THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Friday, December 29, 2006

Purse Snatcher Suspect Arrested

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

A Blacksburg woman arrested recently is considered a suspect in a string of purse thefts.
Peggy Jones Mullinax, 28, of 108 Glenwood Drive, Blacksburg, is charged with breaking and entering a motor vehicle.
Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham said additional charges against Mullinax might be forthcoming.
"She is the suspect in at least nine of these types of cases that have occurred in the town limits," Ham said. "She is also a suspect in other jurisdictions, specifically Spartanburg and Cleveland counties."
Brandy Hager, 33, of Blacksburg told police she noticed a white woman standing beside her truck with her (Hager’s) purse in her hand when she came out of the Blacksburg Post Office at 1:35 p.m. on Dec. 19, a report at the Blacksburg Police Department states.
Hager told police she snatched her purse from the woman and asked her what she was doing. The woman said she thought the truck was her brother’s and she was getting her sister-in-law’s purse, the report states.
The woman got into a gold Dodge Caravan and took off. The victim called 9-1-1 and attempted to follow her, but lost her at Medifare on Pine Street, police said.
Police were able to use a license plate number and vehicle description obtained by the victim to help identify the woman as Mullinax, the report states.

THE AIKEN STANDARD
Aiken, South Carolina
www.aikenstandard.com/news

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Man has Apparent Seizure, Drowns

GAFFNEY (AP) — A 26-year-old Blacksburg man had an apparent seizure and drowned in a barrel used for raising goldfish, authorities said.
The family of Steven Christopher Vinesett said they returned home around 7:30 p.m. Saturday and found the upper part of his body submerged in a 55-gallon barrel on the porch, Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham said.
Authorities are awaiting for toxicology results before deciding what made Vinesett drown in the barrel, but Ham said Vinesett's body looked like he had a seizure and the family said he had not taken his seizure medicine that day.
Nothing was missing from the home and there were no signs of foul play, Ham said.

THE HERALD
Rock Hill, South Carolina

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Blacksburg Man Drowns After Apparent Seizure

GAFFNEY - A 26-year-old Blacksburg man had an apparent seizure and drowned in a barrel used for raising goldfish, authorities said.
The family of Steven Christopher Vinesett said they returned home around 7:30 p.m. Saturday and found the upper part of his body submerged in a 55-gallon barrel on the porch, Blacksburg police said.
Authorities are awaiting for toxicology results before deciding what made Vinesett drown in the barrel, but police said Vinesett's body looked like he had a seizure and the family said he had not taken his seizure medicine that day.

THE SUN NEWS
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Drowning in Barrel Tied to Possible Seizure

GAFFNEY — A 26-year-old Blacksburg man had an apparent seizure and drowned in a barrel used for raising goldfish, authorities said.
The family of Steven Christopher Vinesett said they returned home around 7:30 p.m. Saturday and found the upper part of his body submerged in a 55-gallon barrel on the porch, Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham said.
Authorities are awaiting for toxicology results before deciding what caused Vinesett's drowning, but Ham said Vinesett's body looked as if he had a seizure and the family said he had not taken his seizure medicine that day.
Nothing was missing from the home and there were no signs of foul play, Ham said.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Man Drowns in Goldfish Barrel

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

The death of a 26-year-old Blacksburg man who drowned Saturday appears to be accidental.
Cherokee County Deputy Coroner Glenn Fuller pronounced Steven Christopher Vinesett of 108 S. York St., Blacksburg, dead at his home.
Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham said Vinesett’s family returned home at 7:30 p.m. after a day of fishing at Lake Murray and found Vinesett head-first in a 55-gallon drum of water in which the family raised goldfish.
Ham said his office will wait for toxicology results before making a final ruling on the death, but he said it appears accidental and might have been the result of a seizure. He said Vinesett was found lying on the porch with the upper portion of his body submerged in a barrel on the corner of the porch as if he had suffered a seizure. A chair had been knocked over.
Authorities said they do not believe he had taken prescribed medication that day.
"There’s no indication of foul play and there doesn’t appear to be anything missing," Ham said. "I contacted Sheriff Bill Blanton to assist in the investigation and (crime scene investigator) Jimmy Henson and (detective) Richard Duckett responded and processed the scene for us."
Vinesett is the son of Steven Lamar Mullinax of Edgefield and Michelle Rene Vinesett Duncan of the home. He is survived by four brothers and a sister.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Monday, December 18, 2006

Town Council

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

Council also voted to name Blacksburg Officer Al Phillips as assistant chief of the department. Phillips, who joined the Blacksburg Police Department in August 1999, began working with the Cherokee County Metro Narcotics Unit four years ago. Phillips is the first black undercover narcotics agent in Cherokee County. Phillips served in the Marines and received many citations for his service during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
“We feel it’s time to honor him as one of our officers and bring him back,” Hogue said. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office will hold a position open on the multijurisdictional narcotics unit for a Blacksburg officer.
The Blacksburg Police Department will also join with Gaffney Police and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department in applying for a grant to fund in-car computer laptops with access to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
Council also directed Police Chief Jamie Ham and Town Administrator Danny McDaniel to study the benefits of having a city judge, possibly part-time, in Blacksburg. Hogue said the magistrate judge position would remain as is.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Friday, December 15, 2006

