Sheriff Jimmy Thornton

09/02/2026

PRESS RELEASE
SCAM ARREST

On August 28, 2026, investigators with the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Greensboro man in the Giddensville Road area of Faison after an investigation into a financial scam targeting a 73-year-old Sampson County resident.

The investigation began one day earlier when a report was made to the Sheriff’s Office after concerns arose that the victim had fallen prey to an elderly financial scam. Investigators learned that an unknown individual had contacted the victim by telephone and falsely claimed to be an agent with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The caller told the victim that her checking account had been “breached” and convinced her that she needed to assist federal authorities in an investigation and the arrest of the person responsible. On two separate occasions, the fraudulent “agent” instructed the victim to remain on a FaceTime call while she traveled to local banks and withdrew tens of thousands of dollars in cash. The victim was then directed to return to her residence, where an individual posing as an “agent” arrived in person to collect the money. Believing she was assisting with a legitimate federal investigation, the victim continued complying with the caller’s instructions until the matter was brought to the attention of the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators immediately contacted the victim and began investigating the scheme. While investigators were working with her, the fraudulent “agent” called again and attempted to arrange another cash pickup. Investigators used the opportunity to turn the tables on the scammers. Throughout the day on Friday, investigators coordinated with the victim, local financial institutions, and law enforcement partners in Sampson County to convince those involved in the scheme that another large amount of money was ready to be collected. A surveillance operation was established near the victim’s residence, and the victim agreed to assist investigators by acting as the intended target of the planned pickup.

At approximately 5:45 p.m., a silver Cadillac arrived at the residence to retrieve the supposed package of cash. Investigators immediately moved in and detained the driver, identified as Raheem Jahata Gales, 31, of Greensboro, North Carolina. The vehicle and individual matched information investigators had obtained during the investigation, including descriptions provided during FaceTime communications with the fraudulent caller. Gales was unable to provide investigators with a legitimate explanation for his presence at the victim’s residence.

Investigators continued working the case late into Friday night. As a result of the investigation, Gales was arrested and charged with one felony count each of Exploitation of a Disabled or Elderly Person, Attempted Obtaining Property by False Pretenses, and Felony Conspiracy. Gales was confined in the Sampson County Detention Center without bond for 48 hours as required under Iryna’s Law, on Sunday Gales was issued a $20,000.00 secured bond that was posted shortly after, resulting in his release from custody.

“These scammers are intentionally targeting our elderly citizens because they believe they can use fear and intimidation to take advantage of them. They create a sense of urgency and try to convince the victim that something terrible will happen if they don’t act immediately. I want our citizens to understand this clearly: law enforcement is never going to call you and tell you to withdraw thousands of dollars in cash or send someone to your home to collect money. If you receive a call like this, hang up and call us. Don’t be embarrassed and don’t be afraid to ask questions. We would much rather spend a few minutes helping you determine whether something is legitimate than have you lose thousands of dollars to a criminal.”- Marcus Smith, Chief Deputy

Sheriff Thornton would like to praise the victim for cooperating with investigators once the scheme was discovered and recognized the investigators, financial institutions, and partner agencies whose cooperation allowed deputies to intercept the planned pickup. “This case is a great example of what can happen when a victim, our local banks, and law enforcement work together,” – Jimmy Thornton, Sheriff

The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to speak with elderly family members, friends, and neighbors about financial scams. Citizens should be especially cautious of anyone claiming to represent a government agency or law enforcement organization who demands cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or other immediate payments.

09/01/2026

PRESS RELEASE
CO***NE ARREST

SAMPSON COUNTY, N.C. — On August 28, 2026, at approximately 4:15 p.m., deputies with the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist the North Carolina State Highway Patrol with a vehicle stop on NC 24 near Roseboro.

Upon being stopped by the Trooper for a minor traffic violation, the driver of a white Chevrolet pickup truck fled in the vehicle, traveling east on NC 24 toward Clinton. A vehicle pursuit followed as the driver continued into the City of Clinton.

After entering Clinton, the vehicle turned left onto Williams Street, where it ran off the roadway and struck a building near the intersection of Williams and Fayetteville streets, causing minor damage. After striking the building, driver continued on Williams Street before eventually coming to a stop near Barden Street, where he was taken into custody.

During the pursuit, the driver was observed throwing items from the vehicle on Marion-Amos Road, Roseboro. Officers subsequently located the discarded items and discovered approximately one kilogram of co***ne.

Hector Garcia Martinez, 27, of Angelia Lane, Clinton, was taken into custody and charged with:

Felony Flee to Elude Arrest
Trafficking in Co***ne by Possession
Trafficking in Co***ne by Transportation
Expose Child to Controlled Substance
Misdemeanor Child Abuse

The investigation remains ongoing. Martinez remains in the Sampson County Detention Center under no bond.

