Belhaven man charged with rape

On July 16, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a sex offense that occurred at a residence on N.C. Highway 99 South, Belhaven. An investigation into the allegations began immediately.

After conducting interviews and gathering physical evidence in the case, 1st Sgt. Brad Shackelford applied for and obtained warrants charging Vincent Calaeb Smith, age 25, with first degree forcible rape, first degree kidnapping and first degree statutory sex offense of a child less than 15 years of age.

Smith was taken into custody on July 23 and ordered held in the Beaufort County Detention Center under $100,000 secured bond.

 

Neighbor helps track down thieves

On July 21, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a breaking and entering and larceny from a residence on U.S. Highway 264 East, Washington. Deputies learned a neighbor witnessed two males break into the residence and observed the vehicle they were driving.  The witness promptly phoned 911 and gave a description of the two suspects and the vehicle they were traveling in. Deputies learned the vehicle headed north on N.C. Highway 32 toward Washington County. An alert to all surrounding agencies was sent out immediately and 30 minutes after the call came in, the suspects were stopped by Washington County deputies on N.C. Highway 45, near Plymouth. Washington County deputies could see stolen items in the car in plain sight.

Investigators with the sheriff’s office responded to the traffic stop, conducted interviews, seized the stolen items and the car.  After conducting interviews and collecting evidence, Investigator Jeremy Landeck applied for and obtained warrants charging Zack Morgan Sparrow, age 26, of U.S. Highway 264 East in Beaufort County with one count of breaking and entering and one count of larceny after breaking and entering, and Jerrell Jamar Wiggins of Elizabeth City, Pasquotank County, with one count breaking and entering and one count of larceny after breaking and entering. Both suspects were arrested and transported to the Beaufort County Magistrates’ Office.

Sparrow also was charged with an additional count of breaking and entering and larceny after breaking and entering for a break-in that occurred on July 17. The property that was stolen was recovered.  Sparrow received a $20,000 secured bond. Wiggins received a $10,000 secured bond. Both were held in the Beaufort County Detention Center.

 

Cigarettes stolen from Bath General Store

On July 20, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received a report of breaking and entering and larceny from Bath General Store, Carteret Street, in Bath. Deputies learned a brick was thrown through the front window of the store and 25 cartons of cigarettes were taken.

Investigator Jeremy Landeck began investigating the crime and after viewing video surveillance and conducting interviews, he applied for and obtained warrants charging David Lee Moree, age 34, of Robin Lane, Bath, with one count of breaking and entering and one count of larceny after breaking and entering and one count of injury to personal property.

On July 22, Moree turned himself in at the Beaufort County Magistrates’ Office where he was served with the warrants and ordered held on a $15,000 secured bond.