing everyone in the Star News region to dig out from the weekend's significant snow storm, and while it may have been an inconvenience to most people, law enforcement and emergency services personnel around the area report that it was relatively quiet through the weekend. The snow through Friday and Saturday, January 29-30, brought anywhere from 6 to 15 inches across the area, but some of that disappeared at the beginning of the week because temperatures got into the 50s.

Even though most people were glad to see the sun come out, North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue cautioned citizens to take care. Perdue issued a statement Monday, February 1, saying, "Even though the sun is shining across much of North Carolina today, the worst of the danger is not over," and she urged motorists to be cautious and to stay off roads so road crews could continue cleaning up.

Because some road are still in rocky shape, some school systems across the area remain closed, and some garbage collection routes were pushed back until crews can get on the roads. Despite the hazardous road conditions, law enforcement authorities across the Star News region reported relatively few accidents over the weekend. For example, in Danville, VA, during the course of a 10-hour period from 7 that morning until 5 that afternoon, police officials reported 14 stranded motorists and 2 accidents. And, in Pittsylvania County, VA, crews responded to a few minor traffic accidents and answered some medical calls not related to the weather. State highway department crews in Virginia and North Carolina along with some public works department crews switched to 12-hour shifts over the weekend in order to keep up with the mounting snow storm. Nearby Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro canceled all flights on Saturday but reopened on Sunday.

Before you get too excited about digging out from the snow, don't forget the wintry weather Tuesday night, February 2, and what looks like much more this coming weekend.

Man Coming Through Window "Wanted To Talk"

In a kooky crime story, a Mayodan, NC, man was told to seek a warrant against his friend who he says decided to make a late-night visit by coming through a bedroom window on Sunday night, January 31, just before 11pm. That's when Daniel Munson called the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office to report that a friend of his was caught coming for a visit – through a bedroom window. Munson, who lives on Shady Drive in Mayodan, told deputies that he and his friend – whom we're not naming since he hasn't been charged with anything as of yet – often watch television together at his house. The two watched television together until around 9:30pm that Sunday, and then Munson's friend left and went on about his way.

An hour and ten minutes later, Munson said he woke up and found his television-watching buddy coming through an unlocked bedroom window. Munson asked for an explanation, and with one leg hanging inside the window, Munson's friend said that he and his girlfriend had a fight, and he wanted to talk about it. Munson told his friend to leave, and the man did, but he evidently came back again, this time to apologize. Munson was told by deputies to seek a warrant should he decide to prosecute.

Leaksville Resident Charged With Restaurant Break-In

A man from the Leaksville section of Eden, NC, was arrested and charged with breaking into a local eatery. Michael Anthony Broadnax of 628 Monroe Street in Eden was arrested on a charge of Breaking, Entering, And Larceny. According to Lt. Tommy Frazier of the Eden Police, the case goes back to Tuesday, December 15, 2009, when the Ice House Bar and Grill on Monroe Street reported a breaking, entering, and larceny. Then, Thursday, January 28, investigators filed charges against Michael Anthony Broadnax. According to the warrant, Broadnax allegedly broke into the building in December and took stereo equipment, an iPod, a 54" Plasma TV, and assorted beer and liquor. Broadnax was confined in the Rockingham County Jail under a $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Rockingham County District Court on Tuesday, February 2.

Stoneville Man Charged With Damages At Sheetz

A man from Stoneville, NC, got into hot water with Eden Police officers on Thursday, January 28, for allegedly damaging a door at an Eden convenience store. Braxton William Terry of 221 Acorn Road in Stoneville was arrested after being charged with Damage To Real Property. According to the warrant, Terry damaged a glass door at Sheetz on Van Buren Road. He was released on a written promise to appear in court and is scheduled to appear in District Court on February 17.

New Prescription Assistance Program Unveiled

North Carolinians who are unable to afford their prescription medicines can now get them for free, Attorney General Roy Cooper, the North Carolina Association of Free Clinics, and NC MedAssist announced Wednesday, January 27. A pilot program began in March 2009 to give low-income North Carolinians free access to needed prescription drugs, and now it has been expanded to serve residents statewide.

"Times are hard, and people are sacrificing to make ends meet, but they shouldn't have to sacrifice their health," Cooper said. "Qualified low-income North Carolinians can now get access to the medications they need to stay healthy."

