On Thursday morning, May 22, 2008 investigators with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 32 year old male for First Degree Forcible Sexual Offense and Indecent Liberties with a Minor.

Ricky Jason Nichols, WM, DOB 12-26-1975 (32 YOA) of 4594 Sandy Acres Ln, Lenoir was arrested and charged.  Nichols is a caretaker of the juvenile victim. 

First Degree Forcible Sexual Offense is a Class B1 Felony which could potentially carry a maximum sentence of Life in prison.

Nichols was placed under a $300,000.00 Secured Bond in the Caldwell County Detention Center by Investigator Shelly Hartley.  Investigator Hartley and the Department of Social Services are conducting a joint investigation which is still on going at this time.

 “The Caldwell County Sheriffs Office will utilize every resource available to continue to pursue and arrest those who hurt or take advantage of our communities' children.”  Sheriff Alan C. Jones

High Speed Chase Leads to Meth Lab

 On Saturday, May 17, 2008, Deputies conducting a license check in Alexander County found themselves in a high speed chase when Brett Chandler Reed of 4050 Moretz Hall Lane in the Grace Chapel Community pulled up to the checkpoint.  Upon arriving, he fled the scene and the Deputies pursued.  The chase led into Caldwell County and ended in a field near his residence where he jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot into the woods.  Deputies with the Caldwell and Alexander County Sheriff's Office subsequently learned where Reed was residing and went to his residence in an effort to locate him. 

 When they arrived and knocked on the front door, individuals inside the residence began to flee from the master bedroom window.  James Kristoffer Cantley, Sybriea Cathryn Lundy and Jody Bryan Lockaby were all three taken into custody without further incident.  Brett Reed was not found at the residence.  Upon further investigation, the Deputies realized they had identified an active methamphetamine laboratory set up inside the home.  Agents with the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office Ice Unit and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation were notified and responded to the scene.  A search warrant for the residence was issued and the NC SBI Clandestine Laboratory Team responded and removed the methamphetamine laboratory from the residence.

 “Methamphetamine labs are very dangerous.  These people not only put themselves in immediate danger, but the officers that went to the residence as well as their neighbors. ” – Sheriff Alan C. Jones

A company out of South Carolina titled AEO (Advanced Environmental Options) responded to the lab site and collected all hazardous materials. 

According to authorities, this is one of the biggest methamphetamine laboratory sites found in Caldwell County.  A criminal record check of the suspects reflected that Cantley has been charged with Manufacture Methamphetamine before in Catawba County. 

“The size and magnitude of this lab was phenomenal.  The entire residence was nothing but one huge meth lab.  I feel for the landlord who has been victimized by these individual’s actions” – Sheriff Alan C. Jones 

As a result of the investigation, the following individuals were arrested and charged with drug violations:

James Kristoffer Cantley, W/M, DOB:  04/23/1982

Cantley was incarcerated in the Caldwell County Jail under a $100,000 secured bond. 

Jody Bryan Lockaby, W/M, DOB:  03/11/1969

Lockaby was incarcerated in the Caldwell County Jail under a $50,000 secured bond.

Sybriea Cathryn Lundy, W/F, DOB:  02/21/1981

Lundy was incarcerated in the Caldwell County Jail under a $50,000 secured bond.

Authorities are still looking for Brett Chandler Reed on outstanding warrants for Manufacture Methamphetamine and various traffic violations.  He is considered armed and dangerous.      

Brett Chandler Reed, W/M, DOB:  12/10/1975

Picture of 4050 Moretz Hall Lane

“I would like to personally thank the Grace Chapel Fire Department, Caldwell County EMS, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Lenoir Police Department, Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, and the DEA for their tremendous assistance in working this scene.  These agencies put in hard and long hours and stayed until the job was done.” – Sheriff Alan C. Jones

 ICE Unit makes arrest of suspected marijuana dealer 

Sheriff Jones announces that on Friday, May 16, 2008, a three month long drug investigation came to a close when Christopher Henry Watson of 4542 Jacumin Place in Valdese was arrested and charged with several felonious drug violations. 

