THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
http://www.gaffneyledger.com/
Gaffney, South Carolina

December 31, 2004

Curfew Concept Gaining Popularity

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

Chester is joining cities like Gaffney and Blacksburg in adopting curfews intended to curb gang violence and juvenile crimes.
The City of Gaffney has had a teen curfew since December of 2001 while Blacksburg adopted its curfew in March 2000.
It’s a program that Gaffney Police Chief John O’Donald has described as a success.
Gaffney Capt. Brooks Allison agreed and said cities across the state are adopting similar ordinances because of a rising problem with juvenile-related violence.
The purpose of Gaffney’s ordinance is to promote the safety of the city’s youth, “whose inexperience renders them particularly vulnerable to becoming participants in unlawful activities, particularly unlawful drug activities, and to being victimized by older perpetrators of crime. ...”
Gaffney’s ordinance states that a juvenile — or any child younger than 17 years old who is not married, emancipated or in the armed forces — cannot be out in public between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and between midnight and 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Between the months of June and August, juveniles are allowed to stay out until midnight.
Gaffney police may issue a verbal warning, which is followed by a written warning sent in the mail to parents, when a juvenile is caught breaking curfew for the first time.
After the warning, a juvenile can be referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice for prosecution for any consecutive offenses. Police also notify the Cherokee County Department of Social Services when a child younger than 10 years old is found breaking curfew.
Gaffney Police can fine those parents whose children are in violation of the city curfew up to $250, plus court costs. Allison said one parent has been charged in connection with the ordinance since its adoption three years ago.
Blacksburg’s ordinance states that minors younger than 17 years old are not allowed on any public grounds or streets between midnight and 6 a.m., unless the juvenile is accompanied by a parent or guardian or there is an emergency.
Parents whose children are in violation of Blacksburg’s ordinance can face a $100 fine and 10 days in jail for a first offense or up to a $500 fine and 30 days in jail for consecutive offenses.
Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham said that, to his knowledge, no parent has ever been found in violation of the ordinance.
Chester city council has given initial approval to a 10 p.m. curfew for people 17 and younger, said city administrator Mike Phillips. That’s an hour earlier than the current curfew. The Chester curfew will be relaxed to 11 p.m. during Daylight Savings Time.
Under the new ordinance, young people must be with parents or guardians or they must have written permission to be on any public street or at any playground, park, public building or place of amusement between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Similar to Gaffney’s ordinance, exceptions include work, church and community related travel activities within 30 minutes of the person’s home.
Juveniles in Gaffney and Blacksburg are also allowed out past curfew if he or she is running an errand for an adult with a signed statement from the parent complete with contact information. Other exceptions to Gaffney’s ordinance include interstate travel or if the juvenile is on the sidewalk directly in front of his or her home.

(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
http://www.gaffneyledger.com/
Gaffney, South Carolina

December 22, 2004

Police Officers Go on a Shopping Spree to Help Needy Families

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

[Photo Caption] Gaffney officer Chris Jones, Sheriff’s Department Detective Capt. Mike Fowlkes and Blacksburg’s Lt. Zeb Starnes, members of the local Fraternal Order of Police, shopped Wal-Mart’s aisles Tuesday to bring Christmas to 12 needy children. The FOP will continue its holiday giving today as members distribute 25 food baskets to local families. [See our Photo Page for corresponding photos for this article.]

Local police officers wore big red Santa suits Tuesday, at least in spirit.
Officers with the Fraternal Order of Police Cherokee Lodge 20 (FOP) shopped the aisles of Wal-Mart in search of the perfect gifts for 12 young children who may not have had much of a Christmas without the Santas in blue.
Their carts were overflowing with Elmos and other stuffed animals, footballs and basketballs, plenty of Yu-Gi-Oh cards and accessories, and, of course, a complete police officer play set featuring cop figurines. One lucky child will even receive an electric guitar. Remote-controlled cars, clothes and games like Candyland were also part of the Christmas surprises.
The children are selected through recommendations from the Department of Social Services and victim’s advocates, said Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Detective Capt. Mike Fowlkes. Some of them are victims of fires and other hardships.
The Christmas giving continues for the local FOP today when 25 food baskets complete with everything needed for a holiday dinner will be delivered to needy families. The officers filled as many food baskets as were requested this year, said Fowlkes, the president of the local FOP.
The gifts and food baskets are provided with financial contributions from area residents and businesses. FOP members decided telemarketing was not the way to raise money this year, and instead personally requested funds for the holiday service projects and also utilized media such as The Gaffney Ledger and Gaffney Broadcasting to spread the word, Fowlkes said.
The FOP has 64 members, including retired and active police from the Blacksburg and Gaffney police departments, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The FOP mission focuses on community involvement. The children’s gifts and food baskets are just one of the many things the FOP chooses to do locally, he said.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
http://www.gaffneyledger.com/
Gaffney, South Carolina

