North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation

06/12/2026

**** ASHE COUNTY COUPLE ARRESTED ON CHILD ABUSE CHARGES ****

The Ashe County Sheriffs Office, in partnership with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), has announced the arrest of an Ashe County couple on child abuse charges following a joint investigation.

Angel Faith Greene, 25, and Tyler Steven Greene, 27, both of Fleetwood, NC, were taken into custody on June 8, 2026, without incident. The arrests stem from an investigation that began on June 3, 2026, after the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office received a report from Brenner Children’s Hospital in Winston-Salem regarding suspected abuse of a four-month-old child.

Following their arrest, both suspects were transported to the Ashe County Detention Center and initially held without bond. On June 10, 2026, Angel Faith Greene and Tyler Steven Greene made their first court appearance, where a judge set bond at $250,000 each.

Both are charged with felony child abuse with serious injury.

Officials have not released additional details regarding the condition of the child or specifics of the alleged abuse in order to protect the minor’s privacy. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming.

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06/12/2026

(SAMPSON COUNTY, N.C.) -- The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office has requested the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) to investigate an early‑morning officer‑involved shooting in Sampson County. At approximately 3 a.m., Sampson County deputies responded to a 911 call at the DG Market located at 9324 Faison Highway in Faison, North Carolina. Upon arrival, deputies encountered a 22‑year‑old man armed with a weapon. During the incident, the armed man was shot and is deceased. Two deputies have been placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation. The SBI was immediately called, and SBI agents have been on the scene most of the morning gathering evidence and investigating. (Photo Courtesy: ABC11)

We will release any additional information as available.

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06/12/2026

The SBI is hoping everyone is having a great time at Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup watch parties around the state. And we hope you will be vigilant with helping to keep everyone safe. If something looks out of place or just not right…. SAY SOMETHING. Report it to your nearest law enforcement officer.

Remember…. If you see something, say something!!!

We would like to say a big thanks to CBS 17 for helping spread the message!

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https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/wake-county-news/see-something-say-something-nc-sbi-urges-awareness-ahead-of-major-sporting-events

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Law enforcement agencies across central North Carolina are preparing for packed watch parties as the Stanley Cup Final continues and the World Cup kicks off. The North …

06/11/2026

The SBI is proud of the work done by several law enforcement agencies in multiple states to bring this criminal enterprise to justice. GREAT work by the Greenville, NC Police Department and their entire investigations team.

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06/11/2026

The SBI sends our condolences to the Rocky Mount, Police Department after the loss of one of their police officers.

The Rocky Mount Police Department Mourns The Loss of Officer Michael Cotton
Officer Cotton passed away in an off-duty ATV accident in the evening hours on June 10th, 2026.

He served in the United States Military and the Army Reserve for numerous years, while simultaneously serving the Rocky Mount community as a sworn law enforcement officer for 7 years. He had been a K9 officer since 2023. He truly had a passion for law enforcement and for working alongside his K9 partners.

Officer Cotton’s first K9, FORREST, retired and was awarded to him by the city council, and is now a part of Officer Cotton's immediate family.

Officer Cotton had a milestone in his career when he became the agencies 1st African American K9 handler. In February 2026, he successfully completed the rigorous training program with his second K9, LEO, an Explosive Detection K9.
Officer Cotton holds an associate degree in Criminal Justice Technology honors from Nash Community College. Officer Cotton would have celebrated his 30th birthday on June 15th.

Our hearts go out to Officer Cotton's family and the entire Rocky Mount Family.

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06/10/2026

Over the next two months, our communities, state, nation, and the world will come together for major celebrations. The Carolina Hurricanes are skating for the Stanley Cup, the United States will mark 250 years as a nation, and millions will cheer on their favorite teams during the FIFA World Cup.

As you gather at stadiums, watch parties, and public events, the SBI encourages everyone to celebrate safely. Stay aware of your surroundings and be the fan who speaks up if something doesn’t look right. Report it to local authorities immediately. Your actions could help protect others and save lives.