In February of this year, Agents with the ICE Unit with the help of the Granite Falls Police Department and Burke County Narcotics Task Force began a covert operation investigating complaints that Watson was selling and distributing marijuana.    

During the operation, agents were successful in introducing an undercover ICE Unit agent who subsequently made several purchases of marijuana from the suspect.     

“These are risky and sometimes dangerous operations, especially when an undercover agent is dealing one on one with a drug trafficker”. – Sheriff Alan C. Jones

The operation netted over 1¼ pounds of marijuana with a street value of $4,752.00.  Watson was arrested and incarcerated in the Caldwell County Jail under a $50,000.00 secured bond.      

“I am very pleased with the effort and cooperation these agencies put together in this case.  A lot of hard work paid off by getting another drug dealer off our streets”. – Sheriff Alan C. Jones

The following person was arrested and charged.

Christopher Henry Watson, W/M, DOB 12/29/1980

Stolen Property, Drugs, and Guns Seized in Sawmills

For Immediate Release

Contact: Sheriff A. C. Jones

828-754-1518 

On Tuesday, April 08, 2008 investigators with the Caldwell County Sheriffs Office conducted a Search Warrant on a residence located at 2570 Baker Circle, Granite Falls, NC 28630 in reference to the recovery of stolen property.

 Caldwell County residents have recently been the victim of several breaking an  and enterings of residences that were occurring in the mid-morning hours.  Through the investigation, investigators were able to make an arrest in several breaking and enterings which occurred on South Main Street in Granite Falls. 

 It was determined that some of the property stolen from the South Main Granite Falls break-in was taken to a residence at 2570 Baker Circle, Granite, NC, the home of Larry Allen Minton.  Minton was not at the residence when officers arrived.  Larry Minton lives with some family members who do not appear to be involved in this incident.     

Officers secured the home and sought a search warrant.  While awaiting the search warrant, the suspect drove by his residence.  Officers pursued the suspect and conducted a traffic stop at the P & D Grocery in Sawmills.  Pursuant to the traffic stop, investigators assisted by Caldwell County Sheriffs Office K-9 Units, recovered an amount of crack cocaine, marijuana, firearms, and a large sum of US Currency.

Several items of what are believed to be stolen property were recovered from the vehicle and the subsequent search of the Minton residence.

“The residents of the Sawmills community have been suspicious of the activity surrounding the Minton residence.  The tips we receive from the community are critical to our investigation.  Our office has received several calls since this search took place from residents who were glad to see this person taken off the street.”  Sheriff Alan Jones

This case is ongoing and additional leads are being followed as it relates to these breaking and enterings. 

Arrested in this incident was:

Larry Allen Minton

2570 Baker Circle

Granite Falls, NC 28630

WM     DOB: 12-14-1950

Larry Minton was charged with:

Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

Felony Receiving of Stolen Property

Felony Possession of Stolen Property

Felony Maintaining a Vehicle to Sell and Deliver Marijuana

Felony Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana

He was placed in the Caldwell County Detention Center under a $75,000.00 Secured Bond.  He is awaiting trial. 

Justin Edward Maltba

2907 Ivory Place

Granite Falls, NC 28630

WM     DOB: 03-24-1987

Justin Edward Maltba was charged with:

Felony Breaking and Entering, Felony Larceny, Felony Possession of Stolen

Goods

Maltba was placed in the Caldwell County Detention Center under a $50,000.00 Secured Bond.  He is awaiting trial.

Rondal Lynn Watson

2907 Ivory Place

Granite Falls, NC  28630

WM    DOB: 09-26-1959

Rondal Lynn Watson was charged with:

Felony Breaking and Entering

Felony Larceny

Felony Possession of Stolen Goods

Rondal Watson was placed in the Caldwell County Detention Center under a

$50,000.00 Secured Bond.  He is awaiting trial. 