Monday, December 20, 2004

Restaurant Burglary Investigation Continues

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

Police are continuing an investigation into a burglary at a local restaurant that has already resulted in two arrests.
Joseph Smith has been arrested and charged with accessory after the fact of burglary by Officer Matt Gordon of the Blacksburg Police Department.
Police arrested Johnny Dale Alexander of 168 Hardin Trail in late November on charges of 2nd-degree burglary and petty larceny. A bond has been set for Alexander at $6,057 while Smith’s bond is $5,000.
More charges and arrests are possible, according to Blacksburg police.
With the help of an anonymous telephone tip, police recovered the safe taken during the burglary at the Bantam Chef, 114 W. Cherokee St., Blacksburg, which occurred between 11 p.m. Nov. 19 and 9 a.m. Nov. 20, according to a report at the Blacksburg Police Department.
After a search of an area along Possum Trot Road, Police Chief Jamie Ham and Sgt. Wayne Meredith recovered the safe, which had been thrown over an embankment near a bridge. The fire safe contained cash, signed checks and business paperwork, police said.
Police believe the men gained entry into the business through the side door facing Rutherford Street after deactivating the burglar alarm.
The owner of the restaurant was out of the country at the time of the report, police said.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
http://www.gaffneyledger.com/
Gaffney, South Carolina

Friday, December 17, 2004

Local News

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

Due to retirement and a resignation, the Blacksburg Police Department hired two new officers. Paul Wilkins, who has been working for the town as a reserve officer, and Ken Broome, formerly of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, will begin working for the department.
Officer Zeb Starnes also was promoted to lieutenant and will head up the patrol division.

SPARTANBURG HERALD-JOURNAL (on-line version)
http://www.GoUpstate.com/
Spartanburg, South Carolina

Posted on-line December 12, 2004

Jones - Phillips

Hyacinth Luchand Jones of Gaffney, South Carolina and Albert Bradley Phillips of Spartanburg, South Carolina would like to announce their engagement.
Hyacinth is the daughter of Lucious and Mary Jones of Gaffney, South Carolina. Al is the son of Mrs. Shirley Goodman and the late Albert Goodman of Spartanburg, South Carolina The bride-to-be is employed as a Business Education Teacher at Gaffney High School.
The groom-to-be is employed as a detective by the Blacksburg Police Department. The wedding will be held at the Shady Grove Baptist Church in Gaffney, on December 26, 2004.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
http://www.gaffneyledger.com/
Gaffney, South Carolina

Monday, December 06, 2004

Daycare Worker Accused of Scratching Child

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

A former daycare worker was arrested Friday after she allegedly scratched a 3-year-old boy’s arm because he scratched her first.
Lisa Jean Nelson, 44, of 129 Craig Drive, Blacksburg, was charged with cruelty to children by Detective Bobby Stephenson of the Blacksburg Police Department.
"I noticed him crying so hard he had no sounds coming out of his mouth," said daycare owner Mary Hannon about the Nov. 19 incident. "I fired her immediately."
"I did what I could immediately and as fast as I could," Hannon, the owner of My School Child Development Center at 104 Clairborne St., Blacksburg, said Sunday.
"I want our daycare to be the best in town. I pray this never happens again, but I did the best I could to remedy the situation when it happened. ... I hate that one person is going to give us a bad name. She can never come back - ever."
The owner informed all the parents whose children are cared for at the daycare about the situation face-to-face and has even considered sending the rest of her employees to anger management classes.
Hannon said she obtained a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division background check on Nelson before hiring her. She also knew Nelson had worked at a daycare in Blacksburg previously.
In the most recent weeks, Hannon had given Nelson a verbal warning because she was yelling at the children. Since that time, the owner had all of her employees sign an agreement stating that yelling was not acceptable behavior by daycare employees.
Nelson was watching nine children Nov. 19 around 2 p.m. when Hannon heard her employee ask the 3-year-old boy to sit down three times, Hannon said. The owner said she saw Nelson holding the boy by the arm while she sat him down on the carpet. Hannon said that’s when she noticed the scratch marks and the child’s soundless cries.
When Hannon pulled up the boy’s shirt sleeves, she said she noticed five long scratch marks along the boy’s arm.
Nelson told her "He scratched me and I scratched him back," Hannon said.
After firing Nelson and tending to the child’s scratches, she called police, the Cherokee County Department of Social Services and the South Carolina Daycare Licensing Office to report the incident. She also took pictures of the boy’s arm and gave police a witness statement.
Hannon, who worked in home healthcare and a nursing home before opening her business in May, has two daughters and is adopting three more children — 2-year-old twins and their 3-year-old brother. She said she wanted to open a daycare that parents would know was safe for their children.
"I really regret that this happened," she said. "I opened that daycare so kids would have a safe place to go. I try to stress to our employees that our school is a safe place. We have an open door policy, parents can come by any time of day to check on their kids."

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
http://www.gaffneyledger.com/
Gaffney, South Carolina

Friday, December 03, 2004

Law Enforcement Officers Honored for Making Drunk Driving Arrests

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

Four local officers were honored Wednesday for making Cherokee County highways a little safer by making the most drunk driving arrests for each of their departments.

Senior Trooper Stephen Poole of the South Carolina Highway Patrol arrested 61 individuals during the past year for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and was honored during an annual luncheon sponsored by the Cherokee County office of the South Carolina’s Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program.

Deputy Bo Caughman had the most arrests for the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department with 19 DUI arrests.

Master Patrol Officer Randy Quinn received the award for the Gaffney Police Department with 14 arrests.

Blacksburg Police Department Officer Matt Gordon made 11 DUI arrests.

