On Thursday morning, officials charged Reid with cyber-stalking, misdemeanor stalking, willfulfailure to discharge duties, felony embezzlementand larceny by employee. We first updated WSOCTV news app users with a notification just after before 10 a.m. Thursday that the son of thecurrent sheriff had been indicted. The three reportedly worked with others to distribute largeamounts of cocaine and crack cocaine. Buncombe County wants records from ex-contractor Joe Wiseman. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Despite the allegations, Reid said during his campaign that he would stay in the race,calling the accusations a political ploy. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Investigators say Spencer then turned herself in Tuesday morning to the Catawba County Detention Center. Neither immediately responded to a request for comment Friday. Asheville police arrested Green on March 31 at Baymont Inn on Hendersonville Road, where he reportedly engaged in a felony sex act with a 14-year-old, according to an APD spokeswoman and police reports. Register of Deeds accused of embezzling more than $100,000 from Catawba County. Deputies arrested Jeb Stuart Bass Monday night. Green was released the same dayon a $75,000 secured bond and ordered to have no contact with the juvenile. Both still are on Catawba'sBoard of Commissioners, with Beatty serving as vice chair. Wiseman's signature is on a $115,000 contract in December 2012 between the county and CDM for professional engineering services for a landfill system. Clarence Riffle, 41, of Rosehill Drive in Lincolnton was charged with possession of methamphetamine. Former Catawba County utilities director sentenced for bribery conviction Barry Edwards, 66, was sentenced to one year and one day in prison after being found guilty of accepting bribes from 2012 . Sources told Channel 9 that the tracking device came from the narcotics division which Reid supervised. SLIDESHOW - UPDATED Click here to view a photo gallery of items deputies found at Mayfield's home New: photos of his estate Cynthia Eades, Catawbas human resources director, said Edwards is retired from the county. The warrant was heavily redacted, but said agents were looking for evidence of stalking, cyber-stalking, and of Reid "willfully failing to discharge the duties of his office.". Naeem Ali Mungro, 35 of Newton, one count each of conspiracy to traffic cocaine and continuing a criminal enterprise; $1 million bond, Jaron Monte Cornwell, 30of Hickory, one count each of conspiracy to traffic cocaine and continuing a criminal enterprise; $1 million bond, Shamaine Antwon Edwards, 36of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $100,000 bond, John Markel Gaither, 24of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $500,000 bond, Dershae Mylantus Blackburn, 28of Lincolnton, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $250,000 bond, Terrance Keon Geter, 33of Greensboro, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $500,000 bond, Tyrone Javelle Bowens, 47of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $500,000 bond, Gevon Marquise King, 34 ofHickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, no bond, Robert Jason Jenkins, 30of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $500,000 bond, Eddie Carlos Linder, 37of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $250,000 bond, Rahshawn Jarday Williams, 27 of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $500,000 bond, Jasean Cantrell Abernathy, 23of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $250,000 bond, Karl Brantley Rinehardt, 40 of Conover, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $250,000 bond, Damian Dion Liles, 39of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $500,000 bond, Devonta Marquise Beatty, 27 of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $500,000 bond, Lavonne Lee White,36 of Newton, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $250,000 bond, Steven Antwan Good, 35of Hickory, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $125,000 bond, Christo George Helton, 60 of Hickory, one count of felony obstruction of justice, $100,000 bond, William Bernard Mitchell, 49 of Gastonia, one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, $500,000 bond, Nathaniel Thomas Hatcher, 43of Jacksonville, FL; one count of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, N.C. That court case has now been moved to March. Elbert James Walton, 70, of Hickory and Jamey Danyel Lineberger, 44, of the town of Catawba, were among the 12 people indicted on drug charges stemming from undercover operations conducted by the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office dating as far back as 2020, a news release from the sheriffs office said. 62 years as a barber in Hickory: Clemons shares advice he received, love of pintos and cabbage, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Granite Falls driver headed to NHRA Gatornationals, Catawba County Sheriff's Office seeks suspect in robbery of Newton convenience store, Startown Elementary, Maiden Middle win state archery titles, Thursday's area basketball playoff scores (2nd round), Fifth teen now charged as an adult