The program, administered by NC MedAssist, has created a mail-order central pharmacy to provide free brand name and generic drugs donated by participating pharmaceutical companies. Those who are eligible to enroll in the program include North Carolina residents who are living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, those who do not qualify for Medicaid, Veterans Administration or private health insurance, and some Medicare Part D participants. Eligible North Carolina residents can enroll in the program by downloading an enrollment packet by going to www.medassist.org or by calling toll free to (866) 331-1348.

Man Learned He Was Wanted By Watching Star News

An Eden, NC, man who was featured on our Tuesday, January 26, newscast as being wanted for commiting a robbery turned himself in to police after our broadcast. Bryant Renard Fulp of 2168 Price Road was arrested on warrants that charged him with Common Law Robbery, Felony Larceny, and Possession Of Stolen Property. The alleged robbery happened on Monday, January 26, when a man named Christopher Wall told investigators that Fulp robbed him of a watch and $4. However, a new charge was lodged against Fulp, alleging that he stole a Silver Fox Moped worth $1,700 from a man named Dwayne Wood.

Fulp was confined in the Rockingham County Jail under a $500 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in District Court on Wednesday, February 3. And by the way, Lt. Tommy Frazier stated that Fulp turned himself in to Eden Police officers after he learned he was wanted all because of our story on that Tuesday's newscast.

Reidsville Couple Arrested For Shoplifting

Wednesday, January 27, Martin Grandos Morales (pictured) of 547 Drum Road and Penny Wilson Evans of 226 Penny Lane were arrested at the Food Lion located at 824 Van Buren Road in Eden, both charged with Shoplifting and Possession Of Stolen Property. According to the arresting officer from the Eden Police, Morales and Evans stole hot dogs, steaks, beef, and other items from the store with a $93.31 total value. Evans was confined in the Rockingham County Jail under a $1,000 bond; Morales was confined under a $3,000 bond. Both are scheduled to appear in District Court on Tuesday, February 23.

Man Charged For Cutting Another With Shank

Shiquan Jermaine Richardson of 221 Bedford Drive in Eden, NC, was arrested on a charge of Assault With A Deadly Weapon. According to the warrant, Richardson assaulted another individual named Jerod Everhart with a deadly weapon – described as a sharp homemade shank – and he cut Everhart on the leg with the shank. Richardson was confined in the Rockingham County Jail under a $1,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Rockingham County District Court on Monday, February 22.

Update: The Sheriff's Office's Statement On Perjury Charge

The chief deputy for the Henry County Sheriff's Office's officially issued statement regarding one of their own deputies being arrested on Thursday, January 28, for an indictment of alleged perjury:

"Following a Virginia State Police investigation, Deputy Glen Stokes was arrested today (Thursday) on one count of perjury. The Sheriff's Office was aware of and cooperated with the investigation and with today's proceedings. Deputy Stokes was released on a $500 unsecured bond and he has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the court proceedings. The Sheriff's Office does not have any further comment at this time. Any questions regarding the investigation should be directed to the Virginia State Police."

No word on when Stokes is expected to appear in court to face the felony charge.

Accused Bassett Bank Robber Nabbed In Outbuilding

The Henry County Sheriff's Office arrested 45-year-old Michael Douglas Belcher of 454 Valley View Drive in Bassett, VA, and charged him with robbery. A news release said that Belcher was arrested for the Wednesday afternoon, January 27, robbery of the Bassett branch of Carter Bank and Trust. The Sheriff's Office alleges that Belcher entered the bank and handed a note to the teller demanding money. While Belcher never produced a weapon, he did receive a small amount of money from a teller, then fled. The news release from the HCSO said that deputies and investigators were led to the area near Belcher's home, and he was found hiding in his neighbor's outbuilding. Belcher was arrested without incident and almost all of the cash was recovered. Belcher is being held in the Henry County Jail without bond.

Head-On Collision West Of Reidsville

Star News friend Jeffrey Sykes notified us of a head-on collision that happened in the western section of Reidsville on Thursday, January 28, at around 1:45pm. Sykes said the collision occurred near West Harrison Street and Parkland Road, and early reports from police indicate that a dump truck crossed center line and struck a Suburban. There was only one occupant per vehicle, and no serious injuries were reported. Reidsville Police responded to the scene as well as the Reidsville Fire Department, the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office, and firefighters from the Wentworth Fire Department. The accident snarled traffic at West Harrison Street and Parkland Road.