Officers Honored for DUI Fight

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

The Miracle Hill Ministries Overcomer’s Program delivered a religious and patriotic message during a luncheon honoring local police officers for their fight against drunk driving.
The Overcomer’s program at the Greenville Rescue Mission is a 27-week addiction recovery program with a 12-step Christian-based curriculum. The program is free and consists of four phases including spiritual foundations, inner healing, building healthy relationships and life planning.
The men sang songs like “Victory in Jesus” and “God Bless America” and shared their testimonies.
One of the members told of his addiction to crystal methamphetamine.
“It makes you think you are invincible, but it’s eating away at you from the inside,” he said.
Another participant in the Overcomer’s program talked about throwing away a career as a police officer in Montgomery, Ala., for an addiction to cocaine.
“If it wasn’t for my cocaine addiction, I wouldn’t be where I am with the Lord. I’m totally dependent on Him and not myself,” he said.
The event, which recognizes the officers who have made the most drunk driving arrests during the past year, was sponsored by the S.C. Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP) and the Cherokee County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
Lance Cpl. Stephen Poole of the S.C. Highway Patrol had the most drunk driving arrests of all officers in the county with 65. He has been with the Highway Patrol for five years and has won the award four times.
Sgt. Steve Mueller presented the award to Poole and pointed out that the only year Poole did not receive the award was the year he suffered a work-related injury and was out on medical leave. Mueller said Poole returned to work and came within two arrests of having the most drunk driving arrests that year.
“You never know the number of lives Poole, and other officers, have saved by taking these drunk drivers off the road,” Mueller said. “Thanks for a great job.”
Cherokee County Sheriff Bill Blanton announced the recipient of the ADSAP award for having the most drunk driving arrests in the county was Sgt. Todd Parker, who was recently promoted. Parker has won the award five years in a row and has been with the sheriff’s office for 10 years. He made 38 arrests.
Another repeat award winner was Gaffney Police Master Patrol Officer Johnny Miller, who has received the ADSAP twice while working in Gaffney and once while working in Blacksburg. Capt. Brooks Allison said Miller had 18 drunk driving arrests.
Sgt. Charles Reynolds of the Blacksburg Police Department announced Patrol Officer Carl Clark as the officer with the most drunk driving arrests for the Town of Blacksburg. Clark was unable to attend the luncheon.
For more information on the Overcomer’s Program, call (864) 242-6933 or visit the Miracle Hill Web site at: www.MiracleHill.org

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

December 2006

Phillips Asst. Chief at Blacksburg

By Jim Holland
News Editor

Blacksburg Town Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to promote officer Al Phillips to Assistant Chief of Police.
Phillips was serving as a member of the Metro Narcotics Unit until his promotion. Chief Jamie Ham says Phillips is expected to begin his new duties on Monday.
Sheriff Bill Blanton has agreed to hold the narcotics slot open until Blacksburg authorities determine if the town will name a replacement.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Blacksburg Police Investigate Robbery

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

Blacksburg police were able to lift 10 fingerprints from the scene of an armed robbery Saturday night, a report at the Blacksburg Police Department states.
The Corner Mart, 1012 N. Mountain St., Blacksburg, was robbed at gunpoint at 10:11 p.m.
A clerk told police a white man approximately 6 feet tall and wearing a dark coat entered the store and went to the restroom. When he came out, he approached the clerk and put his right hand in his coat pocket as if he was holding a pistol. The robber told the clerk he didn't want to hurt her, but to give him the money, police said.
After giving him $156, he told her to go to the back of the store. When she did, he left the store.
Lt. Zeb Starnes of the Blacksburg Police Department lifted the prints from the scene and obtained the store videotape. The investigation is continuing.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

November 01, 2006

Gotcha!

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

Blacksburg police used DNA evidence to make an arrest in connection with an incident that occurred in July.
Thomas Lewis Parks, 36, of Gastonia, N.C., is charged with attempted burglary.
Blacksburg Police Officer Andy Walker was patrolling at 2:15 a.m. July 23 when he noticed the front door at Mac's Quick Stop had been shattered, a report at the Blacksburg Police Department states. Officers found a red landscaping brick, believed to have been used to break the door glass, laying beside the bottom of the door, the report states. A railroad spike was found a few feet away in the parking lot.
Police said the suspect did not enter the convenience store at 201 N. Mountain St. However, the glass in the door near the lock was pulled outward. Police retrieved a drop of blood and small bits of skin from the glass at the lock and processed the evidence for DNA, which was matched to Parks, according to the report.
The break-in caused $175 damage. The business is owned by Marvin Butch McAbee.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

October 27, 2006

Wanted Man Arrested Sunday

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

A man wanted on bench warrants was arrested during a traffic stop Sunday, a report at the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office states.
Edward Calvin Jacobs, 40, of 415 Milliken Road, Blacksburg, is charged with 2nd-offense driving under suspension and two Magistrate Court bench warrants.
Deputy Brian Mullinax of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office arrested Jacobs on the bench warrants after Jacobs was stopped by a Blacksburg police officer on Hwy. 5 at 10:30 p.m. The deputy then ran Jacobs' name and discovered Jacobs' license had been suspended.

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

Saturday, October 7, 2006

School Janitor Accused of Assault

A Blacksburg Elementary School janitor has been accused of assault after police say she grabbed a fifth-grade student by the arm and warned her not to talk with her son.
Blacksburg police charged Beth Judd, 39, of 789 Abingdon Road in Gaffney with simple assault and battery Wednesday afternoon. An incident report states the victim was sitting at her desk in her classroom when the janitor grabbed the girl by the arm. Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham said the janitor grabbed the girl after her son and the girl were involved in an earlier disagreement.
Judd was released from the Cherokee County Detention Center Thursday on a $1,087 bond.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Friday, October 06, 2006

Janitor Arrested, Accused of Assaulting Student

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

A Blacksburg Middle School janitor has been arrested after she allegedly grabbed an 11-year-old girl at the school.
Resource Officer Bobby Stephenson has charged Beth Judd, 39, of 789 Abingdon Road, Gaffney, with simple assault and battery.
Judd turned herself in to authorities Thursday. She remained jailed late Thursday pending a bond hearing.
Police said Judd approached the girl while the girl was sitting at a desk in a classroom at Blacksburg Middle School, 402 Hardin St., at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. Judd grabbed the 5th grader by her left arm and told her she better never talk to (Judd's) son again, a report at the Blacksburg Police Department states.
According to the report, the incident occurred following a disagreement between the girl and Judd's son. The girl's parents contacted police.
Calls to Cherokee County School District Personnel Director Andy Jones were unanswered Thursday afternoon.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Monday, October 02, 2006

Police Arrest Man on 'Rash' of Warrants

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

Narcotics agents apprehended a Gaffney man Friday who had six outstanding warrants, a report at the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office states.
[Blacksburg Police Department's Narcotics] Agent Al Phillips charged Jamille "Rash" Rashad Sarratt, 23, of 308 Drucilla Drive, Gaffney, with 2nd or subsequent offense possession of marijuana and resisting arrest after arresting him at 4 p.m. at a home on Hetty Hill Street, the report states.
Sarratt was wanted by police for one count each of distributing crack cocaine and distributing crack cocaine within a half mile of a school, and two counts each of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine within a half mile of a school.
The narcotics unit arrived at the Hetty Hill Street home and Phillips went to the back of the residence. Sarratt, who was standing at the back door, turned around and ran out the front door of the house, according to the report. He was apprehended in the street in front of the home.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

