On May 10, 2013 Members of the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged Jason Elihue Millsaps age 17 of Midway Drive Stony Point with One count each Breaking entering and larceny, Larceny after Breaking and entering and Felony Larceny.  The incident occurred at a home located on Micky Hager MHP Drive in Stony Point.  Several items were stolen from a home.  Millsaps was placed under a $15,000.00 bond and had a court date of May 13, 2013.

Casey Alex Sanders

On May 13, 2013 Members of the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged Casey Alex Sanders age 19 of Taylorsville with Breaking Entering and Larceny, Safe Cracking, Possession of Stolen property and Felony Larceny.  Sanders was placed under a $13,500.00 bond and had a Court Appearance May 13, 2013.

Eugenio Rodriguez Lackey

On May 10, 2013 Members of the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office arrested Eugenio Rodriguez Lackey age 37 of Taylorsville.  He was served with a True Bill for Possession with intent to sell and deliver a scheduled VI controlled substance.  Lackey was placed under a $10,000.00 bond and has a court date of June 24, 2013.  

Harley Daniel Justice

On May 29^th 2013, Buchanan County Virginia contacted the Alexander County Sheriff’s office with information on Harley Daniel Justice, a wanted fugitive from their county. Two Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office responded to Pine Meadows lane in an attempt to locate Harley. When Detectives arrived they located Harley who attempted to flee on foot. After a foot pursuit and a brief struggle the detectives were able to take Harley Daniel Justice 32, into custody. Harley suffered a knee injury during the altercation and had to be taken by EMS to Catawba Memorial hospital. One of the detectives suffered minor injuries however he did not need medical attention. Harley was charged with the fugitive warrant from Virginia, two counts of resisting a public officer and property damage. Harley received a $105,000 secured bond with a first appearance scheduled for July 3^rd 2013.

Suspects Detained Following Raid

Members of the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team assisted drug officers with the execution of a search warrant at 1897 York Institute RD on Friday afternoon.  The search was prompted by information that officers received about drug sales that had been occurring at the residence.  During the search officers found a quantity of a crystalline substance suspected to be Methamphetamine as well as a quantity of suspected Marijuana.  Arrests are expected to follow as the investigation continues. More information and arrest photos will be posted as they become available.

Last week Sheriff Bowman announced that his office would be transitioning to a new online gun purchase permit application system.  The new online system allows users to apply for and pay for new purchase permits online from anywhere they have internet access thereby eliminating the long wait times citizens have experienced in the past.  The link to the new permit application site can be found online at www.AlexanderSheriff.org  (see below)

Users simply click the icon for “Online Gun Purchase Permit Online Application” and it will take them to the application site.  Once on the site, simply follow the step-by-step instructions to complete your application electronically.  All mandatory fields are marked by a red star and must be completed before proceeding to the next step.  Once the application is completed the user will be prompted to pay by credit card to complete the transaction.  A user can apply for up to four (4) permits on each application and can request additional permits (up to the maximum of four) until the application has been processed by staff.  Please note that a convenience fee of $3 is charged for each application (not each permit) and is collected by the service provider.

Those who wish to pay for permits with cash can come to the Sheriff’s Office Monday through Friday between 8am-4pm and receive a “coupon code” that serves as their receipt for payment online; the user simply enters the coupon code on the payment screen to complete the transaction at home.

A computer kiosk will be available by June 14th to allow users to apply for permits at the Sheriff’s Office who may not have access to the internet at home.  This system is intended to reduce the overall wait times for permits and increase staff efficiency in processing permit applications.  Please be patient with staff as we transition to this new system.

On Friday, May 31, 2013 around 3:30 p.m. members of the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on a mobile home in the 1800 block of York Institute RD in Hiddenite.  The search warrant was the result of tips that drug officers had received about illegal drug sales that had occurred at the residence over a period of time.  Members of the Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team assisted in the execution of the search warrant during the operation.  During the search, officers seized a quantity of Methamphetamine and Marijuana along with drug paraphernalia.

Daniel Shane Russell, W/M age 36 of Hiddenite was arrested and charged with Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver a Schedule VI Controlled Substance; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine; and Maintain a Vehicle or Dwelling for Controlled Substance.  Russell was placed in the Alexander County Detention Center under a $15,000 secured bond.

