2018 Sheriff's Youth Academy

It's that time of year again to kick off the enrollment for the 2018 Sheriff's Youth Academy!

Parents/Guardians - This is NOT a "scared straight" program! It is for kids who WANT to attend!

This program is geared for youth 8-11 years old residing in Lee County ONLY! Slots are limited, don't delay.

Academy will be held July 23-27 at Lee County High School. The program is free of charge and we provide lunches & snacks.

To obtain an application; see the SRO assigned to your school, come by the Sheriff's Office or complete the form online and print/email (https://goo.gl/mhFckb).

Once the form is completed, you can email it (jbridges@leecountync.gov) or drop it off with Sgt Bridges at the Sheriff's Office. Please call 919-818-1366 with any questions!

Search Warrant Nets Nine For Drugs

On Tuesday April 17^th, 2018 Lee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics agents executed a search warrant on a residence located at 4804 St. Andrews Church Road, Sanford.

In the course of the search agents located approximately 2 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 2 grams of Heroin, and numerous items of drug paraphernalia. Agents arrested, processed and charged Joseph Robert Pierce age 32, of 885 Hollywood Road, Sanford for one count of felony possession of Heroin, one count of felony possession of Meth, and one count of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, jailed under a $20,000.00 secured bond, Douglas Lamar Walters age 38, of 5104 Joe Mathews Road, Sanford, one count of felony possession of Heroin, one count of felony possession of Meth, one count of felony maintaining a dwelling place used for the use of an illegal controlled substance, and one count of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, jailed under a $30,000.00 secured bond, Cheryl McNeill Roberts age 48, of 313 Wagon Wheel Lane, Sanford one count of felony possession of Heroin, one count of felony possession of Meth, and one count of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, jailed under a $10,000.00 secured bond, Shaquila Rayleen Perry age 26, of 80 Independence Way, Cameron one count of felony possession of Heroin, one count of felony possession of Meth, one count of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, and served with an outstanding warrant for simple assault, jailed under a $11,000.00 secured bond, Stewart Ellis Thomas age 53, of 3614 Hawkins Avenue, Sanford one count of felony possession of Heroin, one count of felony possession of Meth, and one count of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, jailed under a $10,000.00 secured bond, Sarah Patterson Sloan age 30, of 306 Sheriff Watson Road, Sanford one count of felony possession of Heroin, one count of felony possession of Meth, and one count of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, jailed under a $10,000.00 secured bond, Jennifer Ferguson Godfrey age 40, of 5629 Buckhorn Road, Sanford one count of felony possession of Heroin, one count of felony possession of Meth, one count of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and served with an outstanding warrant for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, jailed under a $11,000.00 secured bond, and Joshua Allen Paige age 40, of 91 Boats Lane, Spring Lake one count of felony possession of Heroin, one count of felony possession of Meth, one count of felony maintaining a dwelling place used for the use of an illegal controlled substance, and one count of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, jailed under a $30,000.00 secured bond.

In total 8 people were arrested in the course of this investigation. The last individual remains at large.

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On Wednesday April 18^th, 2018 Lee County Sheriff’s Office uniform patrol Deputy’s arrested Brian Chad Batts. Batts, 49 of 4804 St Andrews Road, Sanford, had outstanding warrants for felony possession of Meth, one count of felony maintaining a dwelling place used for the use of an illegal controlled substance, and one count of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.  Lee County Narcotics agents executed a search warrant for drugs on Batts residence located at 4804 St. Andrews Road, Sanford. Batts was not at the residence at the time of the raid and remained unable to locate. It was at approximately 1:24 am when Lee County uniform Deputy’s located Batts in a residence located at 5760 Edwards Road. Batts was arrested and transported to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, processed and charged with above charges. Batts was jailed under a $30,000.00 secured bond.

   

52 Year Old Woman Arrested At Sanford Motel For Drugs

On 04-16-2018 Lee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Agents arrested Melissa Mae Snook, 52 years old of Room 111 of the Prince Motel, Sanford, for 2 counts of Possession with intent to sell and deliver crack cocaine, 2 counts of sell crack cocaine, 2 counts of Maintain a dwelling to sell crack cocaine and 2 counts of drug paraphernalia.

