Wide Range of Issues Make LNR’s Top Ten List for 2011

Not since the controversy over the over-sized American flag have the past year’s stories of allegations against the Leland Police Department generated such a firestorm of controversy. The police issue came to the forefront when a settlement was announced between Leland and long-time police officer Sherri Lewis. She was allegedly injured purposely during a training exercise held by the police department. Consequently, the Leland Town Council and town manager closed the door on any information regarding issues within the Leland Police Department, citing such issues as “privileged personnel matters.”

Both Leland and Navassa were in the headlines, topping LNR’s list of 10 most significant stories of 2011. Navassa, with its financial problems not being resolved and other issues, tops our list. Others, including the Village Road Phase II construction project, and its seeming defunding, were met with welcome but cautious optimism. This, along with the long awaited completion of the Village Road Phase I project, aggravated a number of local businesses, along with some motorists regularly traveling Village Road. The project was a regular discussion topic among Leland residents.

Low turn-out for the 2011 off-year elections, new faces on local town boards, and the mayor of Navassa getting his powers back also made the list of top stories, as highlighted below.

#1 Leland Police Saga Continues Amid Multiple Calls for Investigation into Allegations

By Mike Leggett  mike@theLNR.com

Leland councilwoman Martha Currie has called for an outside investigation into the allegations of corruption surrounding the Leland Police Department. Currie said “It is time to put this to rest once and for all. The taxpayers want answers, and they deserve answers.”

Currie says she is just as shocked by the allegations against the Leland Police Department and Police Chief Tim Jayne as the rest of the community. She hopes to clarify the issue by “finding out what’s true and getting rid of anyone causing the problems.”

Currie had asked Mayor Futch to call a meeting, but she noted the mayor has yet to do so. Since Currie’s comments aired on September 30 on WWAY TV3, Councilwoman Pat Battelman and Mayor Pro Tem Bozeman have scheduled a special meeting for October 6 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss “personnel actions.” The meeting will be held in council chambers, located at 102 Town Hall Drive.

Several of the allegations against Jayne include sending police officers to work on his and other neighbor’s homes and yards while on the clock, using his town-issued police vehicle for personal use, punching another officer while in Myrtle Beach at a bachelor party, and falsifying training records. A recent EEOC suit settled with a former Leland police officer has brought the Leland Police Department under closer scrutiny.

The Local News Review contacted District Attorney Jon David on September 15 regarding his call asking about calling for an investigation. However, the DA stated that he didn’t believe the allegations were criminal in nature (at that time) and he thought it was a “training and standards issue to be addressed by the North Carolina Department of Justice in Raleigh. David said he had heard that Agent Richard Novelli with the FBI was conducting an investigation, and he will see what that investigation uncovers.

LNR also discussed the allegations with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. No other members of the Leland Town Council have been willing to discuss the claims of wrong doing by the chief or members of the police department.

Town Manager Bill Farris has also launched his own, internal investigation. Many of the Leland residents LNR asked about any type of internal investigation are not confident about the results, particularly since Farris announced his resignation effective December 16, 2011.

#2  Leland Denies Wrongdoing; Pays over $25,000 to Settle Police Officer’s Complaint

By Mike Leggett  mike@theLNR.com

Last Thursday, September 15, although admitting no wrong, the Town of Leland settled a complaint filed by Leland police officer Sherry Lewis through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Raleigh. The complaint alleged Lewis had been shot more than 12 times in the lower torso by fellow officers during a training exercise March 9-10, 2011. Lewis will receive $18,750 from the town’s insurance company, and $6,250 will be paid to her attorney, Robert Crawford III.

The Local News Review talked to Lewis’ long time friend, Skip Wittkofsky, concerning the training incident. “I talked with Sherry two days after the shooting had taken place. She asked training supervisors Deputy Chief Karl Smith, Lieutenant  Rick DellaPia, Lieutenant Bill Kozak, and Sergeant  Michael Landen to stop letting the officers shoot her in the groin multiple times. When she continued complaining, she was ordered off the range without checking her condition.