September 29, 2006

Missing Man Found Dead

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

A Blacksburg man reported missing almost two weeks ago has been found dead in Lancaster County.
Police are calling the death of Mike Dennis Clanton, 43, of 235 E. Jones St., suspicious.
Clanton's parents and siblings filed a missing person report with the Blacksburg Police Department at 9 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17.
Clanton's family told police he was last seen in Pageland in Chesterfield County. According to the report, siblings said Clanton told them that he had been robbed but said Clanton didn't call police, the report states. The family also advised authorities in Chesterfield that Clanton was missing.
"We will be working closely with the other law enforcement agencies involved to ensure that no foul play occurred within our jurisdiction," said Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham.
A passer-by found Clanton's badly decomposed body Friday morning lying on an embankment in the southern part of Lancaster County. A forensic autopsy was completed Saturday in Charleston. The S.C. Law Enforcement Division identified Clanton by his fingerprints.
The cause of death is still under investigation, authorities said.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

September 20, 2006

Man Found with 21 Lortab Pills

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

Police arrested a Blacksburg man after seizing crack cocaine and Lortabs from him, according to a report at the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.
[Blacksburg Police Department's Narcotics] Agent Al Phillips of the Cherokee County Metro Narcotics Unit has charged Larry Dean Caveny, 56, of 706 N. Shelby St., with possession with intent to distribute Lortabs, possession with intent to distribute Lortabs within a half mile of a school, and possession of crack cocaine.
Caveny was arrested at 6:30 p.m. Friday while sitting in a parked car in the 100 block of Green Street in Blacksburg, within a half mile of Blacksburg Elementary, 402 Hardin St.
Phillips seized one ounce of crack cocaine and 21 pills from Caveny, the report states.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

September 06, 2006

Authorities Trying to Find Vandal(s) Who Damaged Blacksburg High Fields

By Scott Baughman
Ledger Staff Writer

Someone wanted to make tracks at the Blacksburg High School football fields last week, and so they did - with a vehicle of some kind.
Authorities have estimated that $1,500 worth of damage was done to the game field and practice field of the fighting Wildcats early Thursday morning by a truck of some kind, according to a report on file at the Blacksburg Police Department.
"We don't have a lot of information on the incident at the moment but it is under investigation," said Jim Touchberry, BHS principal. "It was very reckless and we are extremely disappointed in whoever decided to drive onto the fields and do this. We consider this a crime not only against the property but also against our program, the team and really against our whole community."
Although not damaged beyond repair, the field was in pretty bad shape for Friday night's game against Buford. Tire tracks did not deter the 'Cats though, as they won the game 34-15.
"We hope to have it looking much better by our next home game in two weeks," Touchberry added. "The practice field suffered a lot more damage, but I do know the coaches have been using it. Those are the same coaches that found the damage as they parked their cars early Thursday morning. We know the situation with the tire tracks isn't ideal, but thanks to hard work and dedication by our players, coaches and maintenance staff, they are making the best of it."
The police report states that circular patterns and tire spinning were the main cause of damage to the playing surface.
Magistrate John Queen said a conviction for malicious injury to property, the charge likely to be levied against any suspect(s) in this case, could result in serious penalties.
If the damage is estimated at less than $1,000, that's considered a misdemeanor but it is still punishable by a fine of $1,087 or 30 days in jail, plus restitution.
If the damage is more than $1,000 but less than $5,000 - which appears to be the case in this particular instance - the penalties are a fine of the court's discretion and up to five years in prison.
For a damage amount in excess of $5,000, the penalty is a fine of the court's discretion and up to 10 years in prison.
An appearance before Judge Queen probably wouldn't bode well for anyone found guilty of damaging the fields. Queen is a graduate of Blacksburg High School and played football there.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

September 04, 2006

Gaffney Man Arrested on Marijuana Charges

[Blacksburg Police Department's Narcotics] Agent Al Phillips of the Cherokee County Metro Narcotics Unit has charged Branston Lamar Bonner, 20, of 800 Hetty Hill St., Gaffney, with possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Police said Bonner had less than an ounce of marijuana on him at 1:30 a.m. Aug. 18 while at Smitty's Nightclub, 114 E. Birnie St., Gaffney.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

August 28, 2006

Undercover Sting Nets Four Arrests

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

PHOTO CAPTION: Cherokee County Metro Narcotics Agents had to tackle one Gaffney man after he ran from officers on Thursday while the agents were rounding up suspects wanted on drug distribution charges. The agents arrested four men and are searching for one more following an undercover drug operation on 4th and Sparks streets in Gaffney.

Four Gaffney men have been arrested on drug charges brought after an undercover drug operation in May, according to reports at the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.
[Blacksburg Police Department's Narcotics] Agent Al Phillips of the Cherokee County Metro Narcotics Unit has arrested the following people on charges of distribution of crack cocaine and distribution of crack cocaine within a half mile of a school: Warren B. Byers, 36, of 201 2nd Ave.; Jonathan Lamar Futrell, 19, of 153 E. Third St.; Luther Eugene Dawkins Jr., 34, of 917 Hetty Hill St.; and Christopher Lamar Dawkins, 22, of 928 N. Logan St.
Police are still looking for Jamille Rashad Sarratt, 20, of 308 Drucilla Drive, Gaffney, who is charged with three counts each of distribution of crack cocaine and distribution of crack cocaine within a half mile of a school.
Byers was arrested and accused of selling approximately an ounce of crack cocaine to an undercover police officer at 3 p.m. May 4 on 4th Street in Gaffney, according to a police report. That location is within a half mile of Mary Bramlett Elementary School.
Both Dawkins suspects are accused of selling approximately one ounce of crack cocaine to an undercover officer on 4th Street within a half mile of Mary Bramlett Elementary, police said. Luther Dawkins is accused of making the drug sale May 2 at 3 p.m.; Christopher Dawkins is alleged to have sold drugs May 25 at 6:45 p.m.
Futrell sold the officer about an ounce of crack cocaine May 4 at 3:15 p.m. on Sparks Street in Gaffney, within a half mile of the Cherokee County Alternative School on Leadmine Street, another report states.
Bond has been denied for Futrell. Byers and both Dawkins suspects remain at the Cherokee County Detention Center in lieu of $100,000 bond.
Anyone with information on Sarratt's location is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (864) 489-2746 or the sheriff's office at (864) 489-4722.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