Johnny Douglas Minton

1610 Shuford Farm Rd

Connelly Springs, NC 28612

WM     DOB: 07-26-1959

Johnny Douglas Minton was charged with:

Felony Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine

He was placed in the Caldwell County Detention Center under a $10,000.00

Secured Bond.  He is awaiting trial.

Crack Cocaine Dealer Busted

On March 17, 2008, a two month long drug investigation came to a close with the arrest of Ricardo Cortez Gibbs with several felonious drug violations.  Agents with the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office Ice Unit and Granite Falls Police Department began investigating Gibbs when they learned he was selling and distributing crack cocaine from his residence located at 4078 Beach Road in Hudson.  During the investigation, an undercover drug agent was able to infiltrate into the network of Gibb’s organization.  As a result, several undercover purchases of crack cocaine were made from his residence. 

While conducting electronic surveillance on the suspect during the evening hours on March 17, 2008, agents learned Gibbs had acquired and was transporting a quantity of crack cocaine to his residence.  Agents conducted a traffic stop and a search of his 1992 Ford Explorer resulted in over a ¼ ounce of cocaine base (crack cocaine), currency, and a set of digital weighing scales being seized.  The cocaine has a street value of approximately $1,800.  A criminal record check of Gibbs shows he is a habitual offender and has no valid driver license.         

“The long hours and hard work these agents put into this case definitely paid off.  He is a repeat drug offender with no regard for the law.  This blatant disrespect to the citizens of this county was confronted and dealt with appropriately”. – Sheriff Alan C. Jones. 

The following person was arrested and charged.

Ricardo Cortez Gibbs, B/M, DOB 08/03/1968

Gibbs was incarcerated in the Caldwell County Jail under a $9,000 secured bond.  The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office is always in search of any information involving the use and distribution of illegal controlled substances.  A concerned citizen’s information and assistance will be kept confidential.  If you have any information concerning illegal drug activity in Caldwell County, please contact the:

   Crack Cocaine dealer arrested, again

On Tuesday, February 12, 2008, Michael Douglas Isaiah Perkins, who was wanted for felony drug charges and various misdemeanor offenses, was apprehended today by officers with the Lenoir Police Department.  Sgt. T. Penley first observed Perkins operating a Toyota Four Runner near Meadowlane and Creekway Drive in Lenoir.  Sgt. Penley had knowledge that Perkins was wanted and initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle.  Perkins subsequently fled from the scene on foot and was apprehended by authorities shortly later without incident. 

The drug charges stemmed from an investigation that began on October 23, 2007, by the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office Ice Unit.  During an operation in the Harpertown Community, Perkins was found to be in possession of approximately 2.5 grams of alleged crack cocaine.  Sheriff Jones announces this amount of crack cocaine could yield approximately 25 dosage units which typically sell for $20.00 each.  Warrants were later issued for Perkins arrest, who disappeared from the authorities.  Perkins had also been previously arrested by the ICE Unit on July 18, 2007, for Felony Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Crack Cocaine and Sell and Deliver Crack Cocaine charges.            

“This is not the first time he has been caught and arrested for drug crimes”. – Sheriff Alan C. Jones. 

“We have been looking for him for some time.  I am thankful for Sgt. Penley and the Lenoir Police Department who did a great job in apprehending this individual ”. – Sheriff Alan C. Jones.

The following person was arrested and charged.

Michael Douglas Isaiah Perkins, B/M, DOB 07/20/1965

Perkins was incarcerated in the Caldwell County Jail under a $39,250 secured bond.  The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office is always in search of any information involving the use and distribution of illegal controlled substances.  A concerned citizen’s information and assistance will be kept confidential.  If you have any information concerning illegal drug activity in Caldwell County, please contact the:

Caldwell County Sheriff's Office I.C.E. Unit at 828-757-1178.

Lenoir Police Department’s Narcotics Division at 828-757-2145.