Poole, who has received the award three consecutive times during his four years with the Highway Patrol, has made 215 drunk driving arrests during that time. He and his fellow troopers covering Cherokee and Union counties have made 1,200 DUI arrests during the past year.
Poole’s award is extra special this year after the patrolman was injured while attempting to make a drunk driving arrest. He was attempting to apprehend a woman who was trying to flee during a traffic stop and injured his knee. Poole was on medical leave for more than two months but still managed the most DUI arrests.
“He has excelled in his ability,” said Capt M.S. Wright of the Highway Patrol. “His numbers would likely be higher but he was out for knee surgery. “This holiday season, I want you to take a moment and think about the people in this community and state that were getting ready to celebrate the holidays last year and now they’re not here,” Wright said about the importance of stopping drunk drivers.

Quinn also has been a regular recipient of the award, this being his third award in five years.

Gordon might be described as one of the busier officers in Blacksburg, but he still managed to apprehend the most drunk drivers. He maintains evidence gathered during investigations for the department and also maintains the town’s drug dog.

Caughman has been with the sheriff’s department for four years after working for a year at the Cherokee County Detention Center.

County councilman Hoke Parris thanked the officers from a more personal perspective.
“My heart goes out to all of you. I had a brother killed by a drunk driver. Those of you who stop those drunk drivers have probably saved a life,” Parris said.

SPARTANBURG HERALD-JOURNAL (on-line version)
http://www.GoUpstate.com/
Spartanburg, South Carolina

Posted on-line December 02, 2004

Cherokee Law Enforcement Officers Honored

By Lynne Powell, Cherokee County Bureau

GAFFNEY -- A successful case against a driving under the influence offender takes hours and tons of paperwork, but four Cherokee County officers have proven they're willing to take those extra steps.
The Cherokee County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission recognized Wednesday those who made the most DUI arrests during the last year.

"We all know making a DUI case is frustrating," said Sgt. Charles Reynolds of the Blacksburg Police Department. "Especially when its (the offender's) first DUI and you have to prosecute the case yourself. But we're saving lives."
Reynolds presented Officer Matt Gordon with the award for the Blacksburg Police Department. Gordon made 10 arrests this year.
In addition to his patrol duties, Gordon takes his drug dog to Blacksburg Middle and Elementary Schools every two weeks.
Gordon is also the department's evidence custodian, making him responsible for transporting evidence to the state law enforcement division.

Sheriff Bill Blanton credited Officer Bo Caughman's parents for instilling in their son a commitment to save lives.
Caughman made 19 DUI arrests last year and said it was an honor to be recognized.

Gaffney Master Patrolman Randy Quinn received the award for the city police department, the third time he's earned the honor in his five years on the force.
"(Quinn) is a hard worker," said Captain Brooks Allison. "He beats traffic and answers calls. All departments are short-handed, and Randy makes an effort to pursue DUIs."

South Carolina Highway Patrol Senior Trooper Stephen Poole earned his third consecutive award Wednesday since he joined the patrol in 2000.
"In four years, (Poole) has made 215 DUI arrests," said Captain M.S. Wright. "He's worked hard to remove impaired drivers who cause carnage and destruction."
This year, Poole has made 61 DUI arrests, a number that might have been higher if he hadn't missed work due to knee surgery.

Gray Koonce with the South Carolina Department of Public Safety told attendees they would have a new tool this month to more easily process DUIs.
Two "batmobiles" will be available to officers who organize checkpoints. The vehicles, which resemble ambulances, are equipped with cameras and breathalyzers and allow officers to process DUIs more easily during a traffic checkpoint.
After the checkpoint ends, the offenders are taken to the county's detention center.
"Our DUI-related fatalities are number one in the nation," Koonce said. "So far this year, 920 people have died on South Carolina roads, that's up 40 from last year's numbers. We've got to do something."
Only 64 percent of drivers wear safety belts, another fatality prevention tool.
The SCDPS will begin their Target Zero campaign on Dec. 16, in time for the holiday travelers.
The goal of the campaign is to reduce the number of fatalities due to drunk drivers by 50 percent in 2005.

SPARTANBURG HERALD-JOURNAL (on-line version)
http://www.GoUpstate.com/
Spartanburg, South Carolina

Posted on-line Tuesday, November 30, 2004

Police Recover Bantam Chef's Safe

Police have located a fire safe containing money and business documents they believe were stolen from a local restaurant.
Police received a tip Wednesday from a caller who said a fire safe that was taken from the Bantam Chef restaurant between Nov. 19 and Nov. 20 had been discarded on Possum Trot Road, according to Chief Jamie Ham.
After an extensive area search, Ham and Sgt. Wayne Meredith found the safe containing checks, money and other documents Wednesday.
Ham said the person who took the safe probably entered the restaurant from a side door and deactivated the burglar alarm system.
Police have charged Johnny Dale Alexander, of 168 Hardin Trail, with second-degree burglary and petty larceny in connection with the incident.
Ham said other arrests are pending.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
http://www.gaffneyledger.com/
Gaffney, South Carolina

