BERTIE COUNTY — A man already facing murder charges in connection with a 2023 homicide case is now facing federal charges for allegedly threatening a prosecuting attorney, Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin announced Monday, Sept. 15.
Robert Reid, who was charged with murder and attempted murder in the February 2023 death of 80-year-old Lan Rawls and attack on her caretaker in Aulander, was served with two federal warrants Sunday morning (Sept. 14, 2025) for threats to an executive, legislator, or court officer.
The new charges stem from a letter sent to a prosecutor in the state’s seventh prosecutorial district, according to Ruffin. The Bertie County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the threatening correspondence by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation on September 10.
Search Reveals Additional Evidence
Following the discovery of the threatening letter, investigators from both the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office and the SBI conducted a search of Reid’s cell at the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail. The search yielded draft letters and what authorities described as “a letter of confession” related to the 2023 murder case.
Ruffin called the original case “high-profile” due to the circumstances surrounding the death of Rawls and the attempted murder of her caretaker in February 2023. Reid was charged in that case following what officials described as an extensive investigation conducted in partnership with the SBI.
Reid was currently being processed for transfer to a safekeeping facility, according to Ruffin. The FBI obtained the federal warrants that were served Sunday morning.
Ruffin used the press conference to address broader public safety concerns in Bertie County, referencing recent shootings on Indian Woods Road and in the Merry Hill area. He emphasized his office’s “strong and proactive approach to violent crime” and credited these efforts with achieving a significant decrease in overall crime rates.
“My office is taking a strong and proactive approach to violent crime in Bertie County,” Ruffin said. “Acts such as this one, such as the recent shooting on Indian Woods Road, and such as the recent shooting that occurred in Merry Hill, this must stop in Bertie County.”
The sheriff called for community involvement in crime prevention efforts, stating that while law enforcement partnerships with local, state and federal agencies are crucial, “everyone will have to play their part” to make the county safer.
Ruffin concluded by emphasizing his commitment to protecting all members of the community, including victims, law enforcement officers, and court officials.
“We will not allow threats like that to be made to any of our legislators or court officials or anybody else,” he said. “We will hold you accountable.”
The case remains under investigation, and officials pledged to continue updating the community on developments given the high-profile nature of the original charges.
Edenton Police Department
Andre Terrell Sanders, 40, of Johnston Street, Edenton, was arrested on Aug. 29 on Tyler Lane. He was charged with communicating threats, assault on a female and misdemeanor larceny, all misdemeanor charges. A secured bond was set.
Travis Andrew Byrum, 38, of Cannons Ferry Road, Tyner, was arrested on Sept. 2 during a traffic stop in the Taco Bell parking lot on Virginia Road. He was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor), and felony charges of possession of cocaine and possession of a Schedule II substances.
While searching the vehicle, officers found test kits for meth and cocaine, a 0.80 ounces of cocaine, 0.40 ounces of ampheetamines/methamphetamines and other drug-related items, according to the incident report.
A secured bond of $2,500 was set.
Dominic Abraham Brothers, 39, of Granville Street, Edenton, was arrested on Sept. 3 at the intersection of East Church and Court streets. He was charged with the following misdemeanors: intoxicated and disruptive, communicating threats and resisting an officer (three counts).
According to the incident report, Brothers was at a residence in the 200 block of East Church Street while being intoxicated and disruptive in a public place.
A secured bond of $10,000 was set.
Jerry Demetrius Stanley, 38, of Oakum Circle, Edenton, was arrested on Sept. 3 on a misdemeanor charge of resisting an officer.
According to the incident report, Stanley was at a residence on Valentine Avenue and was arguing and trying to fight an officer.
No bond was set and he was confined to the Chowan County Jail.
Rebecca Michelle Smith, 33, of Mexico Road, was arrested on Sept. 5 and charged with driving while license revoked. A secured bond of $1,500 was set.
Edenton Police investigated an incident of sexual battery that occurred on Sept. 5 at the Dollar General on North Broad Street. According to the report, the suspect touched the victim inappropriately.
Edenton Police investigated an incident of resisting an officer that occurred on Sept. 8 near the intersection of North Oakum and Hicks streets. According to the report, a John A. Holmes High School student refused to stop and fled from a fight on foot.
Perquimans County Sheriff’s Office
Tremain Porter, Wynne Fork Road, Hertford, was arrested on Aug. 29, and charged with second-degree trespass. A secured bond of $5,000 was set.
Tice Blount, of Ocean Highway South, Edenton, was arrested on Aug. 30 and charged with damage to personal property (two charges), armed to the terror of the public and obstruction of justice. A $50,000 secured bond was set.
Scott Hudson, of Fawn Forest Trail, Hertford, was arrested on Aug. 30 and charged with communicating threats via a criminal summons.
Ray Lassiter, of Meadow Road, Tyner, was arrest on Aug. 30 and charged with misdemeanor stalking, communicating threats and violation of court order. Lassiter was placed in a 48-hour hold.
William White, of Harvey Point Road, Hertford, was arrested on Aug. 31 due to a criminal summons for a charge of failure to work after being paid.
Valeria Moore, of North Edenton Road, Hertford, was arrested on Sept. 1 due to a criminal summon for a charge of financial card fraud.