Since Officer Lewis car pooled to the training site with fellow officers, Officer Lewis then walked away from the location. Within ten minutes, Lewis said she called town councilwoman Brenda Bozeman to report what had happened. Within an hour, Chief Jayne called Sherry to check on her, stating that he had just emerged from an emergency meeting with Town Manager Bill Farris and Councilwoman Bozeman regarding the issue”

The ammunition that injured officer Lewis is called Simunition. It is NOT a paintball round. It is a reduced-energy, reduced propellant, reduced noise level, 9mm cartridge that will not damage the user’s hearing. Therefore, while approved eye protection is required, the user does not need hearing protection. The cartridge produces realistic recoil, and supposedly is safer because it virtually eliminates unburnt propellant and ejected particles. These non-lethal cartridges leave a detergent-based, water-soluble, color-marking compound. The visible impacts allow accurate assessment of simulated lethality. The cartridges are available in .38 caliber and 9 mm calibers and feature tactical accuracy up to 25 feet. The rounds can be fired from a converted duty weapon.

Leland Police Chief Tim Jayne issued a press release On September 14 noting “An internal review of the training incident was conducted and found no wrongdoing by any officer or supervisor who participated in this training. While some minor injuries can sometime occur from force on force training, no injuries were reported to supervisors on the date of the training and all participants were polled about injuries at the conclusion of each training session”.

LNR, on numerous occasions, asked members of the Leland town council about the status of the complaint, only to hear “it is being handled.” During an interview after the town council meeting, Town Manager Bill Farris told WWAY TV3, “I don’t know that anybody shot anybody.” In a phone call on September 19, LNR spoke with Assistant Public Information Officer Jennifer Canada the North Carolina Justice Education Training and Standards Commission.  Canada confirmed the Commission is conducting a routine review of the training and personnel files at the Leland Police Department. The Commission enforces standards for the training and certification of sheriffs’ deputies, law enforcement officers, corrections officers, and juvenile justice officers.

Editor’s Note: The Local News Review received information regarding Lewis’s complaint within days of the incident, but decided not to publish it over concerns that releasing information would damage her complaint. The LNR compiled this information before Lewis filed her complaint with the EEOC.

#3 BCSO Involvement in Leland Investigation Nixed by Council — for Now

by Mike Leggett  mike@theLNR.com

While the Town of Leland has formally requested an investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the SBI will only investigate allegations of criminal activity within the Leland Police Department. During the October 20 regular Leland Town Council meeting, Councilwoman Martha Currie requested the council ask for the assistance of the Brunswick County Sheriff Office Internal affairs investigator. Sheriff John Ingram had agreed to lend his IA to Leland at no cost to the town.

Even though the SBI will only investigate allegations of criminal activity, the Sheriff’s internal affairs investigator can check for violations of police or town policy, which could be done at the same time as the SBI investigation. Mayor Futch then interrupted Councilman Currie and stated that, by law, “We have no right to deal with personnel issues.”

Currie responded, noting “we have a responsibility to the taxpayers to get to the bottom of this.” Councilwoman Currie introduced a motion to accept the proposal by Brunswick County Sheriff John Ingram to have his internal affairs investigator look into the issues. The motion was seconded by Councilman Herbert Barnes. Mayor Futch then called for a vote, and the measure failed 3 to 2 with Futch, Mayor Pro Tem Bozeman, and Councilwoman Pat Battelman dissenting.

Bozeman commented that she wanted to wait to see what the SBI investigation turned up before proceeding with any other investigations.

#4 Dixie Boys World Series Champions

By Gary Rabon sports@theLNR.com

The Brunswick County Dixie Boys, representing North Carolina for the third straight season captured the 2011 Dixie Boys World Series Championship. The win marked the first a North Carolina team has ever won the World Series that began play in 1963.

Brunswick County eased through the tournament unbeaten as they scored 80 runs in the three games while allowing just 23. They batted .450 as a team with Kevon Perkins batting an astounding .750 going 15 for 20 with five walks.

Head coach Bobby Scoggins got some great pitching from Gray Cheers, Shelton and Kevon Perkins, along with Randy Clark. The team had tremendous speed which kept pressure on the opposing teams.

Brunswick County was led at the plate throughout the series by Perkins and Chris Graham who hit two homers and hit for the cycle in the championship game. They opened up with an 18-1 win over Tennessee. They followed that up with a 9-1 win over Texas, and a 13-3 win over Mississippi. Inclement weather caused the team to have to play a double header August 2.