Monday, November 29, 2004

Police Recover Stolen Safe, Arrest Suspect

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

After an extensive search of an area off Possum Trot Road, Blacksburg Police Department officers have recovered a stolen fire safe and have issued arrest warrants against two Blacksburg men.
Johnny Dale Alexander of 168 Hardin Trail is charged by Officer Matt Gordon of the Blacksburg Police Department with 2nd-degree burglary and petty larceny. An additional warrant has been issued for a second Blacksburg man for accessory after the fact of burglary, but police were continuing to search for the suspect on Sunday evening and did not release his identity.
The safe was stolen from the Bantam Chef at 114 W. Cherokee St., Blacksburg, some time between 11 p.m. Nov. 19 and 9 a.m. Nov. 20, a report on file at the Blacksburg Police Department states. The fire safe contained cash, signed checks and business paperwork, police said.
Police believe the person(s) responsible for the theft gained entry to the business through a side door facing Rutherford Street, according to the report. The suspects were also able to deactivate the burglar alarm, the report states. On Wednesday, the Blacksburg Police Department received a helpful tip from an anonymous caller who told officers where to find the stolen safe, a report at the Blacksburg Police Department states.
After a search of the area along Possum Trot Road, Police Chief Jamie Ham and Sgt. Wayne Meredith recovered the safe, which had been thrown over an embankment near a bridge.
The investigation is continuing and more arrests may be made, Ham said Sunday.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
http://www.gaffneyledger.com/
Gaffney, South Carolina

November 26, 2004

Jones – Phillips

Hyacinth Luchand Jones of Gaffney and Albert Bradley Phillips of Spartanburg announce their engagement.
Miss Jones is the daughter of Lucious and Mary Jones of Gaffney and granddaughter of the Rev. and Mrs. L.C. Knuckles of Gaffney, Laberta Jones of Seneca and the late John Jones. A 1992 graduate of Gaffney High School, she received a B.S. degree in business administration from Limestone College in 2000 and received her business education certification from Converse College. She is in her final year at Gardner-Webb University, pursuing a master’s of arts degree in school administration. She is employed as a business education teacher at Gaffney High School.
Mr. Phillips is the son of Shirley Goodman of Spartanburg and the late Albert Goodman. A 1988 graduate of Spartanburg High School, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a corporal for four years and was a squad leader in the Combat Unit at Camp LeJeuene. While serving as a Marine, he received an Heroic Achievement Award in 1991 for his duties and bravery in Operation Desert Storm. He attended Anderson College and graduated from the South Carolina Police Academy in Columbia. He is a state level body builder and is employed as a detective by the Blacksburg Police Department.
The couple will be married on December 26 at Shady Grove Baptist Church.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
http://www.gaffneyledger.com/
Gaffney, South Carolina

November 15, 2004

Blacksburg Mulls what to do about Skateboarders

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

Just because they have four wheels doesn’t mean they’re welcome on Blacksburg’s streets. There’s similar sentiment about the use of skateboards on the town’s sidewalks.
Several Blacksburg businesses and citizens have voiced their concerns recently to Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham about the damage caused by the skateboards being used in parking lots and across the porches of churches. There’s also concern about the safety of the youngsters who are riding the skateboards on the streets, some of whom ride them in traffic.
“I’ve probably received about 10 phone calls in the past three weeks,” Ham said, adding that he stopped a couple of children recently who were riding in and out of traffic. “We don’t have anything on the books to prohibit them from doing it.”
Mayor David Hogue agreed that it was an issue of safety for the children as well as the town’s senior citizens who walk along the sidewalks.
Because many of the skateboarders are juveniles, Ham suggested during last week’s town council meeting that parents be held accountable for their children.
“I would like to see some way of holding the parents responsible. It’s a lack of supervision,” he said.
Ham provided copies of the City of Gaffney’s ordinance banning skateboarding as background for council.
Council will consider the adoption of a new ordinance after hearing from town attorney, Larry Flynn.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
http://www.gaffneyledger.com/
Gaffney, South Carolina

November 8, 2004

Motorist Charged with DUI, Leaving Scene of Accident

By Scott Powell
Ledger Staff Writer

A Blacksburg man was killed Friday night by a drunk driver, police said.
Yul Lamar Black, 36, of 141 Black Road, was walking in the southbound lane on Charleston Street in Blacksburg when he was struck from behind at 8:50 p.m., said Lance Cpl. Bryan McDougald of the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Black was pronounced dead at the scene.
Anthony D. Elliott, 23, of 361 Whites Farm Road in Blacksburg is charged with driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident involving death, McDougald said. Elliott was traveling south in a 1988 Ford pickup truck when he drove up behind Black and struck the pedestrian.
Elliott left the scene following the accident, McDougald said. Elliott was arrested later that evening by the South Carolina Highway Patrol with the help of the Blacksburg Police Department.
This has been a deadly weekend on South Carolina highways. Statewide, the South Carolina Highway Patrol has reported 18 fatalities since Friday morning.

SPARTANBURG HERALD-JOURNAL (on-line version)
http://www.GoUpstate.com/
Spartanburg, South Carolina

Posted on-line November 04, 2004

Blacksburg Official Seeks Annexation of Highway 29 School for Safety's Sake

By Lynne Powell, Cherokee County Bureau

Blacksburg Town Administrator Trudy Martin fears it could take longer than a few minutes for police officers to respond to Blacksburg Primary School in the event of an emergency.
She hopes to remedy the situation by annexing the new school and adjacent properties.
The school, located on Highway 29, opened this year and is the only Blacksburg school not within the town limits.
The school relies on protection from Sheriff's deputies rather than Blacksburg town police, who are stationed just a few miles away.
It is also the only Blacksburg school without a school resource officer provided by the Blacksburg Police Department and funded by grants.
Martin said she and other town leaders would canvass the seven homes between the town limits and the school to gain support for annexing the homes, property and school.
Martin expects to know before the beginning of 2005 whether 75 percent of the home and property owners, the percentage required by law, agree to the annexation. If so, they would sign a petition that would be forwarded to the U.S. Department of Justice for approval.
The entire process could take six months, Martin said.
In addition to city police protection, home and property owners would receive roadside debris pickup. Those who purchase their water from the city would see water rates drop by 50 percent in exchange for city taxes.
"The biggest thing is city police protection," Martin said. "I think the Blacksburg Police could get to the school, in case of an emergency, faster than a Sheriff's deputy," who could be at the other end of the county.
The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office has five officers on duty each shift, and they are located in zones throughout the county.