Remember: If you see something, say something!!!

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06/10/2026

**** PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN FROM ONLINE PREDATORS ****

June is Internet Safety Month. To mark it, the national ICAC program has shared resources you can pass along to your community.

The NCICAAC Task Force is hosting a free webinar on keeping kids safe while playing online video games. It's aimed at parents who want a clearer picture of how online gaming works and where the risks are.

Topics include: talking to strangers online, how age verification works and where it breaks down, and how to check whether a game is age-appropriate. Parents will also learn how kids can accidentally share personal information through screen names and in-game chat, and why the difference between private and public servers matters.

The session will cover parental controls, privacy settings, and setting reasonable time limits. Sign up if you want practical steps you can take right away.

The North Carolina SBI work everyday to protect children from becoming victims of online predators. We hope you will participate in this FREE program to identify and protect your family as well. Put this on your calendar today!!!

www.icactaskforce.org

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06/10/2026

****** UPDATE ****** UPDATE ******

A CRAVEN COUNTY MAN IS SENTENCE FOR SHOOTING DEPUTY

Robert Westrup walking into a Craven County Courtroom this morning to hear his fate. The Judge sentenced Westrup to 94 YEARS minimum and 119 YEARS max which equates to spending the rest of his natural life in prison.

Westrup was found guilty yesterday on all nine state charges tied to the 2021 shooting that left Craven County Deputy Zachary Bellingham paralyzed. The verdict was delivered at the Craven County Courthouse, where jurors convicted Westrup of four counts of attempted murder, four counts of assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

Today's action brings this case to a close for Deputy Bellingham, the Craven County Sheriff's Office, and the entire community. The SBI is proud of the work our agents have done on this case to bring justice for everyone involved. (Photo Courtesy WCTI)

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06/09/2026

***** Craven County Man Convicted of Shooting and Paralyzing Deputy *****

Today, Robert Westrup was found guilty on all nine state charges tied to the 2021 shooting that left Craven County Deputy Zachary Bellingham paralyzed, marking a significant moment in a case that has weighed heavily on local law enforcement for years.

The verdict was delivered at the Craven County Courthouse, where jurors convicted Westrup of four counts of attempted murder, four counts of assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

The charges stem from an October 2021 incident on Crooked Run Drive, when deputies arrived at Westrup’s home to serve an involuntary commitment order. According to officials, Westrup became noncompliant and retreated upstairs. Deputy Bellingham followed in an attempt to take him into custody, and during a struggle, Westrup pulled a handgun and shot him in the abdomen.

Deputies returned fire as the situation escalated, with two taking cover inside the home until additional officers arrived. Negotiators later attempted to persuade Westrup to surrender, but he refused. Authorities ultimately deployed tear gas, prompting Westrup to exit the home, where he was taken into custody.

Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes said the verdict brings some measure of relief to deputies, though he acknowledged the lasting impact of the incident.

Nearly 20 North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Special Agents have spent the last 5 years investigating this case and preparing for trial. We would like to thank the Craven County Sheriff's Office for their continued assistance in providing closure in this case.

Westrup had previously been sentenced in federal court to 10 years in prison. His sentencing on today's conviction is scheduled for Tomorrow morning.

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06/09/2026

**** SBI captures a man wanted in connection with a Bertie County Murder ****

Darquail Nifece Wilkins has been taken into custody by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s Criminal Apprehension Team (SBI CAT) around 10:30 AM today in Greenville, NC. Wilkins was wanted for Accessory After the Fact to Murder in connection with a homicide investigation stemming from an incident that occurred on March 1, 2026, in Aulander, North Carolina.

The Bertie County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance with this case and we thank them for their partnership. The SBI would like to also thank the Greenville, Police Department’s VCAT Unit (part of the SBI’s Violent Fugitive and Missing Person Task Force) for their assistance in locating and apprehending Wilkins. We also extend our appreciation to the members of the public who shared information throughout this investigation.

This case remains active and ongoing. Any additional information will be released as it becomes available.

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