The U.S. Attorneys Office declined to comment on whether Catawba or any of its officials are under investigation. On Thursday morning, officials charged Reid with cyber-stalking, misdemeanor stalking, willfulfailure to discharge duties, felony embezzlementand larceny by employee. The contracts appear to have been initially handled by Catawba'sutilities and engineering department and are signed by director Barry Edwards. Catawba County Director of Utilities and Engineering, Barry Edwards is charged with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States. It includes the cities of Hickory and Newton, and has a population of about 158,000, according to census data. But her request to speak with relatives was denied. All admit to receiving payments or gifts to which they were not legally entitled as part of the scheme. While three former Buncombe County managers have pleaded guilty to corruption charges, Wiseman has not been charged. CATAWBA COUNTY, NC (WBTV) - Twenty-two people are being indicted in a drug trafficking operation in Catawba County. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Donna Hicks Spencer turned herself in on a Tuesday morning in Dec. 2021 to the Catawba County jail. A phone number listed for himappears to be disconnected. Lineberger was arrested on two counts of sale and deliver crack cocaine and two counts of possession with intent to sell and deliver crack cocaine, the release said. The indictments were returned Monday but released Friday. Officers said they were called. According to court records, her new court date is March 21. 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. The Sheriff's Office is responsible for responding to calls for service, crime prevention, serving civil process and criminal papers, sex offender registrations, investigating crime, providing School Resource Officers at County High, Middle & Elementary Schools and CVCC, Narcotics, and the 579 bed Detention Facility Important Phone Numbers [Catawba sheriff candidate says investigation of him is 'dirty politics']. He wants $25,000. Breaking Lincoln County- Former Catawba Sheriff Candidate Jason Reid indicted on felony and misdemeanor 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. Its unclear whether Edwards still is employed by Catawba. Both still are on Catawba'sBoard of Commissioners, with Beatty serving as vice chair. The indictment follows an investigation into allegations that Donna Hicks Spencer fraudulently obtained improper compensation during her time as an elected official. Two of the 22 people indicted are still being sought. 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. CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. - A former captain with the Catawba County Sheriff's Office is facing multiple criminal charges after being indicted following a months-long state investigation. Wanda Greene's plea deal was accepted. 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. A Lenoir man was found guilty on drug trafficking and firearms charges during U.S. District Court in Statesville on Thursday. 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. He remains under target or subject status by federal investigators, according to civil court records filed by his attorney, meaning a grand jury or prosecutors either have substantial evidence linking him to a crime or his conduct is within the scope of the grand jury's investigation. Those arrested were placed in the Catawba County Detention Center. Former Catawba County Sheriff's captain indicted on several charges 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. The Lincoln County Grand Jury returned 64 charges for the narcotics violations. Law enforcement sources said Spencer was arrested in the parking lot of the Justice Center after being served four indictments. Tiffany Goins Curtis, 45, of Hephzibah Church Road in Crouse is charged with possession of methamphetamine. Reid didnt answer any of Channel 9s questions as he walked into the Lincoln County Courthouse on Friday. Investigators are continuing to search for missing 37-year-old Alison Thomas. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Bryan Thomas Bailey, 49, is charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana. 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. Man died Wednesday. According to Hickory Police, multiple law enforcement agencies from across the. 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. Colby Ray Williams, 36, of Flay Road in Lincolnton was charged with possession of methamphetamine. Jun 2, 2022 Updated Jul 10, 2022. Joseph Lee Waters, 39, of Dallas was charged with possession of LSD and possession of a firearm by a felon. For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app. Related: Catawba County Register of Deeds charged with embezzlement as elected official. 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. Elbert James Walton, 70, of Hickory . Please subscribe to keep reading. Catawba Co. Register of Deeds Donna Hicks Spencer is facing an embezzlement charge after a grand jury indictment per @SBI1937 The state started investigating allegations in 2020 that Spencer. "The recordsspeak for themselves, and there isn'tanything else I can add," Bechtel said Friday. An engineer tied to a contracts-for-kickbacks scheme in Buncombe also did landfill and financial work in Catawba County. He is one of six males . 