August 16, 2006

City Committee Approves Traffic Pact

By Larry Hilliard
Ledger Staff Writer

The Gaffney Police Committee on Tuesday gave the green light to an agreement authorities claim will reduce traffic accidents and fatalities.
Following a 10-minute, closed-door presentation by a Highway Department official, the committee unanimously voted to recommend that council approve the Cherokee County Selective Traffic Enforcement Unit Agreement.
Under the pact, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Department, the Blacksburg Police Department, the S.C. Highway Patrol and the Gaffney Police Department will participate in a minimum of eight joint traffic enforcement operations, including two each within each participating agency's jurisdiction.
"The saturation teams will attempt to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities," Gaffney Administrator James Taylor said.
The agencies also agreed that:
- A commander will be selected to supervise each joint operation;
- Any assets seized as a result of the operations will be shared equally among the four participating agencies;
- Withdrawal from the agreement will be executed by written notice in 30 days;
- Joint traffic enforcement operations will be rotated among the participating jurisdictions so that all areas in the county will benefit from the enhanced traffic enforcement capability.
Gaffney City Council is expected to vote on the recommendation at its meeting Monday.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Letters to the Editor:
Police Officers Helping Make a Difference in Children's Lives

Dear Editor:
We would like to thank [Blacksburg] police officers Detective A.B. Phillips and Matt Gordon for their informative presentation at our Vacation Bible School in regards to drug abuse.
It was a compliment to our police force on their willingness to help educate children about this ongoing problem.
We recommend other churches and establishments take advantage of this wonderful illustration of what our drug task force has to offer.
Their dedication to their careers is rewarding.
We would also like to thank TransMed for their contribution and their time in giving back to the community with their knowledge.
If it changes one child's life, it will be a step to a better world tomorrow.

Beech Street Presbyterian Church

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Monday, July 3, 2006

Police Officers Will be Everywhere This Week Checking for Seat Belt Use and Getting Drunk Drivers Off the Road

[PHOTO CAPTION] S.C. Highway Patrolman Lance Cpl. Bryan McDougald (right) and Cherokee County Sheriff Bill Blanton were among local law enforcement who pleaded with motorists to buckle up, slow down and use a designated driver if they plan to drink during this holiday period. Police will be working together to conduct DUI enforcement and checkpoints, as well as operate radar patrols to catch speeders throughout Cherokee County.

[PHOTO CAPTION] Lance Cpl. A.D. Earle of the S.C. Highway Patrol demonstrates how the new "Lidar" radar can determine the speeds of vehicles more than 1,000 feet away. It also gives troopers the technology to clock motorists both in front of and behind them, and gives them an edge by allowing them to temporarily evade radar detectors.

"It makes me sad to know that somebody will die this weekend because they didn't take two seconds to buckle up," said Winnsboro's Robbin Gilbert, a member of the Family of Highway Fatalities organization, on Friday. "It ruins a family. No one realizes until they get that phone call how it changes your life forever.... My son wore his seat belt all the time. It was not characteristic for him not to wear it."
Gilbert's 19-year-old son Ryan "Ry" Foster died Dec. 1, 2005, in Florence when he was involved in a "T-bone" collision as he was pulling out onto the road.
He was not wearing his seat belt and was not traveling fast. He was ejected from his vehicle and died of massive head wounds. Gilbert said he didn't have a scratch on him below his neck.
For Gilbert, whose brother is a state trooper in Florence as well as two brothers-in-law in the Highway Patrol, raising awareness about seat belt use has become a priority.
Her theme, Remember Yours, uses the letters in her son's nickname "Ry," and reminds people to remember their family and loved ones as they get in their vehicle by buckling up.
Authorities emphasized Gilbert's message as they promoted highway safety during the busy holiday travel period by holding press conferences throughout the state. Gilbert and local police spoke to media Friday morning at Interstate 85 and Highway 221 in Spartanburg County.
Locally the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, S.C. Highway Patrol, and Gaffney and Blacksburg Police Departments will be working together in the newly formed multi-jurisdictional traffic task force to conduct check points and driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement. Officers will also be using radar on the interstate and secondary roads to slow down motorists.
"Our main goal is to get drunk drivers off the road," said Cherokee County Sheriff Bill Blanton. "I won't say what, when or where the officers will be. We are concentrating on traffic safety through July 4, but it will also be ongoing for the rest of the year."
Troopers will have improved technology this Fourth of July which they hope will slow down aggressive driving. The "Lidar" radars allow patrolmen to clock the speed of vehicles both in front and behind them and at distances of more than 1,000 feet.
It also gives troopers the ability to beat high-tech radar detectors. By pressing a pause button, the officer can wait until a vehicle is in range, release the button and determine a vehicle's speed before the radar detector has the chance to warn a driver.
The money to purchase about 80 new radars is coming from a $127,250 grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Motorists are also reminded that as of December 2005, the state's seat belt law changed allowing for primary enforcement - meaning a police officer has the authority to stop a vehicle if the officer has a clear view of someone inside the vehicle who is not properly restrained.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

June 14, 2006

Officer Dragged by Scooter While Trying to Make Arrest

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

A narcotics officer was dragged briefly behind a scooter as he was attempting to apprehend a Gaffney man who fled from police following a traffic stop.
[Blacksburg Police Department's Narcotics] Agent Al Phillips of the Cherokee County Metro Narcotics Unit has charged Scottie Eugene Norris, 28, of 131 Ruth Drive, Gaffney, with assault of a high and aggravated nature, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute Ecstasy, possession of marijuana, failure to stop for a blue light and resisting arrest.
Norris remains at the Cherokee County Detention Center after he was refused bond.
Phillips and Narcotics Agent Christy Poole attempted to stop Norris after he failed to use a turn signal, but Norris accelerated and drove through a yard despite blue lights on the officers' vehicle being activated, a report at the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office states. Police said they saw Norris throw a white bag into the yard before stopping the scooter. Norris tried to hit Phillips with the scooter but Phillips grabbed hold of the vehicle and was dragged behind it, the report states. Norris also attempted to hit Poole with the scooter, but she managed to jump out of the way before Phillips continued to chase Norris on foot and finally apprehended him, according to the report.
Police said officers seized 5.6 grams of marijuana, 3.2 grams of a yellowish crack cocaine, seven Ecstasy pills and $3,462 in cash.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

