Crime

Columbus Co. deputies using Facebook to find deadbeat parents

Submitted by Gavin Johnson, Reporter

Tuesday, January 29th, 2013, 8:47am

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Deputies in Columbus County are using social media to track down deadbeat dads and moms.

They recently launched the Facebook page Columbus County Dead Beat Parents. Sgt. Dawn Battle who's the administrator over the page said it targets parents wanted by deputies for not paying child support.

"It's a different avenue of getting the word out on these pages," said Battle. "Child support order arrests are public record. I want to do everything we can in Columbus County to try and get these folks to come in and uphold their child support obligations."

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More than 900 traffic, criminal violations made in Columbus Co.

Submitted by Sarah Crandall, Web Producer

Thursday, January 17th, 2013, 2:09pm

More than 900 traffic, criminal violations made in Columbus Co.

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – A total of 926 traffic and criminal violations were made recently in Columbus County.

A news release from an NC Department of Transportation spokesperson revealed that, across the state, 3,147 motorists were cited for driving while impaired during a holiday “Booze It & Lose It” campaign that ran from Dec. 7 to Jan. 2.

Additionally, 110,692 traffic and criminal citations, 6,381 safety belt and 1,134 child passenger safety violations, 364 speeding violations and 3,543 drug charges were issued statewide.

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SC deputies arrest 2 in Columbus Co. stabbing case

Submitted by WECT Web Staff

Monday, December 31st, 2012, 2:52pm

Richard English (Source: J. Reuben Long Detention Center)

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Officials from Horry County arrested a man wanted in connection to a murder/kidnapping that happened in Columbus County on Christmas Day.

According to officials, Richard English was arrested Saturday night in the Daisy community by Horry County Sheriff's deputies.

Columbus County deputies plan to serve English warrants charging him with the murder of Gilberto Segovia and for kidnapping Segovia's girlfriend Amy Wilson.

English will also be questioned about a stabbing that happened in Williams Township December 21st. Investigators said Kenneth McMillian was stabbed while trying to break up a domestic situation.

According to deputies, James Huggins who was with English on Saturday night will be charged with the stabbing.

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CHARGED: Nurse from SC tries to use fake prescription in NC

Submitted by WECT Web Staff

Friday, December 28th, 2012, 12:15pm

Anthony Crocco (Source: Columbus Co. Jail)

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – A nurse from Myrtle Beach is facing charges after trying to use a fake prescription at a pharmacy in Tabor City.

According to deputies in Columbus County, Anthony Crocco, a nurse at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, went to the Medicine Mart last Friday in Tabor City and tried to pass a forged prescription.

Investigators said the pharmacist caught the crime and called authorities.

When deputies arrived, they searched and seized Crocco's car. They found blank prescription pads and a sheet of paper where he had been practicing a doctor's signatures.

According to investigators, Crocco admitted to stealing the prescription pads while he was at work.

Crocco was charged with one count of obtaining a control substance by forgery or fraud and trafficking opium or heroin by possession.

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Woman kidnapped by former beau who was involved in fatal shooting

Submitted by Gavin Johnson, Reporter

Thursday, December 27th, 2012, 7:03pm

Gilberto Segovia's home on John Coleman Road.

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Detectives with the Columbus County are investigating a fatal shooting and kidnapping that happened Christmas Day.

According to Columbus County Sheriff Chris Batten, Gilberto Segovia, 51, was found shot to death in his front yard on John Coleman Road.

Batten said four men went to Segovia's home, shot him in the abdominal area and then kidnapped his girlfriend Amy Wilson. The men started taking Wilson toward South Carolina, but she was able to escape and call 911.

According to Batten, one of the men involved was Wilson's ex-boyfriend.

The sheriff believes the incident stems from a disagreement at Segovia's home regarding who Wilson was going to be with.

No arrests have been made in this case.

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IN COURT: Man admits to fatally shooting girlfriend

Submitted by WECT Web Staff

Thursday, December 27th, 2012, 5:22pm

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – A man who told authorities he shot his girlfriend in the head with her own handgun is expected to make his first appearance in court Thursday.

According to the Columbus County Sheriff's Office, Beamon Fowler, 60 of Tabor City, is charged with murdering Rebecca Ann Buffkin, 46, Christmas Eve.

Fowler told authorities he shot Buffkin following a domestic dispute. Deputies found her shot to death on her kitchen floor.

Columbus County Sheriff Chris Batten said although Fowler confessed, investigators will still do an investigation as if they don't have a suspect. Batten also stated that when it comes to Fowler's trial he could change his plea and story.

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Man fires shots at police, wanted for questioning

Submitted by Gavin Johnson, Reporter

Wednesday, December 19th, 2012, 12:31pm

James Earl Hemingway (Source: Fair Bluff Police Department)

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – A man fired shots at officers from the Fair Bluff Police Department Tuesday night while they were responding to a call about a prowler on Railroad Street.

According to police, a detective spotted a skinny man, about 6'1" wearing baggy dark pants with rhinestone designs on the back pocket, tan boots, a puffy red coat and a silk hairnet.

Investigators say the man took off when he saw the officers and fired three shots at them from across the street. Police called on a K9 unit in an effort to track down the man, but lost the trail.

Police believe the man could be James Earl Hemingway and are searching to question him.

Anyone with information regarding Hemingway's whereabouts is asked to contact authorities.

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