SPARTANBURG COUNTY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Spartanburg County's 7th Circuit Solicitor Press Release
http://www.co.spartanburg.sc.us/govt/depts/sol/james_mickles.htm

Posted on October 11, 2004

Gaffney Man Receives 30-Year Prison Sentence for Domestic Killing

A Gaffney man waited until the start of his murder trial this morning before deciding that he would admit that he shot his girlfriend to death.
After the Cherokee County jury was selected, James Wade Mickles, 50, of 396 Floyd Baker Blvd., pleaded guilty to murder before Circuit Judge Roger Couch. He admitted to shooting Sadie Mae Hemphill, 41, of Blacksburg, to death on June 13, 2004.
Couch sentenced Mickles to serve 30 years in prison. Deputy Solicitor Donnie Willingham didn’t offer any sentencing recommendations. Mickles must serve every day of the prison sentence.
“For practical purposes, this is a life sentence,” Willingham said. “The case had a great resolution. It keeps the Hemphill family from having to relive this tragedy at trial. Mr. Mickles is also receiving a punishment that is richly deserved.”
Blacksburg police found Hemphill when they responded to a shooting call about 5:30 p.m. at her Whisonant Street home. Hemphill was lying on her kitchen floor with a gunshot wound to her shoulder.
A witness identified Mickles as the shooter and he told authorities that he drove off in a white Nissan Maxima. He threw the 9mm gun out of a car window before police stopped his car minutes later. Police were able to recover the murder weapon. Mickles also admitted his guilt during a post-arrest interview with Blacksburg police.
Hemphill died later in the evening at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.

SPARTANBURG HERALD-JOURNAL (on-line version)
http://www.GoUpstate.com/
Spartanburg, South Carolina

Posted on-line August 13, 2004

Cherokee Deputy Honored by Peers
By Lynne Powell, Cherokee County Bureau

GAFFNEY -- It didn't take long for Cherokee County Sheriff's deputy Todd Parker to prove himself.
Parker, a 27-year-old deputy who's described by his peers as levelheaded and soft-spoken, received the Solicitor's Award of Excellence during a banquet Thursday evening.
Solicitor Trey Gowdy presented the award, which is voted on by a committee of Cherokee County law enforcement officers.
Parker began his law enforcement career as a detention officer in 1997. In 2000, Sheriff Bill Blanton hired Parker as a road deputy.
For the past three years, Parker has captured the DUI Award given by the Cherokee County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission to the officer in each department who makes the most DUI arrests.
During the three-year period, Parker has made more than 150 DUI arrests.
Not only does Parker have the most arrests, he boasts almost a perfect drunk driving conviction rate.
"(Parker) is a hardworking police officer," said Sheriff's Captain Mike Fowlkes, the first recipient of the Solicitor's Award. "In every case he works, he gives 100 percent -- from beginning to end."
When Sheriff Blanton learned Parker's peers had selected him to receive the award, Blanton said the committee couldn't have made a better choice.
"Todd is persistent and relentless," Gowdy said. "On a daily basis, he does a difficult job and makes it look easy."
In addition to a plaque and certificate of achievement, Parker received a certificate that allows him the use of a BMW for three days. Fairway Outdoor Advertising will also unveil a billboard to recognize Parker and the upcoming award winner from Spartanburg.

Other officers who were nominated by their departments to receive the award were Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham, Highway Patrol Corporal B.J. Albert and Lt. Bobby Dover of the Gaffney Police Department.

The solicitor also recognized the achievements of two reserve officers who died during the last year.
Family members of Sheriff's Reserve Officer Captain Gene Turney, a volunteer who served countless hours serving civil papers and transporting prisoners, accepted a plaque on Turney's behalf.
Turney began working with the Sheriff's Office as a constable in 1984 and was named a reserve deputy in 1991.
Turney oversaw the inmate weekender program and helped remodel the Sheriff's Office and the construction of the department's crime lab.
Gowdy also recognized the family members of Gaffney City Major Bobby Duncan, who was described as an officer who wore many hats in the community -- one who poured his heart and soul into Gaffney.
During Duncan's 37 years of service to the department, he headed the reserve officer program, taught self-defense courses and headed the city police officer's Adopt-A-Highway program.
He also volunteered for the city's fingerprint identification program for young children.
The banquet was sponsored by various businesses to show their appreciation for law enforcement officers.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
http://www.gaffneyledger.com/
Gaffney, South Carolina

Friday, August 06, 2004

Man Avoids Train but not Police on High Speed Trip Through Blacksburg -
Stolen Vehicle Being Driven at 83 MPH Through Town's Streets