High Speed Chase Ends with Arrest

A police chase hit speeds of more than 100 mph before Blacksburg Police were able to stop a man who was driving on a suspended license, a report at the Blacksburg Police Department states.
Officer Matt Gordon has charged Norman Eugene Sipes Jr., 37, of York with failure to stop for a blue light and driving under suspension.
Sipes was operating a Harley Davidson motorcycle when Gordon attempted to stop him during a public safety checkpoint at 12:15 a.m. Thursday, the report states. Sipes accelerated past the checkpoint at Highway 198 and Mountain Street Extension and entered the southbound lane of Interstate 85, police said.
Gordon said he traveled faster than 100 mph in an attempt to stop the motorcycle by using the blue lights and siren in his patrol vehicle. After two miles, Gordon said Sipes noticed the patrol vehicle was directly behind his motorcycle and turned on his four-way flashers as he exited Interstate 85 at Highway 5.
Sipes began to slow his speed as if he intended to stop, but then began to speed back up, the report states. Gordon passed and blocked in the motorcycle, bringing Sipes to a stop. The motorcyclist was transported to Cherokee County Detention Center.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

School Locked Down During Drill

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

[PHOTO CAPTION] Members of the Sheriff's Emergency Response Team escort a student out of Blacksburg Middle School Tuesday morning during a simulated lock-down. The exercise was meant to increase safety at local schools by allowing police and education officials to practice responding to school shootings and other serious incidents.

The Sheriff's Emergency Response Team swarmed Blacksburg Middle School Tuesday morning during a simulated shooting with multiple casualties.
Several students, faculty members and officers were "shot". Two of the pretend casualties were intruders who entered the school from separate entrances and began firing blanks.
The school was locked down during the event which was conducted to improve safety at local schools. SERT members found the mock intruders, and isolated them. Upstate Carolina Medical Center medics attached to the SERT team assisted and cared for the wounded. The school was evacuated, and emergency workers attempted to account for the students and faculty. Pretend bombs were located.
"It was a good learning experience for us and the school," said Cherokee County Sheriff Bill Blanton. "Heaven forbid something like this ever happen in one of our schools, but it's better to be prepared."
"There are many different simulations that take place," Blanton continued. "For our first exercise, we thought it went well. Our evaluators critiqued the exercise, and there's always room for improvement."
Blanton said he hopes to hold at least one more simulation this year.
"This is our worst nightmare," Blacksburg Middle School Principal Virgil Hampton said referring to a shooting in the school. "Even the best laid plans seem to come unraveled when put to the test. We've had tornado and hurricane drills, but we've never done a drill like this before."
Each school has an emergency response box at two locations inside the school. The box contains the names of students and faculty, as well as release forms and PDAs containing the data. Keys to each of the classroom doors are also kept nearby in case of an emergency.
But when SERT attempted to unlock the doors to the classrooms they discovered the doors were keyed wrong, Hampton said. That issue will be addressed quickly.
"9-1-1 stayed on the phone with us the entire time," Hampton continued. "We knew exactly when and where the police department was."
The agencies involved in this simulation were the Cherokee County School District; Cherokee County Sheriff's Office SERT; Blacksburg Police Department; Blacksburg Fire Department; Upstate Carolina EMS; Cherokee County Emergency Management, and; Cherokee County E-911.
No ammunition or loaded weapons were on site during the exercise.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Coalition Being Formed in Hopes of Reducing Traffic Fatalities

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

Local police are forming a law enforcement team in hopes of reducing the number of traffic-related fatalities.
Cherokee County Sheriff Bill Blanton, Gaffney Police Chief John O'Donald, Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham and S.C. Highway Patrol Capt. M.S. Wright met Tuesday at the sheriff's office to sign an agreement to form a coalition of officers.
The local agencies will be able to work together and issue citations throughout the county, regardless of jurisdiction, when the task force is operating. Officers outside their jurisdictions cannot write tickets unless they are working with the unit.
The traffic enforcement agreement is intended to reduce the number of fatalities and raise awareness among motorists about the most common causes of deadly crashes.
Wright, commander of the Highway Patrol Troop 4 which includes Cherokee County, said there have been 73 traffic-related fatalities involving 66 crashes in the past five years.
The top traffic violations resulting in fatalities are speed, alcohol, pedestrians, failing to yield the right of way to motorists and disregarding stop signs or signals.
Interstate 85 remains the most deadly roadway in Cherokee County with 14 deaths in five years, followed by highways 18, 29 and 5. April is the deadliest month to be on Cherokee County roadways with 11 traffic-related deaths during that month over the past five years, followed by December with nine deaths during the same period.
While there have been no traffic-related fatalities this year, according to S.C. Highway Patrol statistics, the trend during recent years has not been as good. By this time last year, there had been 10 deaths on Cherokee County roads. There were 24 fatalities during 2005.
The Highway Patrol includes in its statistics accident victims who die within three days of a traffic crash. Teresa Marie Jefferies, 46, of Gaffney, died in April after being hospitalized for more than two months following a Jan. 21 accident on Corinth Road.
The unit will be out during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, also a time when the S.C. Highway Patrol increases the number of patrols its operates.
The Highway Patrol is working with law enforcement agencies in all 46 South Carolina counties to form similar units.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Under Arrest

[PHOTO CAPTION] Clyde McNeill, owner of American National Insurance Agency was "arrested" by Blacksburg Police officer Dennis Scoggins and taken to Sagebrush restaurant in order to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). McNeill raised $2,590 in his second year in "jail".

