Contributed | rrspin.com

During the Halifax Resolves Chapter NCSSAR meeting on November 10, the chapter presented Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua B. Royster with the National Society Sons of the American Revolution Law Enforcement Commendation Medal for his service to the local community and to recognize exceptional work and accomplishment in the field of law enforcement. This award can only be presented to an individual once.

Royster is currently serving the Eastern District of North Carolina and for the past three years has been the lead prosecuting attorney in Operation Burnout — an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force targeting drug traffickers operating in and around Halifax and Nash Counties. Operation Burnout is being conducted by the FBI, Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, IRS-Criminal Investigative Division, Nash County Sheriff’s Office, Rocky Mount Police Department, and ATF.

To date, 32 drug traffickers from the area have been taken into federal custody as a result of this investigation. Twenty-two of these drug traffickers have already been adjudicated guilty and sentenced in federal court. Some are awaiting trial, and some have pleaded guilty and are awaiting their sentencing. During this investigation law enforcement agents have seized firearms, automobiles, money, drugs, and other property from these criminals. To date, due to the efforts and diligence of the task force members, they enjoy a 10 percent conviction rate in federal court.

“Without his persistence and help, we would have not been able to prosecute at the local level,” Sheriff Jeff Frazier, who attended the ceremony, said. “It’s made a difference with him working with us.”

Also attending were NSSAR National Trustee Samuel C. Powell, Halifax County Commissioner J. Rives Manning, an FBI representative, members of the Halifax County Sheriff’s department assigned to the task force and canine officer Josh.