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. Wiki page on Reconstruction-era Klan Violence in Catawba County - 1868 to 1873 in Catawba County, North Carolina, United States. In the brief appearance Aug. 5, Green's attorney, Lisa A. Dubs, of Hickory, requested a continuance in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Edwards said in a federal courtroom Wednesday morning that its criminal investigation into Buncombe County government continues. Patrick Tyler Blackwell, 23, of Charlotte was charged with possession of methamphetamine, Chelsea Leigh Allen, 30, of Kidville Road in Denver was charged with possession of methamphetamine. Catawba County attorney Daniel Ray Green indicted on statutory sex offense charge. The State Bureau of Investigation said Spencer was indicted Monday by a Catawba County grand jury on one count of embezzlement by a local or charitable officer, two counts of obtaining. The Catawba County Sheriffs Office is asking for the publics help in finding a suspect in the armed robbery of a convenience store in Newton. Detectives said Donna Spencer stole more than $100,000 from the county. 69-year-old suffers stroke in his N.C. home; Realtor showing house leaves him there. 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 COUNTY, N.C. - A former captain with the Catawba County Sheriff's Office is facing multiple criminal charges after being indicted following a months-long state investigation. You can cancel at any time. 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. 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 . Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. At one point, Reid said the womanvisited him at work and waited in an area where the narcotics tracking devises were openly kept. You can cancel at any time. All rights reserved. Megan Renee Pilkington, 27, of Lincolnton was charged with possession of heroin. Donna Hicks Spencer turned herself in on a Tuesday morning in Dec. 2021 to the Catawba County jail. She didnt say a word after posting bond and walking out of the county jail with her attorney at her side. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Constitutional carry bill aims to eliminate handgun permits, Medic: Teen dead, driver seriously injured in crash on I-485 in west Charlotte. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. Police have arrested the Catawba County Register of Deeds for embezzlement, Channel 9 learned on Tuesday. 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. 0. Catawba Co. Register of Deeds Donna Hicks Spencer is facing an embezzlement charge after a grand jury indictment per @SBI1937 The state started investigating allegations in 2020 that Spencer fraudulently obtained improper compensation during her time as an elected official @wcnc pic.twitter.com/8XLvHzNoAn. CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. 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.An SBI spokesperson confirmed Spencer was indicted Monday on charges of one count of embezzlement by a local or charitable officer, two counts of obtaining property by false pretenses and one count of the register of deeds failing to discharge duty. 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 . 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. Police say additional charges are expected. And on March 13, he was charged with maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance and trafficking. Constitutional carry bill aims to eliminate handgun permits, Medic: Teen dead, driver seriously injured in crash on I-485 in west Charlotte. 2023 www.citizen-times.com. 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. Greene has pleaded guilty to a series of charges, including those stemming from separate indictments. Man died Wednesday. All rights reserved. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. She was also charged with maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance. Donna Spencer Detectives said Donna Spencer stole more than $100,000 from the county. The indictments were returned Monday but released Friday. 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. Copyright 2021 WBTV. You have permission to edit this article. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. A Catawba County high school teacher and coach is accused of sex offenses with a 15-year-old student. Creighton and Stone, who succeeded Greene as county manager before abruptly retiring in June 2017, each have since pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge. 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. The judge told Reid if he is convicted of all five indictments he could face more than eight years in prison. Damario Leshaun Rousseau will be tried as an adult in the shooting death of 35-year-old Shonniel Blackburn in Hickory. Neither immediately responded to a request for comment Friday. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Download the WSOCTV news app for your smartphone and get updates on this developing story as they come in. 2023 Cox Media Group. A federal grand jury indictment handed up in August accused Buncombe County Manager Wanda Greene and her assistant managers Mandy Stone and Jon Creighton of taking vacations, meals, wine, game. Please subscribe to keep reading. The following is a list of 19 other individuals indicted: Teresa Leann Riffle, 36, of Rosehill Drive in Lincolnton was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Some of the defendants in this investigation are validated gang members," police say. 