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

WHAT IF?
Emergency Personnel Perform Well in Simulated Nuclear Emergency

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

Inspectors from the Federal Emergency Management Agency arrived in Cherokee County Tuesday to test the effectiveness of the nuclear response plan and ensure guidelines are kept in case there is a nuclear emergency at the Catawba Nuclear Plant in neighboring York County.
As many as 10,000 people could need shelter in Cherokee County in the event of a nuclear disaster at the Catawba Nuclear Plant in York County.
On Tuesday, emergency personnel simulated an emergency to test response effectiveness. They were also being monitored by officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency who, every two years, tests the effectiveness of the nuclear response plan and ensures guidelines are met. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission also monitors the emergency drills.
"We are one of the host counties for the Catawba Nuclear facility," said Rick Peterson. "We do monitoring, decontamination for evacuees and provide shelter in the event of an emergency."
The Cherokee County shelter is located at Blacksburg Middle School.
In the case of an emergency, there would be numerous pickup points throughout York County where evacuees could get rides to area shelters in host counties. The Catawba Nuclear Plant is approximately 35 miles from Blacksburg.
Although the exact results of the FEMA critique will not be available for a few months, Peterson said preliminary indications were that county emergency personnel performed well.
"I'm expecting the results to be higher than most of our surrounding counties," he said. "I think it's because we train together and work together so well. We've had training every week for the past few weeks."
There are four classes of nuclear emergencies. The first class is referred to as unusual activity, either in operations or security, but poses no threat to public safety. An alert also poses no threat to public safety but could affect the level of safety at the facility. A site area emergency occurs when a major safety equipment failure or security event in the area of the reactor or the equipment used to safely shut down the reactor is affected. Area residents are advised to listen to their Emergency Alert System and local media outlets.
A general emergency is the most serious and means there is actual or imminent fuel damage or security event such as the loss of the physical control of the station. State and local authorities would then act to protect the public and alerts would be provided. A general emergency occurs when released radioactive material exceeds strict federal guidelines.
Representatives from the Blacksburg, CKC, Buffalo and Antioch fire departments assisted along with the Department of Social Services, American Red Cross, state Department of Health and Environmental Control and Department of Transportation. The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office responded with their mobile unit along with officers from the Blacksburg Police Department.

THE BLACKSBURG TIMES
Blacksburg, South Carolina
http://www.hometown-news.com

May, 2006

County Law Enforcement Officers Test Procedures at BMS

By Phyllis D. Jones
Blacksburg Times Staff Writer

As a continuing effort to ensure the safety of our schools, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Cherokee County School District held an exercise at Blacksburg Middle School on Tuesday, May 30, 2006.
The exercise simulated an intruder entering the school. Once the intruder entered, the school will performed a "lock down" and law enforcement officers responded according to current procedures. After the incident, an evacuation was simulated. According to the Sheriff’s office, no ammunition or loaded weapons were on-site during the exercise.
The agencies involved in this simulation were:
Cherokee County School District 1- Blacksburg Middle School; Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office SERT; Blacksburg Police Department; Blacksburg Fire Department; Upstate Carolina EMS; Cherokee County Emergency Management; and Cherokee County E-911. There were persons on site for evaluation purposes and to ensure safety to all persons involved.
According to Blacksburg Chief of Police Jamie Ham, the procedure was a success. "Any time you have training, it’s a learning process," he said. "You’re going to have things go wrong, and that’s the whole idea - so you can fix it." Chief Ham was on hand to observe the exercise. "This is headed up by the Sheriff’s Department; they have the manpower and equipment, and the opportunity for advanced training. It is good for us to work together like this."
The [School Resource] officers from the Blacksburg PD were Charles Reynolds, Dennis Scoggins, and Bobby Stevenson.
According to Officer [Sergeant] Reynolds, the exercise took two hours; "We didn’t know if the two intruders were students or adults. The primary task for the first four cops is to clear the building. Once the building is cleared, they located the intruders. In this exercise, we "killed" them both."
Reynolds continued, "This is the first time we’ve pulled one of these off. It was intense, and we treated it like it was the real thing. We have to be ready for this...we have babies in there..."
Sheriff Blanton entered the building shortly after the first two intruders exited.

CHEROKEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE - News Release
Gaffney, South Carolina
http://www.cherokeecountysheriff.net/latestnews052606.htm

May, 2006

Exercise to be Held at Blacksburg Middle School

As a continuing effort to ensure the safety of our schools, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and the Cherokee County School District will hold an exercise at Blacksburg Middle School on Tuesday, May 30, 2006.
This exercise will simulate an intruder entering the school. Once the intruder enters, the school will perform a "lock down" and law enforcement officers will respond according to current procedures. After the incident, an evacuation will be simulated.
The agencies involved in this simulation are:
* Cherokee County School District 1- Blacksburg Middle School
* Cherokee County Sheriff's Office SERT
* Blacksburg Police Department
* Blacksburg Fire Department
* Upstate Carolina EMS
* Cherokee County Emergency Management
* Cherokee County E-911
There will be persons on site for evaluation purposes and to ensure safety to all persons involved. No ammunition or loaded weapons will be on site during the exercise.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Monday, May 08, 2006

FOP Elects New Officers

Cherokee County Lodge No. 20 of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has elected new officers.
President is Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham; Vice-President is Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputy Harvey Owens; Second Vice-President is Blacksburg Police Officer Peter McBride; Secretary is Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Victim's Advocate and spokeswoman Leigh Caldwell; Treasurer is South Carolina Law Enforcement Division [SLED] Agent Bo Medley; and Chaplain is Blacksburg Police Officer Sgt. Charles Reynolds.
Among its many projects, FOP provides food baskets during the holidays and conducts an annual "Shop With a Cop for Christmas" event for less fortunate children.
Ham said the organization is also hoping to become more active in the local political arena this year.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Friday, April 28, 2006

Little League Money Missing

Members of the Blacksburg little league football organization have requested police investigate the group's finances.
"At the beginning of the year there was a little more than $3,000 in the account," said Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham. "Recently some checks have bounced and there should have been adequate funds. Some members of the organization have requested an investigation."
Ham said his department has obtained surveillance video of various individuals cashing checks belonging to the organization.
"Several checks were just plain inappropriately written for what appears to be personal bills and things not related to little league football," Ham said.
"We're looking at a couple of different people as potential suspects," the chief said. "We'll know more shortly. We're having a hard time getting people in for interviews, either locating them or getting some in for interviews who live out of state."
The complaint was filed April 20 at the Blacksburg Police Department by Scott Byars, the newly-elected president of the group.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Friday, April 21, 2006