Snook was jailed under a $25,000.00 secured bond.

65 Year Old Man Arrested At Sanford Motel for Drugs

On 04-16-2018 Lee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Agents arrested Eronus McNeill, 65 years old of Room 111 of the Prince Motel, Sanford, for 3 counts of Possession with intent to sell and deliver crack cocaine, 3 counts of sell crack cocaine, 3 counts of Maintain a dwelling to sell crack cocaine and 3 counts of drug paraphernalia.

McNeill was jailed under a $30,000.00 secured bond.

Currie Drive Felon Arrested with Firearm

On Tuesday April 10, 2018 Lee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics agents arrested Jerry Wayne Saunders age 44 of 208 South Currie Drive, Sanford. Saunders was found by agents to be illegally in possession of a firearm. Saunders was processed and charged with one count of possession of a firearm by convicted felon. Saunders was jailed under a $10,000.00 secured bond. 

Sanford Man Arrested for Crack Cocaine

On Thursday April 12th, 2018 Lee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics agents arrested Demetrius Lamar Snipes, age 26 of 1213 Seventh Street, Sanford. Snipes was processed and charged with two counts of possession with the intent to sell and deliver (Crack) form Cocaine, two counts misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Snipes was jailed under $10,000.00 secured bond. 

Celebrate National Public Telecommunicator Week

During the week of April 8 – 14, 2018, emergency communications centers around the country will be celebrating their public safety telecommunicators in a variety of ways. One of the simplest and easiest ways to celebrate these professionals is through recognition of what they do every day, which is answer calls from our citizens during times of distress and emergency situations that are sometimes unimaginable. These professionals do this with grace and compassion.

These individuals not only answer non-emergency calls, they provide pre-arrival instructions to assist, guide and calm callers until units arrive onscene during emergency calls.  They are truly the “first”  first responder. 

This past year has been extremely challenging not only for our nation’s public safety first responders, but for public safety telecommunicators as well. There have been disasters and major emergencies that have occurred in every corner of our great country. From the devastating shootings of multiple innocent people, to the ravaging wild fires, the unbelievable flooding impact from multiple hurricanes and severe weather, public safety telecommunicators have remained vigilant and steadfast in their duties to assist those when they call for help.

Please give these individuals the respect and honor they deserve as we celebrate their week.  Take time out this week to pray for them, to do something nice for them, as they serve our community with compassion and professionalism behind the scenes!

Sheriff Tracy Carter Calls for Stronger Victims’ Rights Laws

Sheriff Tracy Carter Calls for Stronger Victims’ Rights Laws during the 2018

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week  

Sheriff Tracy Carter supports strengthening victims’ rights in North Carolina’s state constitution - giving crime victims an equal level of protection already given to the accused and convicted.

Legislation is currently being considered in the General Assembly, known as Marsy’s Law.  Among various rights contained in Marsy’s Law are rights that would allow victims to be a part of the court process if they choose - for proceedings like plea agreements or bail hearings. Another right would give victims the right to receive full and timely restitution from the defendant. 

During the last session of the Legislature, Marsy’s Law passed the state House with overwhelming bipartisan support and is now awaiting a vote in the Senate.

In recognition of all victims during the 2018 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 8-14), Sheriff Carter supports sending Marsy’s Law to North Carolina voters to decide on strengthening victims’ rights in the state constitution.

Reporting Suspicious Activity

"Am I witnessing a crime?" Most of us have found ourselves wondering this at some point or another. However, because we're not really sure, we tend to ignore what we have just seen and, hoping it wasn't so, we continue about our business.

People aren't suspicious, behavior is!

Always consider the CONTEXT for what you are witnessing and remember there may be a simple explanation for activity that at first glance appears suspicious. Here are a few behaviors that may be associated with criminal activity:

-Someone walking down the street looking into multiple vehicles and/or trying door handles to see if the doors will open.