In the doubleheader they defeated the host team Beaufort County, South Carolina 19-10 after running out to a 16-0 lead. They then were pitted against Surfside, South Carolina the defending Dixie Boys Junior World Series Champion. Brunswick County tripped Surfside 4-1. That win was especially sweep for the seven Leland players and coach because this was the team that defeated them two years ago in the championship game of the Dixie Youth World Series Championship game, after Leland held a seven run lead in the last inning.

In the championship game against Louisiana Brunswick County pounded out 19 hits in route to a 17-7 victory. Chris Graham got things started with a two run homer in the top of the first as Brunswick County took a 3-0 lead, a lead they would never relinquish. Kevon Perkins nailed a two run homer in the fourth inning, an inning that saw Brunswick score four more runs to take a 10-5 lead. Perkins also added a two run double in the fifth inning and a two run single in the seventh.

Shelton Perkins notched the win on the mound pitching five innings striking out eight. Kevon Perkins pitched the last two inning striking out four including the final three batters in the last inning after a lead-off double.

For a game by game summary of the World Series run pick up the next edition of the LNR which will be in the newsstands August 19.

#5 Police Chief Jayne Requests SBI Assistance into Leland Police Department Allegations

By Mike Leggett  Mike@theLNR.com

During the October 6 Leland Town Council meeting, Mayor pro tem Brenda Bozeman noted the council had  looked into what is required from the town to request an investigation by the SBI of alleged criminal activity and improper release of personnel information by the Leland Police Department. “We have determined that a request for such an investigation must be made by Chief Jayne,” Bozeman said. “He is sending that request in writing to the SBI tomorrow morning.

In his letter to the SBI office in Jacksonville, Jayne stated, “This is an official request from the Leland Police Department for the assistance of the State Bureau of Investigation. As you might know, a local news outlet has recently published anonymous allegations against members of the Leland Police Department. While we do not have any victims or witnesses that have come forward to substantiate these allegations, we wish to put lingering public concern over these issues to rest. One recent anonymous allegation is particularly troubling in that it alleges that a member of the Leland Police Department pointed a weapon at another member of the department. Our internal review has failed to identify a victim or a suspect. I am requesting that your agency investigate this anonymous allegation of criminal conduct. I’m also requesting that your agency look into all allegation of criminal conduct by the Leland Police Department. We are also requesting your agency’s assistance with the criminal investigation into violations of North Carolina Gen. Statute 160A – 168 concerning the unlawful release of personnel records by a former town employee.”

On Friday, October 7, 2011 the Local News Review verified that the letter had been received by the State Bureau of Investigation. As of October 14, the SBI has not assigned Special Agent to this investigation. We will keep you posted on these and other matters concerning the Leland Police Department and the Town of Leland.

 

#6 Leland Police Chief Responds to Recent Allegations

For some time now the local media has been reporting on the allegations regarding the Leland Police Department. On November 28, 2011 Co-owner and partner Mike Leggett (LNR) sat down with Leland police Chief Tim Jayne to get his side of what’s been reported. The first question asked Chief Jayne was regarding a letter that the former assistant Town Manager’s allegation of violation of NCGS 128-16 (2) Officers subject to removal; for what offenses: For willful misconduct or maladministration in office. The letter recommended that the Chief be terminated. During a records request the LNR discovered this letter written by the former assistant town manager. Other media has reported about these allegations but the LNR is the first to sit down and discuss Chief Jayne’s response to these allegations in detail. Chief Jayne did admit discussing this letter with Bill Farris Leland Town Manager. This is what the chief had to say…. (edited due to space limitations and content )