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. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. The charges come following an investigation after an ex-girlfriend claimed he had stalked her. Melissa Dawn Campbell, 37, of Charleston Trail in Cherryille was charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and possession of methamphetamine. 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. "Some of the defendants in this investigation are validated gang members," police say. A number of people were indicted under the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871, but most . Buncombe County wants records from ex-contractor Joe Wiseman. SLIDESHOW - UPDATED Click here to view a photo gallery of items deputies found at Mayfield's home New: photos of his estate The individuals indicted by the grand jury are accused of attempting to distribute large quantities of crack cocaine, cocaine and methamphetamine, the release said. Catawba County is about an hour and 15 minutes east of Asheville. Christie Wiseman, who reported that shelives at the same Roswell, Georgia, address as JoeWiseman, donated $1,000 in 2012 to Barbara Beatty's campaign. and provided for universal male suffrage (U.S. Senate, 1871). (Watch the video below: Teachers, other school staff in Catawba County to get bonuses), Teachers, other school staff in Catawba County to get bonuses. During the operation officers seized methamphetamine, heroin, opioids and marijuana, according to a press release from the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office. The Brookford Police Department is being featured on the television show On Patrol: Live on Reelz. Tina Maria Goodwin, 50, of Fairview School Road in Vale was charged with possession of methamphetamine. Reconstruction-era Klan Violence in Catawba County . Detectives said Donna Spencer stole more than $100,000 from. Catawba County Register of Deeds Donna Hicks Spencer is facing an embezzlement charge following a grand jury indictment, according to the State Bureau of Inv. Copyright 2018 WBTV. 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 Last month, a judge unsealed a search warrant used by the SBI at the Catawba County Sheriffs office in April. WCNC Charlotte confronts roofing company about fake reviews, Person dies in house fire, Lincoln County deputies say, Very warm and rain-free for the first day of March, Weather is 95% favorable for a liftoff tonight, but teams are keeping an eye on weather along Dragons ascent corridor, Catawba County Register of Deeds Donna Hicks Spencer, City releases updated renderings of pedestrian bridge that will connect South End to Uptown, 'If we're going to think globally we have to act locally' | Meck County leaders vote on funding for Atrium Health Innovation District. Reid is scheduled to be back in court July 23. Daniel Steven Helms, 21, of North Drive in Cherryville was charged with possession of heroin. 22 people indicted in Catawba County drug trafficking operation. and Tate Blvd. Undercover narcotics operation leads to indictments of 21 Individuals, two from Catawba County. Shes locked up in the jail under a 9900 dollar bond. His signature is not seen on Petra's contracts with the county. According to the countys website, Spencer has served as Register of Deeds since December 2004. Eric Theodore Flynn, 48, of Newton was charged with possession of methamphetamine. Nine more suspects were arrested on state. Wine, money, county politics: What Wiseman, Creighton emails reveal. That court case has now been moved to March. 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. The charges come after a months-long investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations into the allegations after the woman claimed Reid installed a tracking device on her vehicle. Lisa Shawntae Black, 44, of Confederate Road in Lincolnton was charged with possession of methamphetamine. have pleaded guilty to corruption charges, vacations, meals, wine, game tickets and other gifts, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Damario Leshaun Rousseau will be tried as an adult in the shooting death of 35-year-old Shonniel Blackburn in Hickory. Deputies arrested Jeb Stuart Bass Monday night. Sources told Channel 9 that the tracking device came from the narcotics division which Reid supervised. Despite the allegations, Reid said during his campaign that he would stay in the race,calling the accusations a political ploy. A Newton man has been charged with attempted murder in connection with an attack against a fellow psychiatric patient at Catawba Valley Medica. Man died Wednesday. 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. Records show Wiseman also did work in Catawba while employed by CDM Smith, a well-known firm based in Boston. A Newton man has been charged with attempted murder in connection with an attack against a fellow psychiatric patient at Catawba Valley Medica. All rights reserved. HICKORY, N.C. - Nearly two dozen people were indicted in a drug trafficking bust in Catawba County this week. A new court date was set for Nov. 4. 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.