-Someone taking a package from someone else's property (keep in mind that sometimes neighbors leave or pick up packages for other neighbors).

-A person who is not your neighbor walking around your neighbor's home and looking into windows, or trying to gain access by forcing open a window or door.

-A person knocking on your door and asking to speak with someone who does not live there and who may also go to other homes knocking on doors. This is a tactic used by people with the intent to burglarize to see if people are home. (Keep in mind that people may mistakenly go to the wrong home.)

-Someone claiming to represent a utility company who is either not wearing a uniform, does not produce identification upon request, or does not have a company logo vehicle.

-Someone using binoculars or other devices to peer into your or your neighbors' homes.

-At night, a person sitting inside a vehicle that you do not recognize with the lights off for extended period of time.

-A pushy salesperson not producing identification upon your request or asking to come into your home. (Remember, if you don't know them, don't open the door!  Ask them to leave their information at the door and you'll look at it later)

-A vehicle you do not recognize that is circling multiple times around the neighborhood.

Remember, if you think that a crime may be occurring, or that the safety of you or your neighbors may be at risk, don't hesitate to call 911. Your call could be the one that lets us put a stop to the break-ins or other serious crime in our community.

For non-emergencies or questions about department resources, please call 919-775-5531

Lee County Opioid Forum

The opioid problem in America is growing at a rapid pace every day and that rings true here in our very own community. My staff and I are constantly exploring ideas and programs to help with those affected by this epidemic. We implemented the Narcan program in 2016 and have had 10 reversals. We have also partnered with the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, by partnering with this coalition our area representatives visit with those that have overdosed and offer them treatment and help. This isn't just a law enforcement problem, it's an entire community problem. We can make the arrests and save lives and offer help, but the community itself needs to encourage long term treatment, parents need to educate their kids, and the state and federal government must hold pharmaceutical companies and physicians accountable.  The courts need to impose strong prison sentences for those caught selling heroin and pills. If this problem has never touched your family, then consider yourself very blessed.  It will take all of us working together - from the federal government down to our local communities to curb this problem. My staff and I attended the Lee County Opioid Forum tonight. It was encouraging to learn about the work that Project Lazarus and Sandhills Center is doing, along with many other resources in our area. Many city and county officials were on hand as well as over 100 Lee county citizens.  We look forward to continuing our fight as a community to rid our county of this problem. Thank you to all that attended. The next meeting is May 24th at 6pm at the McSwain Center.

Operation Pill Seeker

Drug agents with Lee County Sheriff’s Office , North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and Sanford Police Department began the first phase of arrest today for what agents have dubbed “Operation Pill Seeker”, an eight month investigation in an effort to reduce the number fraudulent prescriptions in the area.  Two individuals were arrested today which resulted in more than 53 felony drug related charges. At this point in the investigation it is apparent that the couple alone is responsible for nearly 5000 prescription pills making its way to the streets across Central North Carolina. If convicted of these drug charges both individuals could be facing more than 20 years in prison.

Operation Pill Seeker is an ongoing investigation that involves numerous agencies spanning widely across North Carolina. Agents are hoping that this investigation will help make a dent in the opioids available in Lee County as across North Carolina. 

On 04-04-2018 Lee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Agents arrested Randy Dale Beasley, 37 years old of 2647 Mallard Cove Road, Sanford NC, 27330 for 4 counts of Trafficking Oxycodone, 2 counts of possession with intent to sell and deliver Oxycodone, 1 count of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and 1 count of obtaining a controlled substance prescription by misrepresentation/withholding information. Beasley was jailed under a $400,000.00 secured bond.

On 04-04-2018 Lee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Agents arrested William Michael Berry, 46 years old of 227 Talley Avenue, Sanford NC, 27330 for 20 counts of Trafficking Oxycodone, 10 counts of possession with intent to sell and deliver Oxycodone, 3 counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, 3 counts of obtaining a controlled substance prescription by misrepresentation/withholding information and 10 counts of Possess with intent to sell or distribute a controlled substance (Oxycodone) within 1000 feet of a school. Berry was jailed under a $1,000,000.00 secured bond.