“I think the first thing you need to do is look at the former assistant Town Manager’s motivation. Unfortunately she had a short term being employed here (Town of Leland) until everyone was fully aware of what her background was. Her history here was to attack me and the Police Department. When Mr. Farris looked at the letter recommending my termination, he dismissed it … My termination letter is not worth the paper it is written on. That is one thing the SBI is looking into as far as criminal violations by a former employee who took every EOC complaint, every internal document, every personnel file, and is now shopping it to anybody and everybody that will listen. It’s very sad and I feel sorry for that individual.  I have been continuously employed since I was 15 years old and I have never been asked to leave the job or had anything on my record. This person is trying to destroy me personally and all I can tell you is that I remain focused on the Town of Leland, the citizens that I serve and officers that I work with….. This is more of an attack on the Town of Leland and the good people that live here than it is me. My focus remains on serving the residents of the town of Leland. This is a witch-hunt; I would put my record of municipal service up against hers any day of the week. Long after I’m gone and long after I have completed my task here what the other news media have done will remain here and I’m sick about that. There are so many people here that don’t deserve this. …… People should stand up and defending the fine Police Department we have here. Do we have problems absolutely, do we have more work to do, every day. But I’m proud of what we’ve done and I’m proud of what we continue to do every day. These baseless attacks on the anonymous blogs they are written on these gutless people can sit in the privacy of their own home and attack people, sign your name to it. I’ll stand up and sign my name to all the work I have done. I hope and pray no other town has to go through what the Town of Leland has.”

Editors’ note: It is understood that the town council, through the request of the Chief, has requested the SBI conduct an internal investigation of the police department and the LNR has been in contact with the investigating agent. The investigation is still underway and the SBI has no additional information available to us at this time.

 

#7 Low Voter Turnout Marks County’s November 8 Municipal Elections

By Mike Leggett  mike@theLNR.com

Fewer than 25% of Brunswick County’s registered voters turned out for the November 8 municipal elections. In Leland, Brunswick County’s largest municipality, councilwoman Brenda Bozeman had no opposition as she captured her first term as the town’s mayor. John Tait and Jane Crowder won the two open town council seats. They will join the council in December along with mayor-elect Bozeman.

Belville Mayor Jack Batson faced off with former mayor Chuck Thurlow, with Batson coming out on top. Two commissioner seats will be filled by incumbent Charles “Chuck” Bost and newcomer Joe Breault

Three Navassa commissioner seats were up for grabs. They will be filled by winners Frank Willis, District 1; Milton Burns, District 2; and Althelston (Bunn) Bethel, District 3

In Boiling Spring Lakes, six candidates sought the two available commissioner seats, with Barbara Glidden and Mike Forte capturing the most votes. Commissioner Craig Caster challenged incumbent Richard White in the Mayoral election, White winning reelection.

For a complete recap of all Brunswick County election results, please visit the BC Board of Elections website.

#8 Navassa’s Contract Accounting Firm Concerned about Irregularities in Navassa’s 2010 Financial Audit

By John Crowder john@theLNR.com

For a number of months, Navassa has faced the issue of not having a complete financial audit approved by the Local Government Commission of the North Carolina Department of Treasury.

Per state statute, each unit of local government and public authority must have its accounts audited as soon as possible after the close of each fiscal year by a certified public accountant or by a Commission-certified accountant. The required report must include, at minimum, financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, all disclosures in the public interest required by law, and the auditor’s opinion and comments relating to financial statements.

The local government finance officer is required to file a copy of the audit report with the secretary, and shall submit all bills or claims for audit fees and costs to the secretary for approval. Before granting approval, the secretary must determine that the audit and audit report substantially conform to state requirements. It is unlawful for any unit of local government or public authority to pay or permit the payment of such bills or claims without this approval.

Each officer and employee of the local government or local public authority having custody of public money or responsibility for keeping records of public financial or fiscal affairs must produce all books and records requested by the auditor and must divulge such information relating to fiscal affairs, as requested. If any member of a governing board or any other public officer or employee conceals, falsifies, or refuses to deliver or divulge any books, records, or information, in an attempt to mislead the auditor or impede or interfere with the audit, that person is guilty of a Class one misdemeanor.

The Local News Review received a preliminary report on September 21 from the CPA firm of Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams and Co. The document stated a number of concerns the firm has encountered while attempting to complete the June 30, 2010 audit report for the Town of Navassa. Town Administrator Claudia Bray did verify issues with the audit, but noted she has addressed them and has responded to the audit firm. Mayor Eulis Willis stated on

October 3 via email stating that Bray had taken care of the issues in question. LNR requested a copy of the correspondence concerning this response from Bray, but it had not been received it at press time.