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

Blacksburg police arrested a North Carolina man Tuesday after he allegedly led officers on a chase through the town, reaching speeds of more than 80 miles per hour and narrowly avoiding being struck by a train.
Bobby D. Ogle, 33, of Albemarle is charged with failure to stop for a blue light, driving under the influence, having no South Carolina driver's license and possession of stolen goods.
Police said Ogle was driving a stolen vehicle at speeds between 75 and 83 mph through the town's streets, which is a designated 35 mph zone.
Blacksburg Officer Peter McBride had set up a stationary radar speed enforcement location at Cherokee Street and Hill Street when he clocked the red Chevrolet Cavalier being driven east on Cherokee Street at 54 mph, a report at the Blacksburg Police Department states.
McBride attempted to stop the vehicle driven by Ogle at Cherokee and Rutherford streets at 7:45 p.m., but Ogle allegedly attempted to evade police and accelerated, turning onto Rutherford Street. Police continued the pursuit on Pine and Shelby Streets, running a stop sign at Ramseur and South Shelby streets, the report states.
Police said Ogle nearly struck McBride's patrol car when Ogle made a turn onto Reynolds Street, where he ran another stop sign at Rutherford Street. Ogle also ran three more stop signs on Rutherford Street at Pine, Lime and Cherokee Streets, according to the report.
With other officers joining the pursuit, police continued the chase onto Rutherford Street towards the railroad tracks at Church Street where the railroad crossing arms were lowered, police said.
Ogle drove his vehicle through the crossing arms, damaging them and narrowly missing the oncoming train. Police were forced to stop at the crossing to wait for the train.
After the train passed, McBride found the vehicle abandoned at Williams Street. A witness told police two people inside the vehicle fled into a nearby wooded area towards Bailey's Fish Camp on Shelby Street.
Lt. G. Spencer of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office detained the occupants near Williams Street, the report states. The Blacksburg canine unit responded to the scene to search the surrounding areas after Spencer witnessed Ogle throw an object into the grass.
Police found three crack pipes that appeared to have been used, according to the report. Ogle claimed all three of the pipes, police said.
Officers also discovered Ogle's driver's license had been suspended in North Carolina and that the vehicle had been reported stolen.
Ogle refused to take a breathalyzer test, according to the report.
A female passenger in the vehicle was released after she gave police a statement about the incident, police said.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
http://www.gaffneyledger.com/
Gaffney, South Carolina

Friday, August 06, 2004

Man Accused of Sexual Assault is Ordered Held Without Bond

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

Bond was denied Thursday for a man accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old Blacksburg woman just after midnight Wednesday.
Jeffrey Degree, 35, of 409 E. Junior High Road, Gaffney, is charged with 1st degree criminal sexual conduct and kidnapping in warrants signed by Sgt. G.W. Meredith of the Blacksburg Police Department.
Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham spoke on behalf of the victim during the bond hearing. He said the teen had endured a physical and emotional ordeal.
"The trauma the victim went through is unreal," Ham said. "She wants to move (relocate) as a result of this incident... to get to where she is able to sleep at night again."
The victim told police a black man approached her while she was sitting in a walkway near Chestnut Hills Apartments at 206 E. Clairborne St. and asked to use her telephone because he was locked out, a report at the Blacksburg Police Department states. When the woman walked into her apartment, the man followed her, shut the door and locked it, police said.
The woman told police the assailant grabbed her by the throat and threw her to her couch, where he forced her to have sex with him.
The victim kicked her assailant in the face and tore out two earrings from his left ear as she struggled, police said.
Police claim Degree was that assailant and that he took the woman's portable phone, left the apartment and walked to an apartment across the street.
Police said officers questioned the occupant of that apartment and the tenant advised police that Degree, who had already left, called her apartment from the victim's apartment.
Degree was located and arrested at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Ham requested bond be denied because of the nature of the crime. He said he feels Degree is a threat to the public.
A conviction of 1st-degree criminal sexual conduct and kidnapping each carries a potential sentence of 30 years.

SPARTANBURG HERALD-JOURNAL (on-line version)
http://www.GoUpstate.com/
Spartanburg, South Carolina

Posted on-line August 05, 2004

Woman Accuses Man of Sexual Assault

A North Carolina man has been charged with criminal sexual conduct after a woman claims the man assaulted her inside her apartment.
Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham said the woman was sitting outside her Chestnut Hills apartment around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday when 36-year-old Jeffrey Degree of Charlotte approached her, asking to use her telephone.
The woman walked inside to retrieve her phone when Degree allegedly followed her and locked the door behind him, Ham said.
The alleged victim said Degree then sexually assaulted her, the chief said.
Ham said police have gathered physical evidence showing Degree was the perpetrator and the woman identified him in a police lineup.
A magistrate will set a bond for Degree sometime today.

SPARTANBURG COUNTY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Spartanburg County's 7th Circuit Solicitor Press Release
http://www.co.spartanburg.sc.us/govt/depts/sol/james_mickles.htm

Posted in 2004

Gaffney Man Receives 30-Year Prison Sentence for Domestic Killing

A Gaffney man waited until the start of his murder trial this morning before deciding that he would admit that he shot his girlfriend to death.
After the Cherokee County jury was selected, James Wade Mickles, 50, of 396 Floyd Baker Blvd., pleaded guilty to murder before Circuit Judge Roger Couch. He admitted to shooting Sadie Mae Hemphill, 41, of Blacksburg, to death on June 13, 2004.
Couch sentenced Mickles to serve 30 years in prison. Deputy Solicitor Donnie Willingham didn’t offer any sentencing recommendations. Mickles must serve every day of the prison sentence.
"For practical purposes, this is a life sentence," Willingham said. "The case had a great resolution. It keeps the Hemphill family from having to relive this tragedy at trial. Mr. Mickles is also receiving a punishment that is richly deserved."
Blacksburg police found Hemphill when they responded to a shooting call about 5:30 p.m. at her Whisonant Street home. Hemphill was lying on her kitchen floor with a gunshot wound to her shoulder.
A witness identified Mickles as the shooter and he told authorities that he drove off in a white Nissan Maxima. He threw the 9mm gun out of a car window before police stopped his car minutes later. Police were able to recover the murder weapon. Mickles also admitted his guilt during a post-arrest interview with Blacksburg police.
Hemphill died later in the evening at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.