“This is another example of the dangers our law enforcement officers face when individuals choose to flee rather than comply with a lawful traffic stop. Fortunately, this pursuit ended with the suspect in custody and a significant quantity of illegal narcotics removed from our community. We appreciate the cooperation between our deputies, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and other officers who assisted in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion.”

08/31/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2026

SHERIFFS TO ATTEND COMMEMORATION HONORING FOUR WWII AIRMEN

IVANHOE, N.C. — Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton and Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker will join members of a local citizens history group on Thursday, August 27, to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of a military plane crash that claimed the lives of four U.S. servicemen during World War II.

The commemoration will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the memorial located near the intersection of NC Highway 210 and Old Whitehall Road in Bladen County, a short distance from the Sampson County line.

On August 27, 1943, four airmen stationed at Fort Bragg lost their lives when their military aircraft crashed in the area during a routine training mission. A monument now marks the site and preserves the memory of the men who died while serving their country.

Members of the local history group will gather Thursday to honor the four airmen and clean and maintain the area surrounding the monument. Sheriff Thornton, Sheriff McVicker, and several deputies are expected to attend.

“More than eight decades have passed, but the sacrifice of these four men should not be forgotten,” Sheriff Thornton said. “We are honored to join these citizens in remembering them and helping preserve this piece of our local history.”

Efforts are also being explored to identify and locate surviving family members of the four airmen with the hope of inviting their families to participate in a future commemoration.

Members of the news media and the public are invited to attend.

Event Information

WHAT: 83rd Anniversary Commemoration of WWII Military Plane Crash
WHEN: Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Memorial near NC Highway 210 and Old Whitehall Road, Bladen County
PURPOSE: To honor four U.S. airmen who lost their lives on August 27, 1943, and preserve the memorial erected in their memory

Jimmy Thornton
Sheriff

08/27/2026

“I commend our investigators for their persistence and professionalism throughout this investigation. Their work helped ensure a dangerous fugitive was located and taken into custody safely.”— Sheriff Jimmy Thornton

PRESS RELEASE

VIRGINIA HOMICIDE SUSPECT APPREHENDED

On August 27, 2026, investigators with the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office arrested 37-year-old Corey Stubblefield, of Alexandria, Virginia, following a three-week investigation conducted in coordination with the Alexandria Police Department and federal law enforcement partners. The investigation began when the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by federal law enforcement partners and investigators with the Alexandria Police Department seeking assistance in locating Stubblefield in connection with a July 15 homicide in Alexandria, Virginia.

During that incident, 36-year-old Charles Talley was shot and killed outside the Parc View Apartments on Holmes Run Parkway. Alexandria Police responded to the apartment complex shortly after 11 p.m. and found Talley suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite lifesaving efforts, Talley was pronounced dead at the scene. As Alexandria detectives investigated the homicide, information was developed identifying Stubblefield as a suspect and indicating that he had traveled to the Clinton area in the days following the shooting. Investigators with the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office began working to locate Stubblefield and gather information regarding his whereabouts while authorities in Virginia continued their investigation and pursued criminal charges.

On Thursday, August 27, investigators with the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office and Alexandria Police Department coordinated an operation to apprehend Stubblefield after authorities in Virginia obtained a warrant for his arrest. During the early morning hours, investigators conducting surveillance observed Stubblefield leave a residence on Hanson Road and begin walking toward U.S. Highway 421. Deputies moved in and took Stubblefield into custody without incident. Stubblefield is currently being held at the Sampson County Detention Center on a North Carolina fugitive warrant without bond, pending extradition to Virginia to face the charges against him.

The arrest was the culmination of weeks of investigative work and coordination among local, state and federal law enforcement personnel in North Carolina and Virginia.

“This arrest demonstrates what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together across jurisdictional lines. Our investigators and deputies worked closely with our partners in Virginia and our federal partners to locate this individual and safely take him into custody. Those who come to Sampson County in an attempt to avoid apprehension should understand that we will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to locate them and bring them before the appropriate court.” Marcus Smith, Chief Deputy.

08/26/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2026

SHERIFFS TO ATTEND COMMEMORATION HONORING FOUR WWII AIRMEN

IVANHOE, N.C. — Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton and Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker will join members of a local citizens history group on Thursday, August 27, to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of a military plane crash that claimed the lives of four U.S. servicemen during World War II.

The commemoration will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the memorial located near the intersection of NC Highway 210 and Old Whitehall Road in Bladen County, a short distance from the Sampson County line.