Here are the items identified in the letter from the auditing firm in the September 12 audit report:

Retirement Payments

“Retirement payments were made for a 401K plan and a 457 plan through Prudential.  No payment confirmations were retained for any payments, however, a spreadsheet was provided by Terry Smith indicating the payments that he made.  The spreadsheet indicates 401K payments made by the town of $7,116.82 for the year.  It shows that 457 plan payments were made from funds withheld from employee checks, but that no contributions were paid by the Town.  Therefore, total retirement expense appears to be $7,116.82; however, the retirement expense accounts indicate $38,856.78 in retirement expense to the town.  There is no explanation for this variance.

Furthermore, according to the spreadsheet provided by Mr. Smith, no payments towards the 457 or 401K plans (included contributions and loan payments withheld from employees’ paychecks) have been made since April 2010.  There were only 3 payments made throughout the entire FY 2010 – one payment in late September, 2009, one in late December, 2009, and on in early April, 2010.  This represents a violation of plan documents.”

Vacation Payable:

“It appears that vacation time was not kept track of or else that information was not able to be provided to us by Mr. Smith (the payroll accountant).  The Town officers explained that they do not keep track of any vacation amounts since Mr. Smith is supposed to be completely in charge of all aspects of payroll accounting.   Mr. Smith refused to provide us with any information regarding vacation hours used or earned during FY 2010.”

Payroll Tax Payments:

“Several 941 tax deposits and State Withholding payments were made late.  Several confirmations for State Withholding payments were missing and could not be verified.”

Payroll:

“An issue was uncovered in the employee/board fraud questionnaires as well as during several Board meeting (uncovered via reading the minutes) regarding the validity of the timesheets provided by the police chief.  This auditor questioned the staff regarding the chief’s payroll circumstances – they stated he was paid according to a fixed contract; however, when asked to view the employment contract, it could/would not be provided.  Employees, board members, and the general public, all appear to be under the impression that the chief is not working the required number of hours according to his contract, but is still being paid the full amount.”

(Note: LNR left a telephone message for Police Chief Taylor, but, as of press time, had not returned our call.)

Insurance:

“While total insurance expense appears to be in line with prior years, invoices could not be provided for the expenses booked.  There is $24,314.60 in non-employee insurance expenses (ie. workers’ comp, building insurance, officer bonds, etc) booked, however, only $13,630.32 in invoices was provided upon repeated requests.  Furthermore, most of the debits to the various insurance accounts were from journal entries.  When Town staff was asked about these entries, they stated that Mr. Smith made all journal entries and that they did not have copies of them.  No explanation was provided as to where the additional invoices were or what made up the $10,684.28 in un-accounted for insurance expense.”

Cash Disbursements:

“Hard copies of many checks written do no match the check numbers in the check register.  Charlena Alston’s (Town Clerk) explanation was that sometimes the printer pulls through more than one check at a time.

Checks #11000-#11499 were skipped.  The preceding and following check numbers were written in January, 2010, therefore we would expect these checks to be written around the same time frame.  When asked about these missing checks, originally Ms. Alston stated that they were lost and they never found them.  Subsequently, when this issue was brought to the attention of the board, Ms. Alston stated that these check numbers were written in August, 2010.  No explanation was provided as to why the checks were written out of order.

Several checks inspected from the sample had inadequate backup documentation or were missing invoices completely.  Many checks were written for amounts different that the amounts stated on the invoices.”

Access Denied:

“It was not possible to verify signatures on the checks as the Town of Navassa refused to provide copies of signature cards after repeated request.  They stated that their bank (BB&T) policy was not to provide signature cards.  However, this auditor has received copies of signature for dozens of other accounts at BB&T.  This is concern because there have been questions regarding the validity of checks written and both oral and written communication from other Town employees regarding possible fraud by the town clerk and mayor.” (LNR contacted BB&T and asked the about this policy. The bank’s response was that a copy of the signature card could be released, but, if anyone on the card refuses to approve the release, none of the information on the card can be released.)