SPARTANBURG HERALD-JOURNAL (on-line version)
http://www.GoUpstate.com/
Spartanburg, South Carolina

Posted on-line on June 15, 2004

Boyfriend Confesses in Murder Case -
POLICE CHIEF: Mickles Caught in Gaffney After Killing Hemphill

By Lynne Powell, Cherokee County Bureau

BLACKSBURG -- A Gaffney man confessed Monday to shooting his girlfriend of four years at her home Sunday afternoon.
Sadie Mae Hemphill, 41, of 109 Whisonant St. died Sunday evening from her injuries.
Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham said 49-year-old James Mickles of 396 E. Floyd Baker Blvd. shot Hemphill in her upper body with a pistol after an argument at Hemphill's home about 5:15 p.m.
Mickles then fled the scene, but he was located by Cherokee County sheriff's deputies a short time later near Ford Road in Gaffney.
"When (Mickles) saw the blue lights, he tossed the gun out of his window, but he took us back later and showed us where to find the gun," Ham said.
Hemphill was airlifted to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. Mickles is cooperating with police and gave a written statement confessing to the shooting, Ham said. Witnesses at the home already had identified Mickles as the assailant, Ham said.
Hemphill was a food service employee at Limestone College and was the mother of two sons, a 16-year-old and a 24-year-old, her sister Cerecia Hemphill said.
"She was a good person, someone you'd like to meet," Cerecia said. "She loved her family." Mickles had a previous conviction for assaulting Hemphill last year. According to court records, Mickles pleaded guilty to the charge on Jan. 23. The charge stemmed from a Nov. 27 incident where Hemphill told police Mickles hit and choked her before throwing her on the ground.
Mickles remains at the Cherokee County Detention Center, awaiting a bond hearing.
A circuit court judge must set bond on the murder charge.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Monday, June 14, 2004

Gaffney Man Arrested in Blacksburg Woman's Death

BLACKSBURG, S.C. (AP) - A Gaffney man has been arrested and charged with the shooting death of a woman at her home here, police said.
James Wade Mickles, 49, has been charged with murder in the death of Satie Mae Hemphill.
Police were called to Hemphill's home about 5:25 p.m. Sunday. Officer Matthew Gordon said he found Hemphill on the kitchen floor with a gunshot wound to the shoulder.
She was flown to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, where she died a short time later.
Hemphill's son told police his mother and Mickles had argued before the shooting.
Mickles was arrested by Cherokee County sheriff's deputies in a traffic stop a short time later.
Mickles and Hemphill had been involved in a relationship for about four years, Police Chief Jamie Ham said.

© 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

SPARTANBURG HERALD-JOURNAL (on-line version)
http://www.GoUpstate.com/
Spartanburg, South Carolina

Posted on-line May 13, 2004

Two People Suspected of Impersonating Police Officers, Entering Home

By Lynne Powell, Cherokee County Bureau

BLACKSBURG - Police Chief Jamie Ham warned Cherokee County residents Wednesday of two people who are impersonating police officers to gain entry into homes.
Ham said a black man and woman, one wearing a badge around her neck and the other dressed in a quasi-police uniform, went to a Lime Street home on Friday asking questions about an alleged bank robbery.
Once inside, the couple identified themselves as police from Columbia, and locked the doors to the residence. The couple began searching the home and took money from the woman's purse and stole a .22-caliber pistol, Ham said.
The couple then left in a green Jaguar.
"These people were not police officers," Ham said. "If you're ever unsure whether someone is an officer, call 911. They have two-way communication with every officer and can verify a search." Ham said any officer conducting a search should be armed with a "consent to search" form or a search warrant. Also, all officers in Blacksburg should be in marked police vehicles. The man was described as about 6 feet tall, between 30 and 35 years old and wearing a light gray police shirt with slacks.
The woman was described as 6 feet 3 inches tall, between 25 and 30 years old, and wearing a red velvet dress with four gold necklaces and a badge around her neck.
Anyone with information on these suspects should call the Blacksburg Police Department at 839-2331.

SPARTANBURG HERALD-JOURNAL (on-line version)
http://www.GoUpstate.com/
Spartanburg, South Carolina

March 25, 2004

Bond Denied for Man Accused of Setting House on Fire

By Lynne Powell, Cherokee County Bureau

BLACKSBURG -- A magistrate has denied bond for a man police say set fire to his own home.
Police and firefighters were called around 11:35 p.m. Monday to the home of David Dean Roark, 57, at 513 South Shelby St. Witnesses told police Roark attempted to commit suicide by setting his home on fire, an incident report states.
Roark's son, Davy, told police that his father started a fire in the fireplace using old clothes and gas or kerosene. Davy was able to extinguish the fire, but his father made his way back into the home and locked the door.
Police said David Roark then threw a quilt into the fireplace and by the time Davy came back into the home, the fire was out of control.
One room was completely destroyed by the fire and other parts of the home sustained water and smoke damage. The damage to the home is listed on the report as $25,000.
Police located David Roark at a North Carolina home. He was then transported back to Blacksburg where he gave a statement saying he didn't intentionally set the home on fire.
When officers asked Roark why he didn't attempt to extinguish the blaze, he said he was going to lose his home anyway, the report states.
Roark also burned his clothing, the report states.
Roark told officers he was angry because he had medical bills he couldn't pay.
Roark has been charged with arson and must request a bond from a circuit court judge.
If convicted, Roark faces up to 15 years in prison.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
http://www.gaffneyledger.com/
Gaffney, South Carolina

