Crime

Woman in custody a year after arrest warrants issued for financial exploitation

Submitted by Debra Worley, Digital Content Director

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013, 1:54pm

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – The fifth, and final, woman accused of stealing more than $260,000 from a Leland man's checking account is finally in custody – nearly a year after arrest warrants were issued.

According to the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office, Lisa McClain, of Fair Bluff, is in custody for several charges, including financial exploitation of an elderly person, felony conspiracy, and financial card theft.

Kenneth Ray Nash told authorities in October 2011 that someone had taken over his personal checking account, according to a post on the Sheriff's Office website.

After a 10-month investigation by the fraud unit, over 1,600 bank transactions were used to identify an in-home health care worker who was assigned to work for Nash by a home health care company.

According to officials, McClain took cash, prescription pain medications and checking account information from Nash during her employment.

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Paying for security concerns in Columbus County

Submitted by Gavin Johnson, Reporter

Monday, June 17th, 2013, 7:54pm

Paying for security concerns in Columbus County

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Commissioners in Columbus County approved two projects to pay for more security in county buildings.

County leaders agrred to buy two new machines that will scan bags and purses as people enter the court house. The machines will move to the new court house when construction is complete.

According to the sheriff's office, some people including a judge believe there should be security at every entrance in the courthouse. Right now only people who go upstairs are required to walk through a metal detector.

School security

Commissioners voted to split $250,000 between Columbus County Schools, Whiteville city schools, and Southeastern Community College to increase security.

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Police search for B&E suspects

Submitted by Debra Worley, Digital Content Director

Friday, June 14th, 2013, 8:58am

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Officers with the Fair Bluff Police Department are searching for people involved in a breaking and entering earlier this month.

According to Police Chief J.H. Hewett, the crime was reported June 6 at a home on Waddell Street.

Police say the suspects kicked open the door, went inside and took money, a pistol and other items.

Hewett said there is a reward for the return of the firearm and information leading to the arrest of those involved.

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Five charged in break-in at Fair Bluff home

Submitted by Scott Saxton, News Director

Friday, June 14th, 2013, 5:41am

Five charged in break-in at Fair Bluff home

FAIR BLUFF, NC (WECT) - Five people have been arrested in connection with a breaking and entering case in Fair Bluff.

According to police, several individuals were involved in a break-in at a home at 172 Waddell Street on June 6th. A firearm and other items were taken.

Five people were charged Wednesday, according to a news release. Daijha McRoy, 17, is charged with conspiracy to commit breaking and entering, conspiracy to commit larceny, and breaking and entering. Kendell Derrick Elliott, 22, is charged with conspiracy to commit breaking and entering, conspiracy to commit larceny, and breaking and entering, injury to real property. Essau Stephens, 16, is charged with conspiracy to commit breaking and entering, conspiracy to commit larceny, larceny, and breaking and entering. Reginal Vel Johnson, 19, is charged with conspiracy to commit breaking and entering, conspiracy to commit larceny, larceny of a firearm, and breaking and entering.

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Juvenile charged for breaking into car

Submitted by Debra Worley, Digital Content Director

Thursday, June 13th, 2013, 11:52am

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – A teen was recently arrested at Evergreen Elementary School for breaking and entering to a motor vehicle and larceny.

According to Fair Bluff Police Chief J. H. Hewett, Ralph Bromell, 61, told authorities May 28 that several items had been stolen from his vehicle.

A 14-year-old was arrested June 6 in connection to this incident.

Hewett said more arrests are pending.

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CHARGED: 14-year-old arrested for firing gun, trying to break into school

Submitted by Debra Worley, Digital Content Director

Thursday, June 13th, 2013, 11:38am

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – A teen was recently arrested for firing shots at a 47-year-old man last month.

According to Fair Bluff Police Chief J.H. Hewett, officers were flagged down May 28 when a group of juveniles jumped the fence at Columbus County Career Academy to try to break in.

Officers were told one of the juveniles pulled a gun and started shooting at Edward Rogers when he confronted the group and told them to leave.

Police said Rogers was not hit and no one was injured in the shooting.

According to Hewett, a 14-year-old was arrested at Evergreen Elementary School June 6 for:

• possession of a handgun on school property

• possession of a handgun by a minor

• assault with a deadly weapon

• attempted breaking and entering

• trespassing

Hewett said more arrests in this case are pending.

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