Three Face Drug Charges After Police Raid Homes

The Cherokee County Metro Narcotics Unit has arrested three people following two raids at Cherokee County homes Friday, according to reports at the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.
Agent Mike Gibson has charged Kinsey Elizabeth Fowler, 22, and Enoch Antwuan Bristol, 32, both of 616 2nd Ave., Gaffney, with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and possession of marijuana. Agents said they found less than an ounce of crack cocaine and less than a pound of marijuana during an 11:20 a.m. raid at that address.
[Blacksburg Police Department's Narcotics] Agent Al Phillips has charged Steve William Cross, of 148 Wesson Road, Blacksburg, with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession with intent to distribute Lortabs. Agents said they seized 56 Lortabs and less than three pounds of marijuana from Cross' home and property during an 8 a.m. raid.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Friday, April 07, 2006

Police Briefs

[Blacksburg Police Department's Narcotics] Agent Al Phillips of the Cherokee County Metro Narcotics Unit has charged James Dean Watkins, 37, of Mooresboro, with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Lt. Zeb Starnes of the Blacksburg Police Department has also charged Watkins with having no driver's license, a report filed at the Blacksburg department states.
Police observed Watkins park his car in the parking lot of Food Lion, 1140 W. Cherokee St., Blacksburg, at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. Officers approached the vehicle and discovered Watkins did not have a driver's license. They also located three bag of methamphetamine in the man's pant's pocket, according to the reports.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Friday, April 07, 2006

Railroad Cars Back on Track Following Wednesday Accident

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

Two cars that were part of a Norfolk-Southern train derailed in Blacksburg at 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Norfolk-Southern workers were backing up a rail car when it struck another rail car on an adjacent track, causing both cars to derail, according to emergency workers at the scene. The accident occurred in the switching yard in Blacksburg between North Mountain Street Extension and North Shelby Street.
A train-mounted crane was used to re-rail the two cars, said Robin C. Chapman, public relations manager for Norfolk Southern Corporation. Neither car was seriously damaged.
Medics from Upstate Carolina Medical Center Emergency Medical Services, Blacksburg Police Department officers and Blacksburg Fire Department personnel responded.

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

Thursday, April 06, 2006

Drug Arrest

By Jim Holland
News Editor

A Mooresboro, N.C. man - 37 year old James Dean Watkins - faces a series of charges following a routine traffic stop by Blacksburg Police on Tuesday afternoon. Blacksburg Officer [WEBMASTER'S CORRECTIVE NOTE: Lieutenant] Zeb Starnes charged him with having No S.C. Driver's License. According to an incident report, Starnes found three cellophane bags containing a white crystal-like substance. [Blacksburg Police Department's] Metro Narcotics Agent A.B. Phillips charged Watkins with Possession of Meth with Intent to Distribute. Police confiscated Watkins' vehicle.
In a separate incident, Blacksburg Police charged Susan Black Leopard, 39, of Blacksburg with Possession of Crack Cocaine and No Driver's License.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Friday, March 24, 2006

Man Arrested at Car Lot

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

A Blacksburg man was arrested after someone spotted him breaking into cars at Goforth's Used Cars, 204 W. Cherokee St., Blacksburg, a report at the Blacksburg Police Department states.
Officer Carl Clark of the Blacksburg Police Department has charged Bobby Smith, 53, of 120 Green St., with possession of burglary tools and breaking into an automobile.
A witness told police he heard a window break and saw Smith in a black Chevy S10 parked at Goforth's Used Cars. The witness kept Smith on the scene until police could arrive, the report states.
Smith told the officer he didn't know why he broke the passenger side windows out of the pickup truck and a Plymouth Voyager van, according to the report.
Police said they located a radio from the van inside Smith's personal vehicle and also found burglary tools.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Monday, March 13, 2006

Bond Denied for Kidnapping Suspect

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

A North Carolina man accused of kidnapping a Blacksburg woman and a 6-month-old child said he was just trying to protect his biological son.
Randolph Alexander Watterson, 39, of Lincolnton, N.C., made the claim during a bond hearing Friday afternoon at the Cherokee County Law Enforcement Center.
Cherokee County Magistrate Court Judge Frank Crocker denied bond for Watterson, who is charged with two counts of kidnapping and one count of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. He is also wanted in Kansas on larceny and other unrelated charges, authorities said.
Detective Tracy Fowler has also charged Kevin Jerome Snipes, 35, of Lincolnton, with two counts each of kidnapping and pointing a firearm and one count each of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and malicious injury to property valued at more than $1,000. He remains at the Cherokee County Detention Center in lieu of $130,000 bond.
Deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office responded to Kyle Drive in Blacksburg at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and were told by witnesses that Snipes and Watterson forced Kelli Sharee Camp into their vehicle shortly after she arrived at her mother's house. Witnesses also told police the men beat Randy Moss, who had driven Camp to her mother's house, with a shotgun and used the weapon to fire several rounds into his vehicle before fleeing the scene.
Watterson said he was supposed to pick up his fiancee, Kelli Sharee Camp, and his son. He said when he arrived he noticed a lighter flicker in the vehicle that Camp and Randy Moss were in and suspected they were using drugs with his son in the car.
"I've been charged with kidnapping my wife and son and they went willingly," Watterson said, asking Crocker to read Camp's statement to police.
"You didn't try to protect that child. Where were you?" Watterson directed at law enforcement, continuing to mumble under his breath.
"Excuse me?" Fowler asked, referring to statements Watterson made under his breath.
"There ain't no excuse for you," Watterson replied.
Camp told police via a cell phone she was alright and that the situation was a misunderstanding. She told police they were somewhere in North Carolina.
After negotiating with police for three hours on the cell phone, Snipes agreed to surrender and release Camp and the child. He was apprehended at 2 a.m. at the Blacksburg Police Department.
Camp and her child went to stay with a friend in North Carolina after they were released.
Watterson was apprehended in North Carolina on Thursday and waived extradition to Cherokee County. Camp was with him at the time of his arrest, police said.
Watterson, who has a lengthy criminal record, is Camp's ex-boyfriend, said Cherokee County Sheriff Bill Blanton. They reportedly broke up about a month ago.
A conviction for kidnapping carries a possible sentence of up to 30 years. A conviction for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature carries a sentence of up to 10 years.
An April 29 preliminary hearing has been scheduled in the case.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Friday, March 10, 2006