On August 27, 1943, four airmen stationed at Fort Bragg lost their lives when their military aircraft crashed in the area during a routine training mission. A monument now marks the site and preserves the memory of the men who died while serving their country.

Members of the local history group will gather Thursday to honor the four airmen and clean and maintain the area surrounding the monument. Sheriff Thornton, Sheriff McVicker, and several deputies are expected to attend.

“More than eight decades have passed, but the sacrifice of these four men should not be forgotten,” Sheriff Thornton said. “We are honored to join these citizens in remembering them and helping preserve this piece of our local history.”

Efforts are also being explored to identify and locate surviving family members of the four airmen with the hope of inviting their families to participate in a future commemoration.

Members of the news media and the public are invited to attend.

Event Information

WHAT: 83rd Anniversary Commemoration of WWII Military Plane Crash
WHEN: Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Memorial near NC Highway 210 and Old Whitehall Road, Bladen County
PURPOSE: To honor four U.S. airmen who lost their lives on August 27, 1943, and preserve the memorial erected in their memory

Jimmy Thornton
Sheriff
Sampson County Sheriff’s Office

08/26/2026

PRESS RELEASE:
Armed Robbery Arrest

On August 25, 2026, around 9:45 am, Sampson County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Ingold Dollar General Store, located at 12606 Garland Highway after Sampson County 911 received a call stating that the store was being robbed.

Deputies responded to the scene where they were met by the store manager who reported that the subject, identified as 44-year-old Rashad Guallett of Clinton, was trying to flee out of the back door. Deputies intercepted Guallett while he was exiting the store and pursued him on foot into a wooded area. A perimeter was set around the area and K-9 “Rocky” with the Criminal Interdiction Team deployed to search the wooded area for the suspect. The suspect was located by the K-9 and taken into custody without incident.

Guallett was charged with three counts of Felony Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, two counts of Felony Attempted Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, one count of Felony Safecracking, four counts of Felony First Degree Kidnapping, and Misdemeanor Simple Assault. Guallett was confined in the Sampson County Detention Center without the privilege of bond for his felony charges, and under a $5,000.00 bond for the Misdemeanor Simple Assault charge against a store employee. His first appearance in district court is scheduled for Wednesday, August 25, 2026.

08/26/2026

PRESS RELEASE:
Criminal Interdiction Team Seizes Approximately 4,642 Grams of Methamphetamine; Two Arrested

On August 15, 2026, at approximately 1:00 a.m., deputies with the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Team conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a speeding violation on US Hwy 13 near Sunny Lane.

During the traffic stop a K-9 was deployed which indicated the presence of narcotics and a probable cause search was conducted. During the search, deputies located approximately 4,642 grams (4.6 kilograms) of suspected methamphetamine inside the vehicle.

The driver who was identified as Jamel Albert Jr. of Savannah, Georgia, was arrested and charged with two counts of Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Felony Maintaining a Vehicle, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The passenger was identified as Robert Parker of Savannah, Georgia, was arrested and charged with two counts of Trafficking in Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Both subjects were transported to the Sampson County Magistrate’s Office and appeared before Magistrate K. Ellis. Both subjects were issued a $1,500,000 secured bond.

The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Team continues to work proactively to identify and disrupt the transportation and distribution of illegal narcotics throughout Sampson County.

08/21/2026

08/08/2026

PRESS RELEASE

On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, a Sampson County jury found Carl Wiggins, 54, formerly of 104 West North Street, Apartment D, Roseboro, guilty of first-degree murder, concealment of a death, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle in the June 2021 death of his wife, Kiara Renee Wiggins, 38.

The defendant elected to represent himself at trial. The court appointed Attorney Jason Minnicozzi of Wilmington to act as Wiggins’ standby counsel at trial.

The State introduced 450 items of evidence and its evidence showed that Mrs. Wiggins’ family last spoke with her around June 9, 2021. On June 18, the family went to their home looking for her. They were not able to get anyone to the door and her car was missing. They were able to enter the home, and it appeared that the home was packed up with clothing and bedding packed in garbage bags, and furniture disassembled and moved. They also noticed that there were numerous air fresheners and insect foggers throughout the home. Law enforcement was notified and the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation began an investigation into her disappearance. Numerous items of evidence were seized from the home including clothing and bedding. Officers noticed the odor of decomposition coming from some bedding in one of the garbage bags. What appeared to be drag marks were located on the back deck of the apartment. Mrs. Wiggins’ family located the defendant at the Budget Inn in Clinton on June 19 and when asked where she was, he told them that they had gotten into an argument and she left and ‘went to a white girl’s house that sold food stamps.’ The defendant left the Budget Inn driving a black Ford Excursion, which was not a vehicle he was known to drive.

It was determined that on June 15, the defendant went to several stores and purchased deodorizers, cleaning products, insect foggers, a tarp, rope, and a gas can. It was also learned that on June 18 the defendant borrowed a shovel and a bush axe from an acquaintance. That person reported that the defendant left their home driving a black Ford Excursion, which was not a vehicle the defendant was known to drive. Video from a nearby business showed a vehicle arrive at the defendant’s apartment in the early morning hours of June 15 and pull around back, which the business owner testified was out of the ordinary. The business owner testified that the defendant and Mrs. Wiggins “fought all the time.”

On June 17, Donald Melvin of Bladen County reported that when he got home, he noticed his work truck, a black Ford Excursion, had been taken from his home. Mr. Melvin did not know either the defendant or Mrs. Wiggins. Mrs. Wiggins’ car was located on Green Sea Road in Bladen County. A new, unopened package of rope in a Big Blue Store bag was located on the ground near where her car was found. A new tarp was located in the trunk.

The defendant got into a chase with law enforcement on June 23 in Johnston County which ended when he struck spike strips on I-40 in Raleigh. He was driving Donald Melvin’s Ford Excursion. He was taken into custody at that time for possession of a stolen vehicle as Mrs. Wiggins’ whereabouts and condition was still unknown. That Ford Excursion was processed both by law enforcement and personnel from the North Carolina State Crime Lab. A cadaver dog with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office also alerted on the rear of the Excursion. The initial findings indicated that DNA from an unknown person was found on swabs from the bumper of that vehicle as law enforcement did not have a known DNA standard from Mrs. Wiggins.
The Sheriff’s Office continued to search for Mrs. Wiggins and with the assistance of the Sampson County Fire Marshall, they narrowed their search area down to woods off Boykin Bridge Road. While searching the area on August 2, they located a car seat, books, and a Bible belonging to Donald Melvin. Not far from those items, the Fire Marshall noticed a depression in the ground. Deputies began to dig, stopped when they reached what appeared to be colored cloth and notified the SBI. The SBI excavated the clandestine grave and located Mrs. Wiggins in trash bags, a sheet, a multicolored blanket, and a 2 XL House of Raeford t-shirt. The defendant was known to have worked at the House of Raeford. She was also bound with a belt and extension cords.

Due to the condition of her remains, she was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Raleigh, who determined that she died of homicidal violence of undetermined means. The pathologist, Dr. Janet Baranello, ruled out any natural cause of her death and she had no drugs (illicit or otherwise) in her system. Dr. Baranello testified that the most likely cause of Mrs. Wiggins’ death was asphyxiation and often there are no physical findings of asphyxia at autopsy. A sample of Mrs. Wiggins’ DNA was obtained and submitted to the State Crime Lab and a forensic scientist, Sarah Ellis, determined that the unknown DNA on one of the swabs from the bumper of the Ford Excursion was 92.9 trillion times more likely to have originated from Mrs. Wiggins, than an unknown individual.

Jury selection began on Monday, July 27, 2026, and the jury returned its verdict after approximately three and half hours of deliberation. Superior Court Judge Augustus D. Willis IV, of Craven County, sentenced the defendant to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the first-degree murder conviction, a consecutive sentence of 128 to 166 months in prison, for the concealment of death, and a consecutive sentence of 20 to 33 months for the possession of the stolen motor vehicle. These sentences were ordered to run consecutively to the sentence the defendant is presently serving for the chase on I-40. He was also ordered to reimburse Mrs. Wiggins’ family for her funeral expenses in the amount of $5,068.85.

One of Mrs. Wiggins’ sisters spoke at sentencing and forgave the defendant for his actions.
The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office criminal investigation division investigated the case with the assistance of the NC State Bureau of Investigation. I appreciate the work of the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office under the leadership of Sheriff Jimmy Thornton and the NC State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant District Attorneys Jennifer Barnes and Robert Thigpen prosecuted the case with the assistance of Legal Assistant McKenzie Grady.

This defendant deserved the sentence of life without the possibility of parole for his crimes. This was a senseless act of violence that will affect the victim’s family for the rest of their lives. Kiara Renee Wiggins was only 38 years old when she was murdered. She was loved by her family, who described her as “a ray of sunshine” and the loss of her life affects them deeply. Family members were in court each day of the trial in support and memory of her.



Ernie Lee
District Attorney

05/13/2026

Thank you to the members of Piney Grove Baptist Church WMU for taking the time to bring snacks to our law enforcement and detention staff. It was a thoughtful and humbling gesture during National Police Week.

We are truly blessed to have the support of caring churches, businesses, civic groups, and citizens throughout our community who continually take the time to recognize and encourage our staff. Your kindness and support mean more than you know.