in fatal shooting at Blue Ridge Heights, Hickory man sentenced to 50 years on child pornography charges, Lenoir man convicted on drug trafficking charges, Toilet paper identified as major 'forever chemical ' polluter in wastewater, Jury visits crime scene in Murdaugh murder trial, Wave of poison attacks on schoolgirls across Iran is raising alarms, Bakhmut battle intensifies as Russia bears down on Ukrainian city. After being indicted July 8, Greenfaces formal charges of felony statutory sexual offense with a child 15-years-old or younger, felony disseminating obscene material to a minor under 16, misdemeanor giving spirituous liquor to a person under 21 and misdemeanor contributing to the to the delinquency of a juvenile. Contact Nate Morabito atnmorabito@wcnc.comand follow him onFacebook,TwitterandInstagram, Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify|| Stitcher|| TuneIn|| Google Podcasts. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, 'On Patrol: Live' -- Brookford Police to be featured on TV show, Destroy a Bradford pear tree and get a free replacement, Two seriously injured in crash on Tate Boulevard; helicopter flies one victim to hospital, He's 24 and the new police chief in Town of Brookford; Armstrong: We have the opportunity to really change someone's life, Concerned parent brings poster of explicit quotes to school board meeting, Catawba County Hornets blank Albion 36-0 to win national championship, Newton man faces attempted murder charge in connection with attack at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Adams faces a charge of conspiracy to traffic cocaine and Jenkins faces a charge of conspiracy to traffic cocaine. You have permission to edit this article. He wants $25,000. The indictment follows an investigation into allegations that Donna Hicks Spencer fraudulently obtained improper compensation during her time as an elected official. Copyright 2018 WBTV. In Catawba, EIC was tasked with design services at a county landfill, evaluations of potential projects and financial analysis of solid waste funds. He is one of six males . Asheville Citizen-Times, Photo: Angela Wilhelm/Asheville Citizen Times, 'On Patrol: Live' -- Brookford Police to be featured on TV show, Destroy a Bradford pear tree and get a free replacement, Two seriously injured in crash on Tate Boulevard; helicopter flies one victim to hospital, He's 24 and the new police chief in Town of Brookford; Armstrong: We have the opportunity to really change someone's life, Concerned parent brings poster of explicit quotes to school board meeting, Catawba County Hornets blank Albion 36-0 to win national championship, Newton man faces attempted murder charge in connection with attack at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Daniel Steven Helms, 21, of North Drive in Cherryville was charged with possession of heroin. Creighton and Stone, who succeeded Greene as county manager before abruptly retiring in June 2017, each have since pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge. Jason Reid appeared in court on Friday after being indicted by a Lincoln County grand jury on felony and misdemeanor charges. Updated: May. She's remained in her elected position since December 2004. All rights reserved. In the brief appearance Aug. 5, Green's attorney, Lisa A. Dubs, of Hickory, requested a continuance in the case. Records show Wiseman also did work in Catawba while employed by CDM Smith, a well-known firm based in Boston. It is the only other North Carolina county beyond Buncombe that the Citizen Times has found so far to have done work with EIC. Download the WSOCTV news app for your smartphone and get updates on this developing story as they come in. 62 years as a barber in Hickory: Clemons shares advice he received, love of pintos and cabbage, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Granite Falls driver headed to NHRA Gatornationals, Catawba County Sheriff's Office seeks suspect in robbery of Newton convenience store, Startown Elementary, Maiden Middle win state archery titles, Thursday's area basketball playoff scores (2nd round), Fifth teen now charged as an adult in fatal shooting at Blue Ridge Heights, Hickory man sentenced to 50 years on child pornography charges, Lenoir man convicted on drug trafficking charges, Toilet paper identified as major 'forever chemical ' polluter in wastewater, TikTok influencer with 3.9 million followers weighs in on US government ban, Jury visits crime scene in Murdaugh murder trial, Wave of poison attacks on schoolgirls across Iran is raising alarms. CATAWBA COUNTY, NC (WBTV) - Twenty-two people are being indicted in a drug trafficking operation in Catawba County. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The Catawba County Register of Deed was expected to appear in court Tuesday on charges of embezzlement as an elected official. On Monday, December 6th, a Catawba County grand jury indicted Spencer on one count of embezzlement by a local or charitable officer, two counts of obtaining property by false pretenses, and one county of register of deeds failing to discharge duty. The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. A Newton man has been charged with attempted murder in connection with an attack against a fellow psychiatric patient at Catawba Valley Medica. She was indicted by a Catawba County grand jury on one count of embezzlement by a local or charitable officer, two counts of obtaining property by false pretenses and one count of register of deeds failing to discharge duty. Catawba also worked with Petra Engineering, a Huntersville-based firm that was identified by prosecutors as another previously employer of Wiseman. Those arrested were placed in the Catawba County Detention Center. CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. Former Catawba County Sheriff's Office Capt. Catawba County Register of Deeds Donna Hicks Spencer is facing an embezzlement charge following a grand jury indictment, according to the State Bureau of Investigation. The charges come following an investigation after an ex-girlfriend claimed he had stalked her. On Monday, December 6th, a Catawba County grand jury indicted Spencer on one count of embezzlement by a local or charitable officer, two counts of obtaining property by false pretenses, and one county of register of deeds failing to discharge duty. "This entire situation is a political attack," Reid said before the election. INDICTED . "Some of the defendants in this investigation are validated gang members," police say. Catawba County attorney Daniel Ray Green indicted on statutory sex offense charge. On Feb. 14, Kempinski was charged with trafficking by possession, by sale and by delivery, and maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance. 11, 2018 at 9:16 AM PDT. Man died Wednesday. Man died Wednesday. (Watch the video below: Teachers, other school staff in Catawba County to get bonuses), Teachers, other school staff in Catawba County to get bonuses. Jason Reid appeared in court on Friday after being indicted by a Lincoln County grand jury on felony and misdemeanor charges. Donna Hicks Spencer turned herself in on a Tuesday morning in Dec. 2021 to the Catawba County jail. catawba county sheriffs office: felony disseminate obscenity to minor under 13: 4/17/2023: 22 cr 276143-170 : catawba county sheriffs office: possessing obscenity with intent to disseminate : 22 cr 276143-170 : catawba county sheriffs office: disseminate obscenity to a minor under 13: 4/17/2023: 22 cr 276960-170 : catawba county sheriffs office Spencers arraignment was scheduled for 9:40 a.m. Feb. 8. awardedat least $2.5 million in county contracts. Christopher Lewis, an attorney representing Wiseman in the countys civil suit against, did not respond to a request for comment Friday. Wiseman has denied prosecutors accusations and has alleged $25,000 in damages caused by Buncombe. Former Catawba County Sheriff's captain appears in court on several charges Former Catawba County Sheriff's captain appears in court on several charges. All rights reserved. Michael Welborn, 47, of Kings Mountain was charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine, possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia. Police: 2 charged with child's fentanyl-induced death in Catawba County On April 22, Long View police said they had two women in custody for the toddler's death. On April 17, 2020, the SBI investigated possible criminal conduct by Spencer, who is accused of fraudulently obtaining improper compensation during her time as an elected official. A Georgia inmate was found guilty of trafficking methamphetamine in Catawba and Burke counties, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Western Pathologist says body found in Conover woods was. Some days, William Armstrong clocks in at 8 a.m. and stays on the job until 9 p.m. Kristen Whisenant approached the podium with a poster in her hands. He sat as a District Court judge, overseeing the 25th Judicial District Catawba, Burkeand Caldwell counties from 1984-86. Please subscribe to keep reading. Officers said they were called. The cases of the 15-year-old and 17-year-old suspects will remain in juvenile court, unless either of them is indicted by the Catawba County Grand Jury, District Attorney Scott Reilly said in. Related: Catawba County Register of Deeds charged with embezzlement as elected official. WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), 13-year-old girl killed in crash involving tractor-trailer on I-485 in west Charlotte, police say, Shanquella Robinson case needing high-level diplomatic intervention, attorney says, Man in Charlotte wins $1 million off $25 scratch-off, York County teens hospitalized after pursuit ends in crash, Super-rare Jurassic-era bug discovered during Walmart shopping trip, WSOC - TV Public File Contact / Program Director, WAXN - TV Public File Contact / Program Director. Man with long criminal record served with financial crime charges in Rowan Co. WBTV Investigates: Dr. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Investigators said the stalking allegations involved Reid allegedly placing a tracking device on his ex-girlfriend's car and then sending her several text messages of places she had traveled. An incident on Jan. 14 led to charges of trafficking by possession, by sale and by delivery, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, and possession with intent to sell and deliver Xanax and sell and delivery of Xanax. Investigators are continuing to search for missing 37-year-old Alison Thomas. "The recordsspeak for themselves, and there isn'tanything else I can add," Bechtel said Friday. CATAWBA COUNTY, NC (WBTV) - Twenty-two people are being indicted in a drug trafficking operation in Catawba County. CATAWBA CO., N.C. Police say Catawba County Register of Deeds Donna Hicks Spencer was arrested for embezzlement on Tuesday. Brandi Nichole Hardin, 34, of Stanley was indicted on two counts each of possession with intent to sell and deliver oxycodone, sell and deliver oxycodone, and maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance. According to SBI Public Information Director Anjanette Grube, the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys requested the agency investigate allegations that Spencer fraudulently obtained improper compensation during her time as an elected official. Two firearms were also seized during the operation. Green, who now operates a private practice in Hickory, served as a N.C. Superior Court judge for sevenmonths in 2002, according to hiswebsite. She was also charged with maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance. Breaking Newton- the Catawba County Register of Deeds has just been arrested for embezzlement of a public office. Some of the defendants in this investigation are validated gang members," police say. The other individuals who were indicted are Dametrious Justin Jamal Reeves, 33, of Lincolnton, Justin Devone Farley, 33, of Lincolnton, Andrian Kion Mack, 29, of Lincolnton, Terry Allen Tucker, 54, of Lincolnton, John William Dawkins, 37, of Gastonia, Donna Anderson, 49, of Lincolnton, Doneal Jeffery Gillespie, 37, of Lincolnton, Brandi K. Robinson, 44, of Lincolnton, Michael Gregory Poteat, 61, of Morganton and Garry Lee Forney Jr. of Lincolnton, the release said. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story. Greene has pleaded guilty to a series of charges, including those stemming from separate indictments. Colby Ray Williams, 36, of Flay Road in Lincolnton was charged with possession of methamphetamine. The Lincoln County Grand Jury returned 64 charges for the narcotics violations. The federal indictments were returned by a grand jury on October 15 and 16, 2013, but remained sealed until today's arrests. North Wilkesboro Speedway Ready For Revival, Hercules Tires Big South Tournament Tips Off Today, Center City Weekend With Molly Kenny: Live Jazz, St. Patrick's Day Parade, And More, Police Asking For Public's Assistance In I-77 Shooting, BREAKING: Shots Fired Outside Macy's At Northlake Mall, Frustrations Grow Over Continued "Street Takeovers" Across Charlotte, Crash Causing Major Backups On I-85 South In Gaston County, Nominate Your Favorite Educator For Teacher Of The Month, Lasting Legacy: CMPD Officers Clark & Shelton, Music For Meals: Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, EEO Reports and Outreach Initiatives Reports. Nine more suspects were arrested on state. Twelve people, including two Catawba County residents, were indicted by a Lincoln County grand jury on drug charges in May. A 33-year-old Hickory man was sentenced to 50 years in prison for production and possession of child pornography. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Copyright 2021 WBTV. Watch channel 9 for updates on this developing story. It also referencedtext messages from Reid to his ex's new boyfriend that detail locations of where he had been and a picture taken of his car while the couple ate at a restaurant. Joseph Lee Waters, 39, of Dallas was charged with possession of LSD and possession of a firearm by a felon. Crystal Hill walks out of Tuesday's sit-down interview, WBTV Investigates: Monday's unscheduled interview with Dr. The Citizen Times wasunable to reach Edwards. . A 16-month undercover operation by the narcotics division of the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office led to indictments on 21 people, including two with ties to Catawba County. Undercover narcotics operation leads to indictments of 21 Individuals, two from Catawba County. Donna Hicks Spencer turned herself in on a Tuesday morning in Dec. 2021 to the Catawba County jail. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Prominent Catawba County lawyer Daniel Ray Green, 64, was in court in Buncombe Countythis week, but he wasn't representing a client. Tiffany Goins Curtis, 45, of Hephzibah Church Road in Crouse is charged with possession of methamphetamine. She was also indicted for sell and delivery of oxycodone, possession with intent to sell and deliver oxycodone and maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance. Docs allege he solicited/received gifts in exchange . This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. Campaign finance records report that in 2008, Wiseman donated $1,000 to candidate Kitty Barnes. But her request to speak with relatives was denied. Man with long criminal record served with financial crime charges in Rowan Co. PLAN AHEAD: Latest Weather Forecast Video. A Lenoir man was found guilty on drug trafficking and firearms charges during U.S. District Court in Statesville on Thursday. Damario Leshaun Rousseau will be tried as an adult in the shooting death of 35-year-old Shonniel Blackburn in Hickory. Jason Todd Mullen, 34, of Maiden was indicted on charges of possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a felon. You can cancel at any time. 2023 Cox Media Group. According to the countys website, Spencer has served as Register of Deeds since December 2004. While investigators and the community continue the search, Thomas' family members said their focus right now is doing their best to hold each other up in what has been a difficult time. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Prosecutors allege the former county staffers took at least 20 trips beginning in 2014, including both domestic and international travel. CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. Police have arrested the Catawba County Register of Deeds for embezzlement, Channel 9 learned on Tuesday. Catawba County lawyer Daniel Ray Green, 64, appeared in court August 5, 2019 after being indicted on two felony and two misdemeanor charges after police say he committed a first-degree statutory . The indictments were returned Monday but released Friday. Joseph William Clippard, 47, of Laboratory Road in Lincolnton was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Elbert James Walton, 70, of Hickory . 69-year-old suffers stroke in his N.C. home; Realtor showing house leaves him there. Charges range from possession with intent to sell and deliver to sale, deliver and trafficking in narcotics. Wanda Greene's plea deal was accepted. Reid is the son of current Catawba CountySheriff Coy Reid and unsuccessfully ran for the job himself this spring. The individuals, with the exception of Poteat, are charged with various counts of possession with the intent to sell and deliver crack cocaine and sell and deliver crack cocaine. Former Catawba County Sheriff's captain indicted on several charges Fred Christian Smith, 44, of Iron Station is charged with two felony counts of possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine and sell and delivery of methamphetamine. You have permission to edit this article. Crystal Hill, Thousands of Duke Energy customers without power in Gaston County, Search for answers in Shanquella Robinsons death stretches into fourth month, PLAN AHEAD: Latest Weather Forecast Video. HICKORY - A Catawba County round-up culminated Tuesday with the arrest of 19 suspects in the greater Hickory area on federal drug and gun charges. An engineer tied to a contracts-for-kickbacks scheme in Buncombe also did landfill and financial work in Catawba County. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. Police have arrested the Catawba County Register of Deeds for embezzlement, Channel 9 learned on Tuesday. A Newton man has been charged with attempted murder in connection with an attack against a fellow psychiatric patient at Catawba Valley Medica. Damario Leshaun Rousseau will be tried as an adult in the shooting death of 35-year-old Shonniel Blackburn in Hickory. Multiple search warrants were executed in the operation, and officials seized over 2.5 pounds of crack cocaine, 8 guns and around $36,000 in cash. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Catawba County Director of Utilities and Engineering, Barry Edwards is charged with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States. 69-year-old suffers stroke in his N.C. home; Realtor showing house leaves him there. All rights reserved. Constitutional carry bill aims to eliminate handgun permits, Medic: Teen dead, driver seriously injured in crash on I-485 in west Charlotte. Jack Chandler is listed on Catawba's websiteas interim utilities and engineering director. David Nixon, Jr. 58, of McClain Train in Lincolnton was charged with sell and deliver crack cocaine. The individuals indicted by the grand jury are accused of attempting to distribute large quantities of crack cocaine, cocaine and methamphetamine, the release said. But her request to speak with relatives was denied. Neither Catawba County Manager Mick Berry nor Board of Commissioners Chairman Randy Isenhower responded to questions from the Citizen Times regarding whether officials have reviewed their business relationship with Wiseman, or whether they've been contacted by federal investigators. Detectives said Donna Spencer stole more than $100,000 from the county. All admit to receiving payments or gifts to which they were not legally entitled as part of the scheme. They now await sentencing in federal court, and Creighton and Greene have since reached financial settlements with Buncombein civil suits. Wanda Greene's plea deal was accepted. All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. Reid is scheduled to be back in court July 23. An SBI spokesperson . Catawba County lawyer Daniel Ray Green, 64, appeared in court August 5, 2019 after being indicted on two felony and two misdemeanor charges after police say he committed a first-degree statutory sexual offense against a child in South Asheville. have pleaded guilty to corruption charges, vacations, meals, wine, game tickets and other gifts, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy.