Metrolina West Edition by Meredith Locklear

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

METROLINA WEST EDITION • • • • • •

MECKLENBURG CATAWBA LINCOLN GASTON YORK CLEVELAND

RECENT MUG SHOTS LOCAL CRIME MOST WANTED CELEBRITY CRIME

SEX OFFENDERS

& MORE

LOADED GUN FOUND IN STUDENT BACKPACK AT W. CHARLOTTE HIGH MCCRAW, MEGAN JOYCE

SEE PAGE 2

POSS MARIJUANA; POSS DRUG PARA

THINGS ARE HEATING UP!

SALAS, PAUL JR. BREAK/ENTER

SEE PAGES 14 - 15

MORE... .

LOCAL NEWS . HEALTH RATINGS . CELEBRITY NEWS . CRIME ROUNDUP . WEIRD & WILD . HEADLINE CRIME . SEX OFFENDERS

COOK, JAMES OLIVER

FLOYD, ORLISHA CHIVON

DEMASCO, DANIELLE T

HOOVER, KIERA ROCHELLE

MASON, RONELL FERNANDIS

JOHNSON, JOHN ALLEN

POSS SCHED II; PARAPHERNALIA

FAIL TO APPEAR / LARCENY

Please visit our WEBSITE for BACK ISSUES & more

Volume 4, Issue 15

LARCENY

POSS MARIJUANA; POSS DRUG PARA

DWI

DWLR SPEEDING

FORD, CAMILLE

ASSAULT ON GOTV OFFICIAL

DUDE LOOKS LIKE A...

SEE PAGE 27

ENGELHARDT, MIKA ARI TRESPASS 2ND DEGREE

ROMERO, ANTHONY M

LARCENY, ANTI-INVENTORY DEV FAIL TO APPEAR

RATCHFORD, MICHAEL DEMOND DWLR

HARRINGTON, ASHLEY RENEE DRIVE AFTER CONSUMING <21 DWLR

BUFORD, MATTHEW C.

CONCEAL WEAPON; POSS MARIJUANA

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

CRIME NEWS

SECURITY CAMERA LEADS POLICE TO GUN AT CHARLOTTE HIGH SCHOOL When a Charlotte man realized a gun was missing from his home, the tape in his home security system led him to a teenager who, police say, had it at school. Police caught up with Corey Adams, 17, at West Charlotte High School and found a loaded .38 caliber revolver in his backpack. He has been charged with possession of a gun on campus and possession of a handgun by a minor. Nathaniel Jones of 524 Honeywood Avenue in the Oakview Terrace neighborhood noticed the weapon missing on April 1. He checked the video on his home security camera and saw his 16-yearold granddaughter, Jasmine Jones, and another teen taking the gun. Jones didn’t know the boy, but he knew his granddaughter was supposed to be at school. At the school, Jones conferred with the school resource officer, who got ahold of the granddaughter.

She identified Adams. The gun had five rounds in it when found.

Corey Adams

GASTON MAN PROVES HIMSELF GOOD SAMARITAN, POOR LISTENER

When David Gareth Largeteau saw a man being attacked, he acted quickly. When police told him to drop his weapon and lie flat on the ground, he failed to act. The second decision is what left the 23-yearold Gastonia man jailed with stitches in his chin and bruises on his wrists last Friday night. Largeteau’s instructive tale begins about 8:30 p.m. when he hears a commotion outside his home at The Oaks at Edgemont, a crime-infested apartment complex off of Poston Circle. Through his window, he sees a bunch of people attacking a solitary man. Largeteau told the Gaston Gazette that, instead of simply standing by, he called 911, then grabbed a broken hedge clipper and ran out to break up the fight. The attackers ran. When the police showed up, Largeteau was still holding the hedge clipper, a beaten man nearby. The officers ordered Largeteau to drop the hedge clipper and lie down. Largeteau suggested they should be satisfied with him getting on his knees. They were not. In the process of helping Largeteau assume the properly ordered position on the cement walkway, flesh was torn and blood was spilled. And, perhaps, a

lesson was learned. Largeteau was charged with going armed to the terror of the public, and resisting, delaying or obstructing a public officer. He was jailed under a $2,000 secured bond. His roommate used rent money to make bail the following morning, according to the Gazette.

Security System! FREE Home

WAILING ON EACH OTHER DOWN THE BUNNY TRAIL The last-minute hunt for Easter candy and decorations at a Salisbury Walmart was not a holiday game for children. Eight women let the rabbit fur fly as they sought to split the candy eggs, Peeps and stuffed toys remaining on the shelf Saturday evening, according to the Salisbury Post. Five of Salisbury’s finest were necessary to break up the melee, separating the women into two groups, each accusing the other of starting the fight. Property damage at the Arlington Street store, primarily to candy and Easter decorations, was valued at nearly $800. And this, presumably, is without a candy-induced sugar buzz. Police were not able to determine how things got out of hand, so for this Easter, everyone gets a charge of public affray. (Easter, if you’ll pardon the reminder, celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ – the Prince of Peace.) Those charged, whose ages range from 17 to 24, are Carolyn Elizabeth Chawlk, Carmeisha Shannell Mitchell, Samise Tyshon Mitchell, Kim Rochelle Williams Mashore, Latikgwa Nikia Williams, Tameika Shareece Drye and Tiffany Elaine Chambers.

0 85 LUE VA

at NO COST to you for parts and activation with only a $99 Installation Fee and the purchase of alarm monitoring services. Terms and Conditions below.

Our state-of-the-art system includes: n Front and Back Doors Protected n Infrared Interior Motion Detector n Digital Keypad with Police, Fire, and Medical Emergency Buttons n Interior Siren n Control Panel with Battery Back-up n Lawn Sign and Window Decals

David Gareth Largeteau

Your home security system is monitored by ADT professionals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As an added benefit, installing a Security System may qualify you for a Homeowners Insurance discount.

Act Now and Receive a

FREE

Wireless Remote Control

$99 Value! To take advantage of this promotion, you must call no later than 30 days from the postmark of this advertisement. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Must mention this coupon.

Reservation Code: DF-MBIDS-09

Act Now and Receive a

FREE

Medical & Fire Panic Alert

To take advantage of this promotion, you must call no later than 30 days from the postmark of this advertisement. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Must mention this coupon.

Reservation Code: DF-MBIDS-09

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-Midnight EST Sat-Sun 8am-8pm EST

1-877-536-4249 $99.00 Customer Installation Charge. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $35.99 per month ($1,295.64). Form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may be required. Satisfactory credit history required. Certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Dealer customers only and not on purchases from ADT Security Services, Inc. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Licenses: AL-09-1104, AZ-ROC217517, CA-ACO6320, CO-110357041, CT-ELC.0193944-L5, DE: 07-212, FL- EC13003401 GA-LVA205157, ID: 39131, IL-127.001042, KY-City of Louisville: 483, LA-F1082, MA: 1355-C, MD: 30339155,107-1375, MI- 3601204877, MN- TS01807, MO-City of St. Louis LC7017450,CC354, MS-15007958, NC- 25310-SP-LV, NE-14451, NJ- 34BF00021800, NM-353366, NV-68518, City of Las Vegas: B14-00075-6-121756, C11-11262-L-121756, NY-Licensed by the N.Y.S. Department of State UID# 12000286451, OH- 53 89 1446, OK-1048, OR170997,RI-3428, SC- BAC 5630, TN- C-1164, TX-B13734, UT-6422596-6501, VA-115120, VT-ES-2382 WA- 602 588 694/PROTEYH934RS, WI- City of Milwaukee M-0001599, WV- WV042433, WY-LV-G-21499. For full list of licenses visit our website www.protectyourhome.com/MBIDS

ALL SUSPECTS ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Certain information and images in this publication are public records accessed through law enforcement incident reports and arrest records. These public records are available for review at local law enforcement agencies. Not every arrest leads to a conviction. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The purpose and intent of The Slammer is to inform the public of suspected criminal activity in the community; to assist law enforcement in deterring crime and solving cases; to foster public involvement in matters of safety and awareness; and to satisfy the natural curiousity of readers.

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

GASTON COUNTY

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

CATAWBA COUNTY

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & DEADBEATS

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

ABBREVIATION KEY

AFFRAY............................... Fighting ARMED ROBBERY.......... Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon AWDWIKISI........................ Assault with Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill, Inflicting Serious Injury ATT........................................ Attempted B&E....................................... Breaking and Entering C/S......................................... Controlled Substance (Drugs) DWLR.................................... Driving While License Revoked FICT INFO........................... Providing false (fictitious) information to an officer

MV......................................... Motor Vehicle MAINT DWELL................. Maintaining a Dwelling for the Purpose of Selling Controlled Substances (Drugs) P/W/I/S/D............................. Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver POSS/CONS...................... Possess or Consume Alcohol Beverage PRO....................................... Property RESIST/OBST.................... Resist or Obstruct an Ofﬁcer SOLICIT............................... To ask (for money) or to offer (sex)

CATAWBA & MECKLENBURG COUNTY

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

DWIS

DEATH BY DRUNK DRIVER

Four teens were headed for home after a fun night in Paterson, New Jersey, last spring when, suddenly, the 2008 Honda Civic they were riding in became a vehicle of death. Around 5 a.m. the car slammed into a bridge support, bringing it to an instant stop. And just like that, passenger Tyla Colilla’s ride home and her short life were over. She was taken to nearby Jersey City Medical Center for treatment, but she died there an hour after the accident. Tyla was only 19. Sadly, this joyful, carefree North Bergen High School graduate had caught a ride with the wrong friend. The driver, Jessi Saquipulla, and two passengers were treated and released at an area hospital. Saquipulla, now 20, was charged with death by automobile. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison. He was also charged with DWI and possession of marijuana. His blood alcohol level after the accident was

allegedly .12, above the legal limit of .08. On March 13, Tyla’s family and friends marked the painful ﬁrst anniversary of her death. Unfortunately, they will suffer on this day for years to come.

Tyla Colilla

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

Reality television just gets real-er all the time. NeNe Leakes, a star of TV’s “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” is getting a dose of reality like real-life parents who aren’t on TV and who don’t live in Atlanta. Leakes’ son, Bryson Bryant, who has appeared on the Bravo network program, has been arrested twice in less than a month on drug charges in the Atlanta area. Bryson, 20, was visiting an inmate at Gwinnett County Jail on March 7 when deputies learned that he had an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court on a minor offense. In the process of booking him for that charge, it was found that he had marijuana on his person. He was booked for drug possession, posted bail and went on his way. Since then, a technicality arose which resulted in his being charged with a second crime – possessing drugs inside a correctional facility. Bryson reportedly turned himself in for that offense on April 1. Leakes, 42, has issued a statement about her family’s disappointment in Bryson’s behavior and her hopes that he will benefit from being dealt with firmly, both by his parents and the system. She says it confirms her belief that a parent’s job is never finished. How true, NeNe. NeNe Leakes

HEAVY ON STREET CRED, BUT LIGHT ON STAGE TIME

His real name is Stanley Howse, and at 36 he’s still sporting those pigtails his mama put in his hair before he started walking. That easy-care hairdo will serve him well in the slammer, where styling products are notoriously hard to come by. Howse is a rapper with the group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony who calls himself “Flesh-NBone” (hey, we don’t make this stuff up). He’s been out of the joint a little over a year, having served eight years for pulling a gun on somebody. That was back in 1998. After all this time, more charges related to that same incident have cropped up, resulting in Howse being arrested in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was appearing at the House of Blues late last month. The new charges say that in October 1998 Howse hit his mama (the same one who plaited his hair, presumably) in the gourd with a gun. The charges are domestic violence with a ﬁrearm and felonious assault. Those events were just a continuation of years’ worth of crimes ranging from ﬁrearms, assault, threatening and, in the case of the ’98 assault, pulling an AK-47 out from its hiding place in a baby’s crib. He’s still in jail in Cleveland and his group has moved ahead on its scheduled tour to perform without him. After appearing without him for eight years, what’s a few more gigs? Bottom line, this cat sounds like his title isn’t Thug for nothing. If he’ll pistol-whip his own mother, what will he do to a stranger? Stanley Howse, aka Flesh-N-Bone

Bryson Bryant

CLEVELAND COUNTY

MATURE MENACES

CELEBRITY NEWS

SON’S POSSESSION BUSTS AREN’T FOLLOWING THE SCRIPT

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

YORK COUNTY

MR. WEIRD BEARD

SMITH, CHRISTOPHER LEE PROBATION VIOL

FUNDERBURK, GEORGE W URINATE IN PUBLIC/DEFECATE

DAVIS,MELVIN,KIM FAILURE TO COMPLY

STREET ,DENNIS,RAY DWI Willi Chevalier, winner of the Partial Beard Freestyle Category at the World Beard and Moustache Championships, Brighton.

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

GASTON COUNTY

DEATH ROW

Just off of U.S. 64, between Tarboro and Plymouth, you’ll ﬁnd the small town of Williamston. In January 1996, Death Row inmate Shawn Bonnett hid from the cops in Williamston for days after his involvement in a ruthless robbery and murder. Think Williamston is out of the way? Take a car ride out to the Farm Life community in rural Martin County. That’s where Shawn Bonnett and three friends committed their crime against store owner Robert Hardison. Out there in the boonies, four bored guys made a plan to knock over a general store. They rode out to the store around 4:30 p.m. on January 4. Richard “Joe Raggs” Smith was pushing his yellow Geo Storm. Riding shotgun was Jimmy “Little Jimmy” Smith. Bonnett (a.k.a. “Homicide”) was riding in the back with Christopher Moore. They were casing the joint, waiting until Hardison was alone. Before they went in Little Jimmy had one detail to clear up. He made the guys take a pledge: what ever happened they would stick together. Joe Raggs told the guys that they were going to have to wipe out Hardison – he couldn’t be allowed live after he’d seen them checking out his store. It wasn’t until 7:30 that all other customers were gone, and Hardison was alone. The Geo Storm pulled up. Joe Raggs stayed in the car. Homicide gave Little Jimmy a gun and they went into the store with Chris. Homicide went up to the counter while Little Jimmy grabbed a beer. Hardison came up to check them out. Little Jimmy made sure it was his last sale. He shot the unsuspecting storekeeper several times. Homicide took the cashbox, and the band of murderers got out of there. They cruised south to Greenville, where they stopped at a motel and split their loot. Then they headed back to Williamston. On the way, a state trooper recognized their whip and chased them. They took off, stopping at a house and running inside. Homicide slipped out the back. The others were taken in right away, but Homicide was arrested four days later. Both Smiths were convicted of ﬁrst-degree murder and each received a sentence of life imprisonment. Moore pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in a plea agreement. Bonnett, who had previously been convicted of other violent felonies, was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Prosecutors pointed out that he supplied the gun and took the cashbox. They successfully argued premeditation and deliberation on his part, and that, because it happened during a robbery, killing Hardison was felony murder. Shawn Derrick Bonnett

“…he couldn’t be allowed live after he’d seen them checking out his store.”

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

ALEXANDER, CAMBRIA $$$

CASH REWARD

IS AVAILABLE FOR INFORMATION THAT LEADS TO THE CAPTURE OF THESE SUBJECTS. YOUR INFORMATION WILL REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL AND ANONYMOUS. $$$

BONDS, KARTHINA CHANTAH DOB: 5/4/1982 HT:5’8 WT: 220 LBS WE ALWAYS FIND IT AMUSING WHEN FOLKS HAVE NAMES THAT REFER TO THEIR CHARGE. MS. BONDS SKIPPED BOND...AFTER BEING CHARGED WITH DWLR. KARTHINA, IT’S OK, JUST TURN YOURSELF IN AND THE FUTURE WILL BE BRIGHTER! OTHERWISE SOMEONE IS GOING TO SEE THIS AND DO IT FOR YOU! CALL 704-3334344 OR 704-819-7273 FOR A REWARD!

(704) 333-4344 (704) 819-7273

DOB: 1/22/1972 HT: 5’7 WT: 180 LBS CAMBRIA IS TRYING TO WEEZLE OUT OF PAYING THE PIPER AFTER BEING CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF COKE, TRESPASSING, AND PROSTITUTION. TRUST US CAMBRIA, NOBODY’S PICKING UP WHAT YOU’RE PUTTIN’ DOWN! HOWEVER, SLAMMER READERS WILL BE PICKING UP THE PHONE TO TURN YOU IN. CALL 704-449-1955 OR 704-449-3559 FOR A REWARD!

(704) 449-3559 (704) 449-1955

HUNTLEY, DERRICK DOB: 1/15/1987 HT: 6’1 WT: 170 LBS DERRICK, FOR SOMEONE WALKING AROUND DRAGGING AROUND CHARGES LIKE YOU HAVE, YOU SURE DO LOOKED SCARED IN THIS MUG SHOT. MR. HUNTLEY’S BEEN CHARGED WITH DWLR, ROBBERY, ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON, KIDNAPPING, AND ASSAULT ON A FEMALE! IF YOU SEE THIS CAT, JUST CALL 704449-1955 OR 704-449-3559 FOR A REWARD!

(704) 449-1955 (704) 449-3559

TIDD, JULIUS CECIL HT: 6’0 WT: 160 LBS. OH SIR JULIUS, WHERE DO WE BEGIN? MR. TIDD WAS CHARGED WITH CARRYING A CONCEALED WEAPON (BY A FELON), PWISD THE GREEN, AND RESISTING ARREST! DOES THE “M’ STAND FOR MAKING A MAJOR MISTAKE? DUH! IT COULD ALSO STAND FOR “MAKE” THE CALL, TURN THIS JOKER IN! CALL 704-7950313 OR 704-372-2222 FOR A REWARD!

(704) 795-0313 (704) 372-2222

HUGHES, RONNELL TYRON

HINSON, JEREMY JEREZA DOB:7/2/1988 HT: 6’4 WT: 185 LBS NOT EVEN GONNA MAKE A JOKE ABOUT THIS ONE. HINSON IS ON THE RUN AFTER BEING CHARGED WITH RAPE ON A VICTIM UNDER 13, ASSAULT ON A FEMALE, B&E, AND FAILURE TO CHANGE HIS ADDRESS AS A REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER! GET HIM OFF THE STREETS NOW! PLAIN AND SIMPLE: IF YOU SEE THIS MAN, CALL 704-333-4344 OR 704-819-7273 FOR A REWARD!

DOB: 9/20/1971 HT: 6’2 WT: 175 LBS. RONNELL HAS BEEN CHARGED MULTIPLE TIMES FOR POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO SELL COKE AND POT, AS WELL AS BREAKING AND ENTERING. NOW THIS BRAINIAC THINKS IT’S A SMART IDEA TO SKIP OUT ON THE LAW! MR. HUGHES, PAY YOUR DUES! IF YOU HAVE SEEN RONNELL, CALL 704372-2222 OR 704-200-7674 FOR A REWARD!

(704) 333-4344 (704) 819-7273

(704) 372-2222 (704) 200-7674

GREGORY, DANGELO T. DOB: 8/24/1972 HT: 5’9 WT: 160 LBS MR. GREGORY WAS CHARGED WITH DRIVING WITH A REVOKED LICENSE. COMPARATIVELY, AS FAR AS CRIMES GO, DWLR IS FAIRLY MINOR. SO WHY DANGELO, WHY? RUNNING FROM THE LAW MAKES THINGS SO MUCH WORSE, WITHOUT A DOUBT, EVERY TIME, UNEQUIVOCALLY. JUST TURN YOURSELF IN! IF YOU’VE SEEN DANGELO, CALL 704-4491955 OR 704-449-3559 FOR A REWARD!

(704) 449-1955 (704) 449-3559

NEWKIRK, CETRELL DOB: 11/2/1989 HT: 5’7 WT: 230 LBS THIS LITTLE NUGGET WAS CHARGED WITH ASSAULT ON A FEMALE, COMMUNICATING THREATS, AND FALSE IMPRISONMENT. HE IS ON THE LAM, BUT WE KNOW HE WON’T GET TOO FAR WITH ALL OF THESE SLAMMER READERS LOOKING FOR HIM! IF YOU SEE MR. NEWKIRK, CALL 704-377-9007 FOR A REWARD!

(704) 377-9007

MARKS, MICHAEL DOB: 9/7/1985 HT: 5’6 WT: 150 LBS THIS PIP SQUEAK IS RUNNING FROM THE LAW AFTER BEING CHARGED WITH RESISTING ARREST, POSSESSION OF WEED, AND UNLAWFUL CONCEALMENT. MR. MARKS, THE SLAMMER’S GOT YOU MARKED! YOU OBVIOUSLY HAVEN’T LEARNED SINCE YOU LOOK STONED TO THE BONE IN THIS MUG SHOT. JUST TURN YOURSELF IN ALREADY! CALL 704-3334344 OR 704-819-7273 FOR A REWARD!

(704) 333-4344 (704) 819-7273

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

CLEVELAND & MECKLENBURG COUNTY

YORK COUNTY

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

MECKLENBURG COUNTY

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

FIGHT CLUB

MEAN MUGGIN’

Jason Cade

Two young men charged with arson and murder tell conflicting stories of what happened last July 31, each pointing the gas-scented finger at the other. Last week, one of the men, 28-year-old Jason Cade, was found guilty of first-degree arson and two counts of second-degree murder in an Elmira, New York, courtroom. When he is sentenced next month, it is expected he will receive life without parole. The other man, 23-year-old Joshua Morgan, entered a plea last fall that netted him a 25-year sentence on the arson charges. The pair, according to Morgan, hatched a plan to set the fire after one of the victims, Larry Baker, Sr., tried to enlist him in a plan to get back at Cade’s brother for not repaying a $600 debt. Morgan told Cade that Baker wanted to “set up” Cade’s brother Courteney. According Joshua Morgan

to Morgan’s admission in his plea, Cade had the idea of setting fire to the Bakers’ house, and he was the one who poured gasoline in their hallway and on their porch. Baker, his wife Wendy, and their son Larry, Jr. were in the home at the time. The couple died; their teenage son escaped. Morgan said nobody was supposed to get hurt, that the blaze was meant only as a “message.” Nevertheless, he admits that he was the one who touched off the gas with a cigarette lighter.

[ rev eng e plo t tur ns dea dly[

The U.S. Fire Administration cites a loss of nearly $9 million in structure fires for the year 2008. That figure covers only buildings and homes. Total losses, which include vehicle fires and intentionally set wildfires, cost more than $15.5 billion. More Americans die in fires than in all natural disasters combined: 3,320 in 2008. Why would anyone set a fire on purpose? To get revenge, to get a kick out of the excitement, to try to cheat the insurance company out of money, to punish an enemy, to cover up another crime or to satisfy a need. (There is a mental disorder in which setting fires creates a “high” and a feeling of release. It is called pyromania, or “fire madness.”) It is said that arson, or malicious burning, is the easiest of all crimes to commit, so easy even a child can do it. The law doesn’t specify that ill will has to be a factor in deliberate burning; the recklessness of the act can be legally considered malice.

enue department leveled tax evasion charges against him, as well, saying he owes the county and state more than $3 million. Kurtenbach denies involvement in any of the crimes he is accused of and has been free on a $2 million bond since soon after the incident.

James Kurtenbach

Trial watchers will want to keep an eye out for opening arguments in the case of Southern California arson/ murder suspect James Anthony Kurtenbach, who is set to face his accusers beginning May 17. The former businessman is accused of arson, murder and insurance fraud in an October 31, 2008, explosion and fire that destroyed a home he owned and killed a seven-year employee of his gas station business. Joseph Nesheiwat, 24, died in the alleged arson-forprofit plot. Charges accuse Kurtenbach, 47, of enlisting Nesheiwat to set the fire so he could collect insurance money. Prosecutors say Kurtenbach gave Nesheiwat gasoline and instructions for torching the 4,500-square-foot home, which was vacant at the time. Fire and rescue workers found the young man’s body three to four feet outside of the front door, severely burned over 85 percent of his body. The arson investigator believes the explosion knocked him out of the house. The home, located in a San Diego County country club neighborhood, was valued at $900,000. Twice in recent years, Kurtenbach had increased his homeowner’s coverage, investigators learned. Last year, the state rev-

[ one bad tur n des erv es ano the r [

Arson is a crime that can be easy to get away with. Despite continual advances in the field of forensic fire investigation, some fires can spread in such a way that their origin might be impossible to detect, as in the case of forest fires that destroy thousands of acres. Some fire marshals consider arson to have the worst arrest record of any crime in the nation for that reason. As we head into what is starting out as an unusually warm early spring, we enjoy the increasing warmth. But with the rising temperatures comes a reminder that heat isn’t always welcome or comforting. These stories all center on the extreme warmth of fire and all end with dire consequences. Maybe the fires weren’t intended to hurt anybody; maybe they were only to get attention or to gain insurance money. Regardless, these stories of arson and death provide glimpses into twisted thinking and twisted acts that healthy minds can’t imagine.

14 APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

Kathleen Hilton

with five counts of murder and first-degree arson. The children’s mother’s apartment was not damaged. Hilton’s journey through the legal system was rife with motions, court-ordered evaluations and reports and still more motions. She was eventually declared competent to understand what she was charged with and put on trial last year, only to be found not guilty. The jury believed that Hilton did not really have the ability to grasp the seriousness of what she did. After a decade behind bars, convicted of no crime, she is a free woman.

Brian England

Hell might have no fury like a woman scorned, but a man scorned isn’t far behind. Look at Brian Richard England, an Egelston Township, Michigan, man who is in jail for intentionally setting a fire after learning he was scorned, so to speak. England, 44, was arrested last week on charges of home invasion and arson of a home, crimes that could send him to prison for 35 years. According to police reports, England found out his wife was having an affair with one of his friends when he caught the two of them together in a car at the friend’s vacant fixer-upper. Later, the spouses had what is described as a “heated” argument, after which he left home to get some air in his tires. The hot-headed hubby then allegedly drove straight to his friend’s property, broke in with a tire iron, doused the kitchen and living room with lighter fluid and gasoline, tossed a match in, and left. England is being held under a bond of $200,000 and goes to court April 13. No telling what the current state of his marriage is, but it’s pretty certain the two are facing a lengthy separation.

[ CHE ATI NG LEA VES HIM MAD AS FIRE [

Legal history is many times made not by giants of jurisprudence, but on the heads of anonymous citizens. Kathleen Hilton is a Massachusetts woman whose arson and murder case broke just about every rule in the book, flying in the face of U.S. and state law. Charged with crimes in a state whose constitution guarantees a speedy trial, she sat in jail for 10 years before ever going to court. And once she had her proverbial day in court, she was acquitted. Hilton, now 62, has been diagnosed as mentally retarded, illiterate, schizophrenic and as having the intellectual capability of a 6-year-old. She also suffered a brain injury as a child. In February 1999, she poured oil on the floor of a Lynn, Massachusetts, apartment house and struck a match to it. Her reasoning was that if her grandchildren’s mother’s apartment, located in the building, suffered fire damage, then the grandchildren could go to live with their father, Hilton’s son, and he – and she – could visit them. But the fire didn’t accomplish Hilton’s goal. Instead, an unrelated couple, their two little children, and their niece died in the fire. Hilton was charged

[acq uit tal in fire tha t cla ime d 5 live s [ na Venegas, her son and two young daughters, Lacey was convicted of murder and arson. He was expected to be sentenced to life in prison when he returned to court this week.

Three Pennsylvania volunteer firefighters, ages 18 and 21, are in jail charged with multiple counts of arson, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and conspiracy after investigators linked them to numerous fires. More charges are expected as investigations continue. Shawn Hoy, John Eichert and Matthew Dixon are linked to fires that occurred as long as three years ago and as recently as January. Nine of the fires, set over a fourmonth period, caused more than $2 million in damage. The dumb crooks’ excuse? Boredom. One of their targets was a 300-year-old barn that contained a quarter-million dollars’ worth of farm equipment. Another was the property of an 86-year-old widow, who was alone in her home when a firebomb was thrown into her barn. Her son says she has had to move to assisted living because she’s so terrified of be-

From Left: John Eichert, Shawn Hoy and Matthew Dixon

ing at home. The three alleged firebugs primarily targeted unoccupied properties like barns, then responded to every call in their capacity as volunteers. Pennsylvania State Police say the men all came under suspicion during an investigation of an unrelated matter. All were officially charged on March 31 and all have been suspended from the fire department. Their arrests come just a year after another Pennsylvania firefighter, an assistant chief, was arrested for setting nine fires, including one to his own mother’s home. Robert Tracey, 37, of Coatesville ended his legal woes last November by entering a plea in two of the cases, and is already a free man. Tracey’s entire career has been spent as a firefighter, first in Maryland, then in Pennsylvania. Coatesville was plagued with arson cases during Tracey’s tenure there.

[ for kic ks , THE Y WIE LD DES TRU CTI ON [

Caleb Lacey

He wanted to be a hero. That’s what the prosecutor said about 20-year-old Caleb Lacey, a Long Island, New York, volunteer fireman. That was the reason he deliberately set a fire in a stairwell of an apartment building February 19, 2009. What Lacey didn’t plan, though, was trapping a family of seven in an upstairs apartment with a leap from a second story window their only means of escape. A mother and three of her children perished in that early morning blaze; the father and two other sons leapt for the lives. Lacey had been with the fire department only four months when the deadly disaster was staged, but was already frustrated that none of the 90 or so calls he had been on involved fire; all were first responder calls, such as medical emergencies. On the morning of the Venegas family’s nightmare, Lacey was at the firehouse, suited up in his gear two minutes before the call even came in. Evidence presented at his trial this past February showed his vehicle parked outside the death house just before the fire was reported. Almost one year to the day after the deaths of More-

[ five per ish ed so he cou ld be a her o [

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

SLAMMER SALON

SMILES & TEARS

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

MECKLENBURG COUNTY

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

LINCOLN COUNTY

MECKLENBURG COUNTY

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

MECKLENBURG COUNTY THIS WEEKEND IN

HISTORY APRIL 9

A bomb planted in the car of Margaret Backhouse, of Horton, England, exploded on this day in 1984, nearly killing her. Weeks later, Margaret’s husband Graham killed the Backhouse’s neighbor, Colyn Bedale-Taylor, with a shotgun. Graham, who was bleeding from wounds to his head and chest, claimed that, after confessing to planting the bomb, Bedale-Taylor attacked him with a knife, and that he shot his attacker in selfdefense. In reality, investigators discovered, Graham had staged the scene to cover up his attempt to kill his wife, whose life insurance he had recently increased. For his crimes, Graham received two life sentences.

APRIL 10

When a blaze broke out at the Lalaurie mansion in New Orleans on this day in 1834, firefighters discovered an elderly slave woman chained up in the kitchen. She had started the fire to escape from her mistress, Delphine Lalaurie, who took great pleasure in torturing her slaves. There are reports that Lalaurie had skinned one of her victims alive, and forced others to undergo ghastly medical experiments. News of the atrocities spread, causing an angry mob to surround the mansion. Delphine and her husband, however, escaped, and while some believe they fled to Paris, no one knows for sure.

APRIL 11

U.S. soldiers freed thousands of prisoners at Buchenwald concentration camp near Weimar, Germany, on this day in 1945. It is estimated that over 56,000 prisoners died from starvation, illness, overwork and execution at this camp. Two of the camp’s most notorious and cruel ofﬁcials were punished for their roles. The camp commander, Karl Koch, was killed by ﬁring squad by the Nazis for his misuse of power at the camp. His wife, Ilsa Koch, who mistreated prisoners terribly, was sentenced to life in prison under an Allied forces war crimes tribunal. She hanged herself in prison in 1967.

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

MECKLENBURG COUNTY

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

SEX OFFENDERS

**The Attorney General’s Ofﬁce of North Carolina maintains the registry of all convicted sex offenders in the state who are required to register. Some convictions of sex crimes may have occurred many years in the past. Persons are required to register upon their conviction, their release from custody, or when they move into the county.

LOWE,DAVID JUNIOR 1596 MELROSE DR SHELBY, NC 28152 05-14-2004 INDECENT LIBERTY MINOR (2) CTS

MARABLE,JIMMY R 1804 TROY RD SHELBY, NC 28150 04-27-2006 INDECENT LIBERTY MINOR (3) CTS

MATUSKA,RICHARD MICHAEL 2304 TAYLOR RD SHELBY, NC 28152 07-17-2008 SEX EXPLOIT OF MINOR 1ST DEGREE

MAYHORN,JAMES LEE 206 MT SINAI CHURCH RD SHELBY, NC 28152 03-06-2006 REGISTERED AS A RESULT OF OUT-OF-STATE CONVICTION

MCCLAIN,EVERETTE J 4023 JAMES LOVELACE RD SHELBY, NC 28152 11-05-2008 SEXUAL BATTERY; INDECENT LIBERTY MINOR

MELLON,TERRY S 1015 CASAR BELLWOOD ROAD LAWNDALE, NC 28090 10-20-2003 INDECENT LIBERTY MINOR

MELTON,RODNEY D 1025 W STAGE COACH TR LAWNDALE, NC 28090 06-09-2004 INDECENT LIBERTY MINOR

MOSS,JOHN D 389 ROSEBOROUGH RD GROVER, NC 28073 01-06-2009 SECRETLY CREATES PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES THRU OR UNDER GARMENTS

OSBORNE,REGINALD SENTREL 1 MISENHEIMER PL SHELBY, NC 28150 10-02-2007 INDECENT LIBERTY MINOR (4) CTS

PARKER,TARA HUNTSINGER 612 CHARLES ST KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC 28086 03-05-2009 INDECENT LIBERTY MINOR

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:

WWW.NCFINDOFFENDER.COM

WEIRD & WILD NEWS

Houston County, Georgia – OK, part of what makes this story funny is that the man’s name is Funk. And that the sheriff ’s deputy noted the man’s odor when he approached his vehicle, although it was the odor of alcohol, not funk. When 43-year-old Donald Keith Funk was pulled over one night last week, he tried to explain that his wacky driving was due to his girlfriend “getting frisky” with him from the passenger seat. When the deputy asked what that meant, Funk reportedly explained “she was playing with me.” The deputy said he understood what that meant, according to a news report, then proceeded to book him for DUI. And, oh, yeah, the couple was on their way home from karaoke. Play that funky music …

Front Royal, Virginia – How about a 41-year-old man who skinned a guinea pig so he could fashion a fur hat out of the pelt? Charles Woodson bought the cuddly critter from a pet shop in January, then began sporting his new lid around town shortly afterward. Woodson has reportedly said he is a big Davy Crockett fan (famous for coonskin caps) and also a “devout Christian” who admires St. Francis of Assisi. Those not familiar with St. Francis should note that the founder of Franciscans, who lived in the 13th century, considered animals and plants perfect creations of God’s world and, as such, spiritual components of humans’ lives. Probably he wouldn’t skin a fuzzy little varmint to keep his noggin warm. Maybe no small mammal is safe around Woodson. The week after his guinea pig bust he was re-arrested when a neighbor told police he gestured a throat-slashing to her little children.

good money, and plenty of it, to learn whether their wives will stray with a young, handsome man. Inspired by the American TV program “Cougar Town,” Ryan says his work as a “honey trap” has a 100 percent success rate. His clients are mostly high-powered executives whose careers leave them little time for their wives, he says. His duties range from innocent dates with a little snuggling to trips to the ends of the earth, you might say. The latter carries an extra charge, of course.

“...a 41-yearold man who skinned a guinea pig so he could fashion a fur hat...”

London, England – A 23-year-old single man has told a London newspaper that he earns upward of $90,000 (U.S.) a year trying to get “cougars” to cheat on their husbands. Ryan Gardener, who used to work in retail sales, says suspicious husbands are willing to pay

Lexington, Kentucky – It would be nice to have a place to go where everybody knows your name, but you can’t expect everybody to do everything for you. Todd Fitzwater, 45, called 911 on April 2 asking police to come get him out of his neighborhood bar. He had passed out, missed closing time and was locked inside. Oh, did we say it was daytime and he had passed out the night before? Reports quote the bar’s owner as saying Fitzwater is a regular who lives in the area. He ﬁgured when he locked up and left Fitzwater snoozing in the saloon that his boozy buddy would be able to ﬁnd his own way out. Lexington cops went to the bar owner’s house to get him to go unlock the lounge so Todd could totter on home.

Nope, she’s not pouting because the Bunny didn’t leave her those Cadbury eggs she can only ﬁnd around Easter time. It’s not pollen making her eyes red, either. Betty Jean is blubbering because she got hauled in for assault and battery on a law enforcement ofﬁcer, on top of a burglary rap. Now’s not the time to be sobbing, is what we say. Or better yet, we’ll give you something to cry about.

MUG OF THE WEEK

New Brunswick, New Jersey – It has happened to all of us. We get jammed into a drive-thru lane at a fast food restaurant, then learn there is nothing fast about it. We’re like rats with no escape. One New Jersey McDonald’s customer let his actions speak for him last week when, disgruntled because his sack o’ burgers was taking way too long and he couldn’t budge, he climbed through the take-out window and slapped the Mickey D’s employee. Then he left, but not without that ﬁsh sandwich he had been waiting for. We don’t know whether he climbed back out the window or used the door.

BETTY JEAN BUSSELL

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

YORK & MECKLENBURG COUNTY

HEADLINE CRIME

“Fifteen years ago this month, an antigovernment fanatic brought devastation and death to Oklahoma City.”

Nine members of the Hutaree militia group were arrested last week, charged with plotting to murder a law enforcement officer and then killing mourners who came to the officer’s funeral. Experts say that more and more anti-government extremist organizations like this one are on the rise. These conspirators were stopped in their tracks before they could pull off their evil plan, but 15 years ago this month, an anti-government fanatic brought devastation and death to Oklahoma City. Timothy McVeigh parked a rented Ryder truck in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building around 9 a.m. on April 19, 1995, and quickly walked away. The truck was filled with 5,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate, effectively converting it into a bomb. When it exploded, the blast obliterated one-third of the building and killed 168 people, including 19 children. Hundreds more were injured. A decorated soldier who had fought in the Gulf War, McVeigh had become disillusioned with the U.S. government and believed that it was a threat to the freedom of ordinary citizens. He was especially infuriated by the federal raid of the compound of the Branch Davidians, a religious cult in Waco, Texas, which ended in the fiery deaths of more than 70, many of whom were women and children. In retaliation for the government’s actions, he and his accomplices planned and carried out the bombing. McVeigh was stopped about 90 minutes after the explosion by a state trooper who noticed he was driving without a license plate. He was arrested after the trooper found that he was carrying a concealed firearm illegally. Three days after his arrest, authorities identified McVeigh as the bombing suspect. He was charged on 11 federal counts, including eight counts of first-degree murder. Terry Nichols, later identified as McVeigh’s principal accomplice, was sentenced to life in prison. Michael and Lori Fortier, friends of McVeigh’s who knew about the plot ahead of time, testified against McVeigh and Nichols. Michael was sentenced to 12 years in prison for failing to warn the U.S. government. Lori received immunity from prosecution in exchange for testifying. McVeigh was convicted and sentenced to death. He was executed June 11, 2001. Sketch of suspect and mug shot of Timothy McVeigh.

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

GASTON COUNTY

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

MECKLENBURG COUNTY

SEX CRIMES

MISSING:

WALDEMAR WYDRA Waldemar Wydra was last seen in April 2002, when he left 10012 Lattice Court in Charlotte. It was so long ago that one source says he disappeared April 15, and another says it was the 22nd. Regardless, family members would like to have answers. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be 41 today, and was 6 feet, 2 inches and 190 pounds in 2002. He had brown hair and blue eyes. If you can help solve a mystery, contact Charlotte-Mecklenburg police at 704-336-2311 or Crime Stoppers at 704-3341600.

WANTED:

MURDER SUSPECT Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are looking for the person who shot Tony Perri Ellison to death at 3212 Minnesota Road, between Freedom Drive and Ashley Road, in west Charlotte about midnight April 3. Detectives say an African-American man wearing a gray T-shirt was seen ďŹ&#x201A;eeing the scene. If you know more, phone police at 704-432-TIPS (8477) or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Callers to Crime Stoppers do not have to give their names.

THE WORD.

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

Greg Allen, the El Paso, Texas, chief of police went on a local morning radio program on April 1 to warn citizens that all of his officers who stop a driver engaged in a cell phone conversation have the authority to smash and destroy the phone. Talking while driving violates a new law that goes into effect May 1. Of course, Chief Allen’s officers won’t smash anybody’s cell phone. It was an April Fools stunt delivered with such authority and sincerity that many listeners at first thought it was a genuine threat. But even after figuring out the joke, some weren’t laughing. But don’t we wish that our chiefs had the power to order the smashing of those devices? Most states have pending bills that address talking on phones and texting while driving, but only six have outlawed talking. This week, California more than doubled its fine for holding a cell phone while driving, and imposed a 500 percent increase in the fine for texting while driving. Bravo, California.

Studies have shown time and time again that using a cell phone while driving is equivalent to being intoxicated, with both drunk drivers and chatterers having a four times greater than average chance of crashing. Hands-free phones don’t make talking any safer. Insurance companies, multiple physicians’ associations, hospital groups, the National Safety Council, law enforcement entities, child protection organizations, educational foundations, car manufacturers and even some cell phone companies have tried to get lawmakers to enact solid laws that might reduce the distraction of drivers. Why would anybody oppose such a law? Who has anything to say that is so important it must be said while operating a one-and-a-

then they turn without signaling, having caused you to wait for no reason. They yak as the light turns green. They yak and ignore your signal when you need to change lanes. Somehow, all 300-odd million of us Americans lived for years without cell phones. We could leave home and ﬁnd out what happened when we came back. We could leave messages for people to return calls. Those of us who are not surgeons, OB-GYNs, or plumbers have zero reason to be connected 24/7. Even those guys have other people to take their calls, for goodness sake. Any legislative body that wants to make phone talking or texting while driving illegal has our complete support. No one would blink an eye at voting to outlaw drunkenness or drug impairment behind the wheel, yet they kick at this suggestion. Common sense has to prevail in this matter. The long-winded must be made to take a break and keep the rest of us safe.

quarter-ton steel missile? Just two weeks ago, a 14-month-old baby in Minnesota died when a woman rear-ended his father’s car as she reached for her cell phone. A school bus driver in Philadelphia was on his cell phone when he made a turn into the path of an oncoming car in February, killing a passenger in the car and endangering the 45 children in his care. What could either one of those people have had to say that was so urgent that it couldn’t wait until they stopped? Dramatic examples aside, how about those yakking drivers who can’t activate their turn signal because their hand is full of telephone? They slide into your lane with no warning. You sit at the light to make a right turn, anticipating that they are going straight,

“Somehow, all 300-odd million of us Americans lived for years without cell phones.”

HEALTH RATINGS

MECKLENBURG COUNTY

**These Charlotte restaurants were recently inspected by the Health Department. A score of 100 is desirable. Points are taken off for violations.

and slices of cheese were sitting out at improper chicken wings were stored at unsafe temperatures. temperatures. Employees were not wearing hair A roach crawled across the floor in the dining restraints. Several containers were stored wet. The area. utensil storage racks were dusty. McDonalds 413 W. Tyvola Road Charlotte, NC 28217 Wok Bo Score: 91.5 Date: 3-30-2010 527 Little Employees were drying their hands with a wet Rock Road towel. There was moldy buildup in the ice maCharlotte, chine. Chemicals were stored in unlabeled botNC 28214 tles. An employee’s jacket was on top of a food Score: 85 rack in the kitchen. Refrigerator interiors needed Date: 3-30Sonoma Modern American cleaning. 2010 100 N. Tryon St., Ste. 170 Raw chicken was stored above beef. A container Charlotte, NC 28202 of lemons was stored in the ice machine ice. Sev- Yorkmont Cafe Score: 90 Date: 3-20-2010 An employee’s uncovered drink was on the bar. eral dishes stored as clean were still dirty. Fried 2925 Yorkmont Road The bar dish washer was not sanitizing. Butter rice was improperly cooled. Fried rice and fried Charlotte, NC 28217 New Century Oriental Meat/Seafood 4500 C N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28213 Score: 87 Date: 3-31-2010 Clams were found without tags. Raw chicken was stored above raw beef and raw fish. Several foods were not covered in storage. Fish eggs were stored in containers on the floor. Congealed pork blood was unprotected in the meat case. The ice machine needs cleaning. Flies were present. Chemicals were stored in unlabeled bottles.

“A roach crawled across the ﬂoor in the dining area.”

Score: 91.5 Date: 3-26-2010 Employees’ personal food was stored on top of food for customers. Stacks of bread racks were too close to the ﬂoor. Potentially hazardous foods were being kept at unsafe temperatures. All equipment needed cleaning. China Inn 5630 A N. Graham St. Charlotte, NC 28262 Score: 93 Date: 3-26-2010 Food was stored on the ﬂoor in the walk-in freezer. Dirty utensils that were in use were placed in a tub with clean utensils. Rice and spices were not labeled. A cook was eating in the kitchen. A food scoop handle was down inside the product.

MECKLENBURG COUNTY ARRESTS Published weekly by CorMedia, LLC P.O. Box 12009 Raleigh, NC 27605

To Place an Ad (866)-409-1377 ads@theslammer.com

METROLINA WEST EDITION VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 15

Publisher and Executive Editor Dash Dangerﬁeld publisher@theslammer.com

Managing Editor Nicky Dunne editor@theslammer.com

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

GASTON COUNTY

FREE Satellite DISH TV Promotion! UR CABLE BILL! SAVE up to 40% OFF YO

100

This State-of-The-Art System has a $500 Retail Value:

CHANNEL

FREE Activation ($99 Value) FREE Equipment and Installation (up to 4 TV’s)! The BEST Value in HD!

4 4 4

• FREE HD Receiver!

• Over 150 HD Channels FREE!

• FREE HD DVR!

• Connect up to 3 HD TV’s FREE!

FOR 12 M ONTHS!

Get ready for football season and in HD!

Rated highest in Customer Satisfaction – Beat Cable 9 Years in a Row!* Get your LOCaL CHannELS anD in HD! (where available)

FREE

12 MOnTHS OF

FOR JUST 1¢

& (for 3 mos.)

Limited Time Offer! Call Today!

1-877-432-3817 CLASSIC BRONZE

1 EAST/WEST

EAST/WEST

DishC D

Over 30 Music Channels

plus more

MOVIE PACKAGES AVAILABLE!* where available

100 $ 19.99 /mo FOR 12 MONTHS!

Se Habla Español

Bonus:

ACT NOW TO GET A

FREE 2- ROOM DVR! (upgrade)

LOCAL CHANNELS AVAILABLE

Pause, Rewind, Record LIVE TV! SKIP COMMERCIALS!

*Requires Social Security Number and valid major credit card. New activation required. $19.99 per month for 12 Mos. with qualified programming. 2 Premium Channels Free for 3 Mos. and Free Activation with 24 Mos. commitment. Subject to credit approval. Processing fee required. Package includes up to 4 room basic installation. DISH Network retains ownership of equipment. DVR service $5.98/mo. Free Protection Plan on all equipment for 9 mos. Cinemax for $.01 for 12 Mos. requires CCA paperless billing. Promotion subject to change. Offer ends 1/31/10.*2009 ACSI Customer Satisfaction Index Survey.

Res. Code: DD-MBIDS-09

APRIL 9 - 16, 2010

A DOZEN DRUNK DRIVING BUSTS

DUDE LOOKS LIKE A LADY

Forty-ﬁve-year old Gene Hilber told the truth when he said the law can’t stop him from drinking and driving. The Wisconsin man made that comment to a newspaper reporter more than 12 years ago. On March 31, he proved once again that he spoke the truth when he was arrested for his 12th drunk driving charge. Hilber served three years in prison for the most recent conviction, being released in 2008. Last year he was arrested for driving with a revoked license. A condition of his probation in that case is to not consume any alcoholic beverages, which he clearly violated last Wednesday night when Merrill, Wisc., police stopped him and found his blood alcohol content to exceed the legal limit of .08. Hilber is facing a 10-year prison sentence if he is convicted this time around. In the same 1997 interview, Hilber, then in jail, said that until he hurt or killed somebody he wasn’t going to stop drinking. The man is a living testimony to the powerful grip of alcohol.

BERRY, JERVON DORNELL PROSTITUTION- SOLICT SOLICIT- CRIMES AGAINST NATURE

Gene Hilber

CARTER, WILLIE S LARCENY/MISD FORGERY- BANK NOTES

2 COUNTS OF MURDER IN DUI CRASH In a second chilling drunk driving report, Texan John Patrick Barton turned 30 years old in jail Monday, the day after he plowed into a family and killed two while driving drunk, according to Lewisville, Texas, police. Barton has three prior convictions of drunk driving and is currently on parole. Shortly after 2 a.m. Easter Sunday, his Mazda 3 rearended a Nissan at a high rate of speed. The Nissan was driven by a 33-year-old mother. She and her 13-year-old daughter died in the crash, which crushed their vehicle and spun it around numerous times in the roadway. The woman’s husband, also 33, and two other children, ages 12 and 16, were severely injured. Lewisville police have charged Barton with two counts of murder. More charges may be coming. John Patrick Barton

CAN THE PUNISHMENT FIT THE CRIME? A two-state manhunt ended with the arrest of 49-year-old Robin Arthur Barnett at a grocery store in Idaho last week, two days after he reportedly beat his dog to death in front of screaming, pleading family members. Relatives say Barnett has an anger problem. Accusing certain family members of siding with others against him, he reportedly took out that anger on his 4-year-old Lab. The horriﬁed kinfolk described to Utah sheriff ’s deputies how Barnett took a pickax to the poor critter, which was tied to a barn and thereby defenseless, then dragged its battered body by a chain to throw it in the back of his van. Utah and Idaho law ofﬁcers were on the lookout for this maniac, who eventually turned himself in. That, police say, is the only glimmer of cooperation they have received from him. He is jailed on charges of torture of a companion animal, a felony. Robin Arthur Barnett

SMITH, JERMAINE H RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER

ANTHONY, MITCHELL ELLIOTT LARCENY

AUSTIN, TYRONE W SOLICTING

ALLEN, MARTAVIOUS LEHOMER FAIL TO APPEAR/COMPL

PUGH, STEPHEN FORREST

REWARD MR. PUGH, SOMETHING SURE DOES STINK! MAYBE IT’S CUZ YOU GOT HAMMERED, DROVE YOUR CAR, THEN RAN AWAY FROM THE SCENE OF THE CRIME. DID YOU REALLY THINK YOU COULD RUN FOREVER? MR. PUGH, BRING THAT STINK ON BACK TO REALITY! IF YOU SEE THIS SKUNK, CALL 704-735-3889 FOR A REWARD!

(704) 735-3889

GRAFF, JEREMY GRANVILLE AKA: MR. SAD FACE DOB: 3/18/1971 I GUESS MR GRAFF THOUGHT IF HE MADE AN EXTRA SAD, POUTY FACE WHEN HE WAS ARRESTED, IT WOULD INVOKE SYMPATHY FROM ALL WHO SAW IT. UM, WRONG ASSUMPTION JEREMY! HE WAS CHARGED WITH FTA, NO OPERATOR’S LICENSE, OPEN CONTAINER, AND DWI! IF YOU SEE THIS GUY, CALL 704-2547501 OR 704-233-4899 FOR A REWARD!

(704) 254-7501 (704) 233-4899