Two Charged With Kidnapping Woman, Child

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

Two men have been charged in the abduction of a Blacksburg woman and her 6-month-old child Wednesday.
Detective Tracy Fowler has charged Kevin Snipes, 36, and Randolph Alexander Waterson, 39, both of Lincolnton, N.C., with kidnapping. They are also expected to be charged with assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and malicious damage to property, according to Cherokee County Sheriff Bill Blanton.
Deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office responded to Kyle Drive in Blacksburg at 7:30 p.m. regarding a call about an alleged kidnapping and shooting.
Witnesses told police that Snipes and Waterson forced Kelli Sharee Camp into their vehicle shortly after she arrived at her mother's house, Blanton said. Witnesses also told police the men beat Randy Moss, who drove Camp to her mother's house, with a shotgun and used the weapon to fire several rounds into his vehicle before fleeing the scene.
Blanton was able to contact one of the suspects on a cell phone, who then allowed the sheriff to speak with Camp. Blanton said she informed him she was alright and that the situation was a misunderstanding. She also told him they were somewhere in North Carolina.
After negotiating for three hours on the cell phone, Snipes agreed to surrender to police and release Camp and the child, Blanton said. Officers took Snipes into custody at 2 a.m. at the Blacksburg Police Department.
Camp and her child went to stay with a friend in North Carolina after they were released.
"She said it was just a big misunderstanding," Blanton said, who added he was unsure if she was being coerced to say that at the time. "We had to play it by the book. We were within a few minutes of activating the Amber Alert."
Waterson was apprehended Thursday in North Carolina. Camp was with him at the time of his arrest, police said.
Waterson, who has a lengthy criminal record, is Camp's exboyfriend, Blanton said. They reportedly broke up about a month ago.
Snipes remains at the Cherokee County Detention Center pending a bond hearing. Waterson was apprehended in Cleveland County, N.C., and has waived extradition. He is expected to be transported to Cherokee County today. Waterson is also wanted in another state on unrelated charges.
A conviction for kidnapping carries a sentence of up to 30 years. A conviction for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature carries a sentence of up to 10 years.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

POLICE REPORT: Want to Have a Good Time?

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

A Gaffney woman has been arrested for allegedly trying to trade sex for money with a narcotics agent.
[Blacksburg Police Department's Narcotics] Agent Al Phillips of the Cherokee County Metro Narcotics Unit has charged Rose Marie Church, 35, of 352 E. Floyd Baker Blvd., Gaffney, with prostitution.
Phillips was patrolling 4th Street at 6 p.m. Saturday when Church approached his vehicle, got into the car and offered to perform sexual acts for money, a report at the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office states.
Phillips identified himself as a police officer and transported her to the Cherokee County Detention Center. She had been using crack cocaine, according to the report.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Monday, March 06, 2006

Drug Arrests Made After Raids in Gaffney, Blacksburg

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

Narcotics agents arrested two Blacksburg men after finding crack cocaine during a raid Wednesday.
[Blacksburg Police Department's Narcotics] Agent Al Phillips of the Cherokee County Metro Narcotics Unit has charged Tyrone Lamont Parker, 30, of 168 Bolin Road, Blacksburg, and Christopher O'Brian Parker, 19, of 103 S. Mountain St., Blacksburg, each with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine within a half mile of a public park.
When agents arrived at 305 E. Lime St. at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Blacksburg, the Parkers were located in a screened-in front porch with less than an ounce of crack cocaine. The home is located within a half mile of the Blacksburg youth baseball park in the 300 block of East Lime Street...

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Monday, February 27, 2006

Police Say Driver Fell Asleep

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

[PHOTO CAPTION] Part of a Duke Power utility pole rests underneath this Cadillac while the remainder leans precariously against the car Sunday afternoon in Blacksburg. Officer Matt Gordon of the Blacksburg Police Department said Don Robbins of Taylors fell asleep at the wheel as he was driving and struck the pole at Cherokee and Charleston streets.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Police Investigating New Leads

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

The Blacksburg Police Department is investigating new leads in a 2002 bank robbery.
The Greenwood County Sheriff's Office arrested a man for bank robbery on Jan 13, 2006 who has ties to Gaffney. Lennell Dyches, 34, of Spartanburg is being held on federal bank robbery charges.
"Dyches confessed to 17 bank robberies and is considered a person of interest in about 34 more bank robberies," Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham said. "Dyches is a former employee of Nestle in Gaffney and would call in sick when he performed a bank robbery."
On Nov 29, 2002, the day of the robbery of First National Bank of the Carolinas on Cherokee Street in Blacksburg, Dyches didn't show up for work, according to the Chief.
"We currently are also checking into some other potential tips to determine whether or not anyone has any additional information," Ham said.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

18-year-old Blacksburg Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting 12-year-old Girl

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

An 18-year-old man has been apprehended by authorities in North Carolina on charges that he sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl at Blacksburg High School.
Officer Bobby Stephenson of the Blacksburg Police Department has charged Randy Dean Wade Jr., whose last known address was 374 McSwain Road, Blacksburg, with four counts of 2nd-degree criminal sexual conduct on a minor.
Wade was apprehended Monday in Rutherfordton, N.C., and remains there awaiting extradition, said Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham.
Wade is accused of sexually assaulting the girl in the auditorium at the high school at 201 W. Ramseur St., Blacksburg, on multiple occasions. The alleged incidents occurred in September after school hours.
Ham said his department has obtained surveillance video and physical evidence that corroborates the allegations.
"It's unfortunate that it happened in our building, but it happened after school, after the hours of supervision," said Blacksburg High Principal Jim Touchberry, who had no further comment.
Wade transferred to a North Carolina school earlier this year.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Friday, January 20, 2006

Police Investigating Report of Sexual Assault at Blacksburg High School

By Tara Jennings
Ledger Staff Writer

Police are investigating an alleged sexual assault involving a 12-year-old girl at Blacksburg High School.
"We are still investigating," said Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham. "We should be at a point to present evidence to a judge Monday."
The girl told police an 18-year-old male student had sex with her on multiple occasions while at the school at 201 W. Ramseur St. in Blacksburg, authorities said.
Ham said no additional details would be released until the investigation is concluded.
"I've contacted school officials with the Cherokee County School District and precautionary measures have been taken to ensure student safety," Ham said.