Trial Balance:

“Although the overall trial balance is in balance each fund does not balance between the balance sheet and the income statement.  For example the general fund balance adjustment (net income) is $132,225 on the balance sheet while the net income from the income statement is $124,093.  This happens in several funds.   Also, the ‘due to/from’ between funds does not tie.  This includes amounts shown as assets and liabilities as well as transfers.

Julia Vail, media spokesperson for the North Carolina Department for Treasury stated in an email that “Units that are not current with their audits are generally not permitted to issue debt that requires LGC approval, although each situation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  When a unit of government falls behind on its audits, the Department works with the unit and the independent auditor to try to resolve whatever issues are impeding completion.”

Regarding the question of the status of Navassa, Vail noted, “The LGC is currently working with the Town of Navassa and its auditor to resolve the outstanding issues on the 2010 audit. The 2011 audit is not due until October 31.”

Upon being contacted by LNR, Navassa’s legal counsel, Norwood Blanchard, stated he knew very little about this issue, except that Bray had “taken care of this matter.”

#9 Village Road Phase II Defunded While Causeway Improvement Plan Gains Traction

By Jane Crowder  jane@thelnr.com

The area’s Transportation Advisory Committee meeting on August 10 at Wilmington city hall, approved a resolution supporting amendments to the 10-year Resource Plan. Mike Kozlosky Executive Director of the Wilmington MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) stated that they are looking at a $73 MILLION deposit or shortfall in area NCDOT projects.  A financial reduction strategy includes re-engineering the Military Cutoff extension to four lanes instead of original six lanes, and increasing funding for the causeway project. The two bridges over the Brunswick River are considered critical, so the proposal allocated $12,000,000 to bridge reconstruction, but eliminated Village Road Phase II and several other projects in Wilmington. Also eliminated was the interchange of Old Fayetteville Road at U.S. 74/76 due to a shortage of funds.

A resolution is to be presented to modify the North Carolina Department of Transportation 10-year Resource Plan, with a directive that if any projects come in under budget, these funds would be allocated to the Wilmington area to reduce that debt. Councilwoman Pat Batleman questioned NCDOT’s Allan Pope in reference to two alternatives for the Village Road project. One alternative was a two lane, divided facility, and another was a four lane divided facility. Also suggested was a continuation of the four lane facility to the Sturgeon Creek Bridge, some improvements at Lincoln School Road, with the reminder of the project to remain as it is.

If the project is still funded, NCDOT would have to look at other ways to stay within budget.  If it removes all the funding, then the project will stop. Mayor Jack Batson questioned the fact that the project was not being funded now, but Pope noted that NCDOT is still working on it because the committee had not removed funding.  Chairman Jonathan Barfield said he personally would have no problem seeing that this project is scrapped and money moved to the Military Road Project. Someone also suggested the causeway project.  The resolution, as stated, recommends that all funding be removed from Village Road Phase II.  The resolution, in part, is as followers:

 

“WILMINGTON URBAN AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATIONTRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE MODIFICATIONS TO NCDOT’S 10-YEAR RESOURCE PLAN

WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Transportation presented a funding reduction strategy that would

value-engineer Military Cutoff extension and maintain its current schedule; increase funding for the scour critical

bridges over the Brunswick River; and eliminate funding in the 10-year program for Village Road Phase II, Kerr

Avenue/Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway interchange, Gordon Road widening, Market Street Access Management

Improvements, Dow Road Widening, Old Fayetteville Interchange and North College Road upgrade.

ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation

Advisory Committee on August 10, 2011.

Jonathan Barfield, Chairman

Transportation Advisory Committee

Just because the Village Road Phase II project is defunded, does not mean that it will not get done. NCDOT is taking care of other, higher priorities first.  According to Pope, it still remains on the project list as a need but is out of the 10 year plan, and will have to be reprioritized. Batson said he understood the funding would go to the causeway.  “It doesn’t do any good to improve Village Road if it all goes to the same causeway,” Batson said.

If it is unfunded, it goes back into the pot to be reprioritized. The next time projects will be prioritized will occur in October or November of this year. Barfield noted that reality is, the committee has a big wish list that may or may not happen. Pope said the entire division is sharing in this pain. Barfield asked for a motion to approve the resolution and it was carried.