Fire Damages House In Madison

A brick home on West Academy Street in Madison, NC – almost 100 years old – caught fire Wednesday morning, January 27. The home's occupant, Todd Dalton, was at work in his restaurant a few blocks away when he got word that his house was on fire. Dalton told one local news source that he learned of the house fire from a town police officer at around 11am. Firefighters don't know what caused the fire, but the kitchen, dining room, and an upstairs bedroom were damaged in the 97-year-old five-bedroom house. Dalton started renting the house in April 2009 and planned to buy it by the end of that year and was in the process of doing some remodeling. Nobody was in the house at the time of the fire, and the Madison Fire Department has the investigation underway.

Man Charged With Trespassing At Hospital

A man from Eden, NC, was arrested Wednesday, January 27, afer he was told to leave the hospital and refused. Eden Police officers arrested Bobby Dean Sanders of 817 Klyce Street on a charge of Trespassing. According to the warrant, Sanders was told to leave the premises of Morehead Hospital located at 117 East Kings Highway. Apparently, Sanders didn't get the message and was arrested, and he was placed in the Rockingham County Jail under a $1,000 bond and will appear before a judge in District Court on Wednesday, March 3.

Two Charged With Copper Theft

Two Eden men were arrested on Tuesday, January 26, and charged with stealing copper. Joshua Paul Duggins and Matthew Lewis Duncan who both share an address at 733 Miles Street in Eden, NC, were arrested and charged with Breaking, Entering, And Larceny and Possession Of Stolen Property. Eden Police investigators obtained warrants for Duggins and Duncan. The warrants allege that the pair broke into a house belonging to Mark McCraw at 411 Lawrence Street and that they stole a box of copper wire valued at $30. Duggins and Duncan were confined in the Rockingham County Jail under a $10,000 bond and are scheduled to appear in Rockingham County District Court on Tuesday, February 2.

Another Snowstorm Hitting Area

We're facing a major snow event this weekend – Star News' Mark Childrey giving his official Bread And Milk Alert – with reports of ten to fifteen inches of snow. The storm alert itself runs from 7pm Friday, January 29, to 6pm Saturday, January 30, Eastern Time, with light snow expected to start Friday evening and to increase overnight, then to taper off by Saturday evening, the heaviest amounts along the Virginia-North Carolina border.

Keep watch throughout the weekend for our continuing coverage – including closing announcements – on our live Internet webcast, on your local cable stations, or on WGSR 47.1 digital broadcast.

City Of Martinsville Announces Snow Removal Policy

The City of Martinsville, VA, reminds residents of how city departments work with local residents and business owners to manage snow removal and street paving during bad weather. A news release from the city says that when severe weather hits or is predicted, crews prepare by installing snow plows and salt spreaders, fueling trucks and preparing heavy equipment, and some surfaces like bridge decks and steep grades get pre-treated with de-icing chemicals. When Martinsville city crews clear roads, they do the primary highways first, then collector streets, then residential streets and cul-de-sacs, and last city parking lots and sidewalks.

The city adds that residential areas are usually the last to be cleared, but you should be prepared for snow removal trucks in advance. The city asks that you not park on the street to avoid damage from collisions and snow being thrown, and they also ask that you wait until plows have passed before you shovel the snow from your driveway. The news release goes on to say that the city will not be responsible for damages to plants, decorative fences, landscaping, mailboxes, driveway ornaments, monuments, and other items.

In other weather related news from Martinsville, the city's electric department has a crew on stand-by for emergencies.

Duo Nabbed For Taking Scrap Metal

The Eden Police Department reports that two individuals were arrested on Tuesday, January 26, after they were allegedly found loading items from a building they broke into. Patrol officers responded to a breaking and entering call at Piedmont & Folk Legacies located at 413 Church Street in Eden, NC. When they arrived on the scene, they found two men behind the building. Police say that the pair – Robert Joshua Weadon and Michael Burch Dillion – were discovered loading scrap metal. Lt. Tommy Frazier of the Eden Police Department says that during the course of their investigation, police officers determined that the two broke into the building to get scrap metal, so they were both charged. Police say the two apparently took around 500 to 600 pounds of scrap metal along with air conditioning units and motors.

Robert Joshua Weadon of 101 Whittbeck Drive in Madison was charged with Breaking, Entering, And Larceny, plus Possession Of Marijuana, then confined in the Rockingham County Jail under a $5,000 bond.

Michael Burch Dillion of 114 Fulp Road in Stoneville was charged with Breaking, Entering, And Larceny, then confined to the Rockingham County Jail under a $10,000 bond.