Caldwell County Crimestoppers at 828-758-8300.

SHERIFF'S INVESTIGATORS CRACK MULTI-COUNTY CASE 

On Wednesday, January 2, 2008, Detectives from the Caldwell County Sheriffs Office received information in reference to a Breaking, Entering, and Larceny that occurred at the Martin Marietta Rock Quarry 1325 Bradford Mountain Road off of Southwest Blvd, Lenoir.  This was the 4^th breaking and entering to have occurred at this location since March, 2007.  Previous reports indicated that a multiplicity of items was taken during the multiple break-ins including copper wiring and various types of power and hand tools.  This is in addition to the damage caused to the business as a result of these thefts.

 Investigators had already developed a potential list of suspects and had been working these cases collectively.  During the course of the investigation, Caldwell County Sheriffs Office officials were contacted by Detectives from Henderson County Sheriffs Office.  Henderson County had foiled a breaking and entering in progress at a local Martin Marietta Rock Quarry in their jurisdiction.  Although the suspects in that case managed to escape, the suspect vehicle was left at the location and seized.

On Friday, December 21, 2007, Jaime Frank Coleman of 4238 Benfield Drive, Hudson, reported that his vehicle was stolen while he and his spouse were out of state visiting friends and relatives in West Virginia.  Coleman’s vehicle was entered into NCIC and an immediate response was generated that indicated that Henderson County, NC officials had seized this vehicle.  Coleman was already a suspect in previous copper larcenies and a quantity of copper had already been seized from his residence in the weeks prior. 

Caldwell County Sheriffs Detectives Chris Edwards and Kenneth Bentley responded to the Coleman residence as a follow-up to the Martin Marietta cases and to Coleman’s report of larceny of motor vehicle.  Upon arrival, detectives discovered Coleman at the rear of his residence attempting to secure property in a vehicle.  Upon approaching Coleman, Edwards and Bentley having already been aware of the description of various stolen property reported stolen from Martin Marietta, immediately recognized property as that being stolen from Martin Marietta.  Coleman was taken into custody.  A female at the residence was also detained and questioned about the incident.  Detectives seized the stolen property and were able to return it to the owners. 

While being interviewed about the case, Coleman advised investigators of a scheme in which he, and several others, including his spouse, Christy Ann Coleman, 35 years of age, of the same address, had not only broken into Martin Marietta in Caldwell County, but also various other Martin Marietta Rock Quarry’s in both North and South Carolina.  Christy Coleman was taken into custody the following day.

 “I have been more than pleased at the productivity generated by these investigators in the last few years.  They are strong willed and work very well not only together, but with other agencies. It is imperative that the lines of communication remain strong and open between us, other law enforcement agencies and the public.  The communication we have with others fosters the kind of success and property recovery that we have seen here.  The perseverance and tenacity of these criminal investigators has once again paid off.” Sheriff Alan C. Jones

Investigators from Henderson County, Randolph County, Anson County, Gaston County, Davidson County, Catawba County, and McDowell County, NC were advised of this arrest as well as investigators in South Carolina.  Some of these agencies have charged or have pending investigations into this matter. 

This investigation is continuing and warrants are being sought for additional persons believed to be in Caldwell County, NC and West Virginia.  The persons arrested thus far are: 

Jaime Frank Coleman, 35                 Christy Ann Coleman, 35

4238 Benfield Drive                           4238 Benfield Drive

Hudson, NC 28638                             Hudson, NC 28638

Both subjects were charged with Felony Breaking and Entering, Felony Larceny, Felony Possession of Stolen Goods with additional charges pending.

“Copper theft cases are particularly difficult to solve because of the nature of copper metals and the ease in which thieves can sell it.  The Caldwell County Sheriffs Office, Lenoir Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies in Caldwell and surrounding counties, has partnered with the District Attorneys office to ensure that these cases are as strong as possible when they reach court and that the convicted suspects are held accountable.”  Sheriff Alan C. Jones