#10(1)( two top 10s)Two Nabbed, but BCSP Police Dog Dies in Weekend Drug Raid

Joint efforts from the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit; Special Operations Unit; U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Wilmington Police Department resulted in the arrest of two subjects from the Ash area on the weekend  of July 16-17.

During a drug investigation on Saturday, July 16, agents were led to a cornfield off Diamond Loop Way in Ash. A package containing a kilogram of cocaine was located by K-9 Viper and his handler, Deputy Jared Zeller.  The cocaine package weighed 1,162 grams, with a street value of more than $100,000.

Viper, while retrieving the cocaine, accidently bit into the plastic container and subsequently died from ingesting the drug. A memorial service for Viper was held on Tuesday, July 19.

Agents arrested suspects Braulio Marin and Jamie Gonzalez on various drug related charges. Both were transported to and currently remain incarcerated at the Brunswick County detention facility.

#10 (2) Local Legend Continues to Give Back to His Home Community

By Gary Rabon  photos by Kassira Harrelson  sports@theLNR.com

It took former North Brunswick cager Chucky Brown many years to return to his alma mater, but since his retirement from the NBA he is becoming a regular around the North Brunswick campus. During his playing days which was a 13 year long career with a record 12 different teams, Brown often kept the Scorpions supplied with sneakers and sometimes even uniforms.

North Brunswick Athletic Director said that Brown has been great for the program.” He has always given back and never forgotten were he came from,” Baldwin stated. Brown is one of only two players to ever win an NBA and CBA Championship, having won an NBA title with the Houston Rockets in 1995.

Since Brown’s retirement he has served as head coach of the WBA team in Raleigh, as well as assistant coaching stints in the NBA Developmental League. He has also served as the head coach of the Los Angeles D-Fenders. Brown now serves as a scout with the New Orleans Hornets, a job that keeps him closer home where he can spend more time with his family in Cary.

Brown was named the first Mr. Basketball in North Carolina in 1985 before going on to a stellar career at North Carolina State. He was drafted with in the second round, 43^rd overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Brown said that he would loved to have been able to spend more time at the camp, but his busy schedule limited him to appear just the final day of the camp, named Clarence Brown North Brunswick Basketball Camp. Clarence was Chucky’s father who was instrumental in starting up the Navassa Fire Department.

The youngsters that attended the camp had plenty of questions for the former North Brunswick Flash as the camp was turned over to a question and answer session. Brown stressed the importance of education. He told the listeners about him returning to NC State and getting his degree after he retired. His dad always stressed academics and was pleased when he got his degree.

When asked about the NBA lock-out he said it’s a bad time to be bickering over a million dollars when the economy is in such bad shape. “There are so many people out there without a job, and loosing homes, they need to get to the table and get something done,” he added.

Brown said he enjoys the scouting and is not seeking another coaching gig. “There is so much politics in coaching and I’m not into that kind of things, however if one of my friends were to get a job and call on me I’d seriously consider it, “Brown said.

He said that the North Carolina State basketball program is down right now, but he feels that Newly hired coach Mark Gottfried will be a good fit. He said that Gottfried has reached out to former players and he thinks that a start.

Brown also spoke about former NC State great Lorenzo Charles who was tragically killed in a bus accident earlier in the week. He said Charles was his host when he when on his official visit to NC State and they have remained very close over the years. “I called him the evening before the accident and told him I just needed a laugh. We talked about 30 minutes and he said I will holler at you later, and that was it, “Brown said.

The camp according to North Brunswick basketball coach Bryan Hayes said was the first of many to come. Hayes stated that there were 67 campers present during the weeklong camp, ages rising third graders to rising eighth graders. “I was shooting for 75 kids, but am not disappointed at all in the turnout,” Hayes said. Hayes played basketball at Mt. Airy where he was a part of these camps, which gave him the idea to implement the same kind of camps when he became head coach.

Hayes, beginning his second season as the head coach at North feels the camp helps the program reach out to the community which in turn makes people want to be a part of the North Brunswick family. When asked about Brown being involved with the camp, Hayes said, “former players like Brown coming back to the program is crucial to building a program at North Brunswick.”

Hayes wants to see the camp grow to where they have to split them into two different camps. With the way the young Hayes is running the program at North Brunswick, he may just get his wish sooner than later.