James Lee Weaver, Jr., W/M age 37 of Hiddenite was arrested and charged with Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver a Controlled Substance; and Maintain a Vehicle or Dwelling for Controlled Substance.  Weaver was placed in the Alexander County Detention Center under a $15,000 secured bond.

Brent Eugene Greathouse, W/M age 51 of Hiddenite was arrested and charged with  Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver a Schedule VI Controlled Substance; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine; and Maintain a Vehicle or Dwelling for Controlled Substance.  Greathouse was placed in the Alexander County Detention Center under a $15,000 secured bond.

Harold Dean Spann, W/M age 56 of Valdese was arrested and charged with  Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine; and Maintain a Vehicle or Dwelling for Controlled Substance.  Spann was placed in the Alexander County Detention Center under a $15,000 secured bond.

LOCATED: Lucille Stikeleather

Lucille Rufty, who went missing earlier today, has been found safe in Watauga County.  Lucille was reported missing around 12pm today by her husband after she left her residence on York RD prompting a search by law enforcement and the issuing of a statewide Silver Alert.  According to Sheriff’s Office sources, family members are currently on the way to Boone to pick up Lucille and return her home.  Thank you to all those who assisted with locating her and helping return her safely to her family.

The Alexander County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a reported armed robbery / home invasion at 805 Pine Cove Rd.  At 1:43 AM this date the 911 Communications received a call of a home invasion that had just occurred at 805 Pine Cove Road in Taylorsville.  The victim stated two black males wearing baggy pants, long sleeve shirts, and blue bandannas  Armed with two hand guns came into the home and  took a pocket-book and left.  The suspects left in an Unknown make and model vehicle.  Officers searched the area but were unable to locate anything.  Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Alexander County Crime Stoppers at 828-632-8555.  A reward is being offered on this case.

Tyler Devin Black

A Newton man has been charged with soliciting and sexually assaulting a Taylorsville teen in a case being investigated by the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office.  Tyler Devin Black, age 20 of College Avenue, Newton, has been charged in the case with First Degree Statutory Sex Offense; Disseminating Material Harmful to Minors; Soliciting a Child by Computer for Sex Act; Kidnapping; and 2 counts of Indecent Liberties with a Minor.  The charges stem from an investigation into allegations that Tyler Black used the social media site Facebook to contact a 15 year old female teen and arrange to pick her up in his vehicle for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts.  Evidence obtained by investigators in this case substantiated these allegations and arrest warrants were issued for Tyler Devin Black who turned himself in to officers voluntarily on June 3, 2013.  Tyler Black is currently being held in the Alexander County Detention facility under a $175,000 secured bond.  The victim’s name in this case is not being released due to the fact she is a minor.

The Alexander County Sheriff’s Office is warning local residents of a suspicious vehicle that has been implicated in several recent thefts from residences.  The vehicle is described as a Grey or Blue/Grey Dodge van, late 90′s or early 2000 model possibly with out-of-state registration plates.  The van has some body damage and possibly has the driver-side door tied shut.  The vehicle has been seen operated by a young white female with a white male passenger.  The pair has been spotted pulling into driveways and then taking small items from homes and garages.  The van was spotted on Monday (6-10-13) in the Black Oak Ridge RD and Vashti area and has been spotted this morning (6-11-13) on Church RD near Rink Dam RD where several items were taken form a garage.  Citizens are asked to be on the lookout for this vehicle and to call the Sheriff’s Office immediately if spotted.  Callers may report sightings by calling 632-4658.

On June 13, 2013 officers with the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about some individuals stealing metal on Little River Church Road.  When officers arrived at the scene they found three individuals who were in the process of loading up scrap metal into a 2001 blue Chevrolet Silverado pickup at an abandoned poultry house near a residence in the 1800 block of Little River Church Rd.  After speaking to the owner to confirm the three did not have permission to take the items, officers placed all three individuals in custody.

