The Weldon Police Department reported the following, according to Chief Christopher Davis:
On February 22 shortly before 5 p.m. Corporal S. McKimmey responded to a convenience store in the 1600 block of Julian R. Allsbrook Highway on a larceny call.
McKimmey learned several cartons of Newport cigarettes had been stolen behind the counter and that several people were reportedly involved over several days.
Davis said this afternoon 17 cartons with a value of around $866 were taken.
One person would cause a distraction while the other went behind the counter and stole the cigarettes, usually in the early morning hours.
In the gallery from left: Armstrong, Vincent, and Jones
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McKimmey identified the person who reportedly went behind the counter as Jess Elbert Jones Jr., 49, of Weldon. The person reportedly causing the distraction was identified as Sophia Denise Vincent, 51, of Roanoke Rapids. The other person allegedly involved was Brandon Eugene Armstrong, 34, of Weldon.
McKimmey located Jones later and he was placed under arrest for misdemeanor larceny and habitual larceny. He received a $2,000 secured bond and April 28 court date.
Vincent and Armstrong face charges of misdemeanor aid and abet larceny and have not been served. They frequent the Roanoke Rapids and Weldon areas.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police department at 252-536-3136 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.
Sergeant L. Melton and Officer M. DiPietro assisted.
On Sunday shortly before 11:15 a.m. Melton was traveling east on Highway 158 when he noticed a speeder heading west.
Following a traffic stop, Melton reportedly detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and drug paraphernalia by the front passenger seat. Melton located a handgun and marijuana in the possession of the passenger. The gun had been reported stolen by the Roanoke Rapids Police Department.
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The passenger, Terry Cornel Garner Jr., 24, of Garysburg, was also wanted by probation and parole.
He was taken before a magistrate and charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a stolen firearm, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, resisting a public officer and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He received a $15,000 secured bond and has a court date set Wednesday.
The driver received a speeding citation.
The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office assisted.
Citizens are encouraged to report possible drug activity by calling the police department or Crimestoppers at the numbers listed in the previous blotter entry.