Update: Wanted Man Arrested In Sandy Level Shooting

A man who was wanted for Second-Degree Murder and Malicious Wounding in Henry County, VA, has been arrested and is behind bars in Rockingham County, NC. Detective Steve Perkins of the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office reports that 20-year-old Tremaine Alondo Thomas has been arrested for being a fugitive from justice – charged with fleeing justice in Henry County. He waived extradition at a court hearing in Wentworth Thursday morning, January 28, and thus was transported back to Virginia to face charges. Detective Perkins arrested Thomas early Thursday morning at 2:25am in the parking lot of Lowe's Home Improvement in Reidsville, NC. Thomas is accused of murdering 22-year-old Akoreon Murphy – better known as A.J. Murphy – who was from Eden, NC.

Murphy was shot to death Tuesday evening inside a 2009 Chevrolet Impala near Hobson and Irisburg Roads in the Sandy Level area (south of Axton) in Henry County. Deputies were dispatched to the scene after a report of an accident came in, but as units were on the way, dispatchers at the Henry County 9-1-1 Center received another call that something else had taken place, and when the first officer arrived on scene, he found Murphy inside the car with a gunshot wound. Another man – 27-year-old Demarcus LaVon Hairston of Martinsville, VA – was also injured in the shooting – suffering a gunshot wound to the neck – and was taken to the Martinsville Memorial Hospital via private vehicle, treated, and Tuesday evening, January 26, released.

The official charges against Tremain Alondo Thomas include Second Degree Murder, Malicious Wounding, and two counts of Use Of A Firearm In The Commission Of A Felony.

Deputy Stokes Indicted For Perjury

On Thursday, January 28, Henry County Deputy G. B. Stokes was arrested for an indictment of Perjury handed down by a Henry County Special Grand Jury. Stay tuned for more information as it comes.

Reidsville Native Announces Bid For Rockingham County Commissioner

Reidsville, NC, native Craig Travis has announced his first run for office as a member of the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners, and says that he feels it's time to bring sense and sensibility back to Rockingham County Government. In a news release making the announcement, Travis said that now is the time for the community to come together for the common good of our county – to bring jobs back to Rockingham County by allowing business to operate freely in enterprise. Travis said that the county needs to attract new business and enterprise, and that will result in increasing the number of local jobs and create a better cash flow into the county's economy. He also said that we (county leaders) need to reorganize the priorities of county government. Craig Travis adds that he is a veteran of the United State Navy and served in search and rescue missions in the Persian Gulf War. He also works in operations management for AT&T and serves as a Boy Scout Leader and Cub Scout Assistant Master.

Berger Announces Second Bid For District Attorney

Rockingham County District Attorney Phil Berger, Jr., announced Tuesday, January 26, that he will file for re-election in February when the filing period opens.

Berger was first elected District Attorney in 2006 when he ran a successful campaign and defeated incumbent Belinda Foster. When he ran four years ago, Berger said that as District Attorney he would commit his office to try more cases, reduce the number of plea bargains, and strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the District Attorney's office.

In his new announcement, Berger said the District Attorney's office has tried 107 cases before juries in Rockingham County, NC. He said, "Public safety is the first order of business for government. The policies we put in place three years ago have made this office more effective and responsive to victims and law enforcement." Berger also said that Rockingham County's business community has seen the value of the District Attorney's Worthless Check Program and that over the last three years, the program has recovered more than $450,000 in restitution and fees. Berger closed his announcement by saying, "We have kept the promises made during the last campaign. I am very proud of the work we are doing, and I want to continue improving the services we provide for the people of Rockingham County."

Draper Resident Charged With Two Breaking And Enterings

A man from the Draper section of Eden, NC, was arrested on Monday, January 25, charged with two break-in cases plus trespassing. Joshua Ray Joyce of 1829 South Avenue in Eden was arrested on two counts of Misdemeanor Breaking And Entering and two counts of Trespassing. The Eden Police didn't tell us what Joyce is accused of breaking into or where he allegedly trespassed, but they did tell us that he was released on a $500 unsecured bond and goes to District Court on Tuesday, March 23.

Man Accused Of Committing $4 Robbery

An Eden, NC, man is wanted by the Eden Police Department on a charge of robbing a man of $4 and his watch. Christopher Wall of Stokesdale called the Eden Police Department on Monday, January 25, to tell officers he was robbed. Wall told police he was standing outside a friend's house on Central Avenue and talking on his cell phone when someone grabbed him around the neck from behind and stated, "I'm robbing you." The perpetrator, now identified as Bryant Renard Fulp of 2168 Price Street in Eden, allegedly took Wall's watch and $4. Fulp has not been arrested as of yet, and the Eden Police holds a warrant on him for Common Law Robbery. If you know his whereabouts, contact the Eden Police.