The following individuals were arrested and charged in the incident: Jonathan Lewis Church, white male, age 23 of Taylorsville charged with Misdemeanor Larceny and placed under a $2,500 bond; Dennis Edward McNeely, white male, age 25 of Taylorsville charged with Misdemeanor Larceny, and Felony Larceny (for a prior incident at the same location) placed under a $5,000 bond; and Jaterra Curtsisha Lindsey, black female, age 22 of Hiddenite charged with Misdemeanor Larceny, and Felony Larceny (for a prior incident at the same location) placed under a $5,000 bond.  A warrant for arrest was also issued for William King, black male, of Taylorsville.  As of the time of this release King had not been served.  All court appearances in this incident have been scheduled for June 24, 2013 in District Court.

Richard Patrick Connor

On June 14, 2013 officers with the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office assisted officers with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office in locating and arresting Richard Patrick Connor, black male, age 35 of Catawba County.  The joint operation was undertaken after Catawba Investigators requested mutual aid in locating and arresting a suspect they were seeking in connection to a recent Murder investigation in Catawba County.  According to information received, officers believed that the suspect they were seeking was staying at a residence on Moose RD in Stony Point.  Catawba County officers took custody of Connor immediately following his arrest and transported him back to Catawba County to face Conspiracy to Commit Murder charges.  Connor was arrested without incident.

Mark Wesley Clanton

Members of the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office have arrested and charged Mark Wesley Clanton age 39 of Taylorsville with one count of Assault by Strangulation.  The charge is the result of a domestic call that occurred on June 9, 2013 at a location off of Clanton Dr, Taylorsville.  No bond was set on Clanton.  Court date set for June 17, 2013.  Other charges are pending and the investigation is continuing.

On Wednesday June 12, 2013 Members of the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence located at 576 Jay Burke Rd, Taylorsville.  As a result of a search of the residence officers seized a quantity of Methamphetamine, Marijuana, drug pipes, scales and needles.  The following suspects were arrested and charged as a result of the search warrant.

• Sherry Herman age 36 of Taylorsville charged with Sell and deliver methamphetamine, Felony Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana, maintain a dwelling for controlled substance and Possession of drug paraphernalia.  Bond was set at $50,000.00.  Trial date set for June 24, 2013.

• Timothy Odell Crane age 29 of Taylorsville charged with Felony Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Bond was set at $30,000.00.  Trial date set for June 24, 2013.

• Brandon Lee Brown age 21 of Taylorsville charged with Possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Bond set at $30,000.00.  Trial date set for June 24, 2013.

• Daniel Lee Nance age 33 of Taylorsville charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Bond set at $30,000.00.  Trial date set for June 24, 2013.

• Phillip Allen Griffin age 34 of Taylorsville charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Bond set at $30,000.00.  Trial date set for June 24, 2013.

• Raven Nicole Brown age 27 of Taylorsville charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Bond set at $50,000.  Trial date set for June 24, 2013.

Franklin Chadwick Rogers

The Alexander County Sheriff’s office announces the arrest of Franklin Chadwick Rogers age 40 of Taylorsville.  Rogers was arrested February 5, 2013 after deputies stopped him on NC 16 South near Kerda Street.  A quantity of Methamphetamine, scales, baggies, pills and a needle were seized from the vehicle.  Rogers was charged with Possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine, Possession of Schedule IV, III controlled substances and Maintain a vehicle for controlled substance.  The bond was set at $25,000.00.  The case is pending in Alexander County District Court.  The case has been under investigation since the time of arrest.

The Alexander County Sheriff’s office announces the arrest of three suspects in a drug investigation in Alexander County.  The incident occurred March 19, 2013 at a residence located on Taylorsville Beach Court in Taylorsville. The Alexander County Sheriff special response team executed a search warrant at a residence located at 99 Taylorsville Beach Ct, Taylorsville.  Deputies seized a quantity of Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Marijuana, and weapons.  Arrested and charged are Jarrett Eugene Stafford age 58 of Taylorsville he is charged with Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and Maintain a dwelling for controlled substance.  Bond was set at $40,000.00. Erica Dawn Stafford age 28 of Taylorsville charged with Possession with intent to sell and deliver a Schedule II controlled substance, Maintain a dwelling for controlled substance and possession of Drug paraphernalia.  Bond was set at $35,000.00.  Jody Lynn Benton age 41 of Morganton charged with Possession with intent to sell and deliver a schedule II controlled substance, Maintain a dwelling for controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Bond was set at $35,000.00.  All suspects are awaiting trial in Alexander County Court.  The case has been under investigation since time of arrest.