Wednesday, March 10, 2004

Abe Joins Blacksburg Police Force

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

With the help of donations from Blacksburg businesses, the Blacksburg Police Department recently added a drug-sniffing Labrador retriever to its force. Abe, the 15-month-old full-blooded Lab, officially went to work last week with his trainer, Officer Matt Gordon.

The Blacksburg Police Department recently purchased a full-blooded Labrador retriever to work as a drug-sniffing K-9 unit with the city's police force.
Abe, the 15-month-old Lab, was purchased from K-9 Consultants in Inman with the help of donations from 11 Blacksburg businesses.
Blacksburg police felt a K-9 unit on the force would be beneficial in helping to curb drug problems in the community and schools and approached the town's businesses in hopes of raising the money.
"I'm excited," said Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham on Friday. "I believe it's going to be another tool we can use to help the Town of Blacksburg."
Abe started his service in Blacksburg last week after he trained for 12 weeks alone and another two weeks alongside his handler, Matt Gordon of the Blacksburg Police Department. The two trained around the Inman, Spartanburg and Greer areas in places like abandoned schools and buildings.
Abe can detect marijuana, methamphetamine, crack, crank, powder cocaine and hashish.
Gordon said he will be working Abe in the Blacksburg schools and as needed by the police force as well as with the Cherokee County Metro Narcotics Unit.
Ernie Livingston of Herbie's Fireworks, M&W Clearing, Gordon Mortuary, Glenn London Realty, Tony Blanton of Blanton Landscaping, Ted Darr, Cline Gore III, Burns Chevrolet-Olds, First National Bank of the Carolinas, Wallace White Pontiac-Buick-GMC and Wilson Florist contributed.

SPARTANBURG HERALD-JOURNAL (on-line version)
http://www.GoUpstate.com/
Spartanburg, South Carolina

March 10, 2004

Safety Locks Being Made Available to Gun Owners

By Lynne Powell, Cherokee County Bureau

In an effort to protect children in the homes of gun owners, Gaffney and Blacksburg police departments are giving away cable gunlocks to the public.
The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and Blacksburg Police Department have the locks, along with safety brochures, available now.
The Gaffney Police Department will distribute the locks they received through Project ChildSafe Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Gunlocks also are available at the Spartanburg Public Safety office, the Spartanburg and Union County Sheriff's Office and the Union Police Department.
The Department of Justice awarded Project ChildSafe, a division of Project HomeSafe, a $50 million grant to distribute the cable locks in all 50 states.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation developed the project.
Since its inception in September 2003, about 256,500 gunlocks have been distributed to South Carolinians. Six million safety kits have been distributed in 35 states.
"The goal is to prevent a child or any other unauthorized person from accessing a firearm in your home," said Gaffney Police Chief John O'Donald.

THE CHEROKEE CHRONICLE
http://www.the-chronicle.com/
Gaffney, South Carolina

Thursday, February 05, 2004

Blacksburg Police Apprehend Suspects from N.C. Charged with Kidnapping

By Jim Holland
News Editor

Following a high speed chase on Monday, Blacksburg Police arrested three North Carolina residents who allegedly were involved in a kidnapping and carjacking in Gaston County.
Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham identified the three as 33-year-old Jerry Wayne Phillips of Shelby, 21-year-old Kara Michelle Notorio of Gastonia [WEBMASTER’S CORRECTIVE NOTE: Notorio, who was the victim in this case, was mistakenly listed by the Chronicle as one of the perpetrators. The actual suspect was 23-year-old Cynthia Elaine Humphries of Kings Mountain, N.C.] and 22-year-old Latonya Adale Hulcey of Lowell.
An incident report indicates that Blacksburg Officer Peter McBride observed a 1999 Honda with a defective headlight traveling at an “excessive speed”. McBride activated his blue lights and sirens, but the vehicle failed to stop and traveled north on I-85. Officer Matt Gordon joined the pursuit. The vehicle traveled to the Kings Mountain National Park and wrecked. Officer Eric [CORRECTIVE NOTE: Derrick] Greer arrived at the scene to assist. National Park Service Police were also dispatched to the scene.
Phillips and Hulcey were taken into custody at the scene and Humphries fled the scene, but was later apprehended by National Park Service employees.
Chief Ham said the three are alleged to have taken the car at knifepoint in Gaston County.
Phillips was charged by Blacksburg Police with possession of a stolen vehicle, DUI, failure to stop and having no driver’s license. Hulcey and Humphries were both charged with possession of a stolen vehicle. They were being held at the Cherokee County Detention Center pending bond. Gaston County Authorities have seven warrants against the three charging all with kidnapping, carjacking and cruelty to an animal and other charges.
Ham said the victim had a dog with her when the car was taken which was thrown from the vehicle at some point. Ham says he understood that the dog was not seriously injured.