With the July 4^th weekend approaching, Alexander County Sheriff Chris Bowman asks all citizens to join him in making this Fourth of July holiday happy, enjoyable and safe for everyone.

Alexander County citizens should remember that fireworks, as enjoyable as they are to watch, can be dangerous and should only be handled by professionals.  According to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission, there are nearly 9,000 emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks a year. You can enjoy a safe Fourth of July by following these safety tips:

• Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close-by as a precaution.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
• Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
• Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

Sheriff Bowman also wants citizens to use caution when swimming at a beach or at a pool.  Sheriff Bowman said, “Sadly, most deaths from drowning occur within a few feet of safety.” The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. The Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To find out where lessons are offered, or to enroll in a CPR/AED or first aid course, contact your local Red Cross chapter.

At a swimming pool, take the following precautions:

• If no lifeguard is on duty, do not let children swim unless they are accompanied by a responsible adult who knows lifesaving techniques and first aid.
• Post CPR instructions and directions to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in the pool area.
• Look around the pool area to be certain lifesaving devices are readily available for emergency use.
• Be sure covers are installed on all drains of a swimming pool or in a wading pool. The suction created by the pool’s circulating pumps can be very dangerous unless it is reduced by covers.
• Take frequent breaks (about once an hour) where everyone gets out of the water, drinks water, reapplies sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and rests.
• If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom, and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.
• To reduce the risk of eye, ear, nose or throat infection from contaminated water, swim only in pools in which water quality is properly maintained. The water should appear crystal clear, be continuously circulated and be maintained at a level that allows free overflow into the gutter or skimmer. There should not be a strong odor of ammonia or chlorine.

At the beach, take the following precautions:

• Swim in a supervised, marked area with a lifeguard present, and swim with others. Never swim alone.
• If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore. If you can’t swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
• Watch out for the “dangerous too’s” – too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
• Look for water that is reasonably clear and free of floating materials and odors. Avoid swimming at beaches where there are large populations of ducks, geese or gulls. The waste produced by these birds causes high bacteria levels in the water.
• Look for movement in the water; it helps keep the water clean. Do not swim in stagnant or still water.
• Do not swim at any beach right after a heavy rain. Runoff following a heavy rain may result in a high bacteria level.
• When diving at a beach, exercise extreme caution. Beach water is not as clear as water in a pool, so underwater obstructions may not be visible.
• Avoid having beach water in your mouth or nose.

Sheriff Bowman said, “Following these precautions will help the children and citizens of Alexander County stay safe and healthy this holiday weekend and throughout the summer.”

The Alexander County Sheriff’s office announces the arrest of two suspects on an undercover drug investigation.  On June 14, 2013  deputies arrested Joshua Shain Steffey age 34 of Taylorsville and charged him with Possession of controlled substance and Probation Violation.  Also arrested was his wife Jennifer Nichole Steffey age 33 also of Taylorsville.  She was charged with Sell and Delivery of a schedule IV controlled substance and Possession with intent to sell and deliver a Schedule IV controlled substance.  The charges are result of an undercover officer buying prescription medication from the suspects at a residence located on 4th street NE in Taylorsville.  Officers seized a quantity of prescription medication after conducting a search at the residence on June 14, 2013.  Both suspects were placed under a $6000.00 bond and have a court date of June 24, 2013 in Alexander County District Court.

Tonya Moore Ferguson

The Alexander County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrest of Tonya Moore Ferguson age 41 of Taylorsville.  Ferguson is charged with Felony Possession of Methamphetamine, and Driving While License Revoked.  The charges are the result of a vehicle stop made by Sheriff Deputies on Friday June 21, 2013.  Ferguson was stopped on Carrigan Road in Taylorsville.  Officers found that she was driving while her license was revoked.  A search of the vehicle was conducted and a quantity of methamphetamine was found as a result of the search.  Ferguson was arrested and placed under a $15,000.00 bond.  Her first appearance is set for Monday June 24, 2013.