Residents across northeastern North Carolina are being warned about a new scam involving fraudulent “Notice of Default” messages that appear to come from the state court system. Several local law enforcement agencies, including the Edenton Police Department, report that individuals have received official-looking documents claiming they owe fines for traffic violations and must either pay immediately or appear in court. Authorities emphasize that these notices are not legitimate and are designed to pressure recipients into acting quickly out of fear.

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and to share this information with friends and family, especially those who may be more vulnerable to scams. As these schemes become increasingly sophisticated, awareness remains one of the most effective tools in preventing fraud.

Washington County

PLYMOUTH – A suspect accused of shooting at a vehicle and injuring two people turned himself in on March 12, 2026, to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a statement from the agency, deputies responded to a call of shots fired at 8 p.m. March 10, 2026, on Wilkins Farm Road, Plymouth. After they arrived, deputies found a vehicle with several bullet holes in it. The investigation revealed two victims, Robmez Lewis, 20, and a juvenile, were treated at Washington County Regional Hospital for serious gunshot wounds.

Deputies identified Keontae Sanders as a suspect. He was charged with two counts of attempted murder and other weapons charges.

In other news, School Resource Officers Tate and Scolaro, with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, helped officers from Los Angeles locate an 11-year-old female child who had been kidnapped on June 2, 2020, from Los Angeles County.

According to a restatement, on March 10, 2026, the Washington County agency was notified by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and Department of Children and Family Services of Los Angeles about the child. With the information, deputies were able to determine the child was enrolled in Washington County Schools under an alias name. The child was taken into protective custody and is safe.

“These are very rare occurrences to have such a positive outcome on such an old case as this, but it reminds us that through hard work, and dedication, and cooperation,” the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said. “Stories with positive outcomes like these can happen.”

Due to the age of the child, and current investigations underway no more information is available at this time and her name is being withheld for privacy reasons.

Also, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office welcomed James Lee of Creswell as its newest deputy. Lee has previous experience working in the county’s detention center and has started Basic Law Enforcement Training recently.

Edenton Police

Ashley Rae Wood, 32, of Hickory Lane, Edenton, was arrested on March 2, 2026, on a misdemeanor larceny charge stemming from an incidenton Feb. 15, 2026. A secured bond of $1,000 was set.

Stephanie Oshalom Crystal Brown, 32, of Cabarrus Street, Edenton, was arrested Feb. 27, 2026, on misdemeanor charges of simple assault/affray and two counts of larceny. Both charges stem from incidents that occurred on Feb. 24. No bond was set. Brown was confined to the Albemarle District Jail.

Joel Daniel Dilucia, 28, of Mavaton Road, Edenton, was taken into custody on March 5, 2026, on charges of misdemeanor larceny and resisting an officer.

According to the incident report, Edenton Police responded at 3:49 p.m. March 5, 2026, to a report of person taking an ebike from a location on Broad Street without the owner knowing and resisting officers. A $10,000 secured bond was set.

James Roy Riddick Jr. 74, of Iredell Drive, Edenton, was taken into custody on March 6, 2026, on two misdemeanor charges of harassing phone call. A $2,000 unsecured bond was set.

At 2:35 p.m. March 5, 2026, Edenton Police responded to the 200 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Edenton, for a report that someone had fraudulently received and kept money for rental property.

At 9:25 a.m., March 9, 2026, Edenton Police responded to a call on the 100 block of Cauthen Lane, Edenton, for a report of someone using force to break a side door and enter a residence. Blood samples were recovered at the scene.

Ckaviyon Kyhheem Everett, 26, of Old Hertford Road, Edenton, was arrested on March 10, 2026, on a felony charge of possession with intent to sell or distribute marijuana, and misdemeanor charges of assault on a female, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, conceal handgun permit violation, and possession of marijuana paraphernalia. According to the incident report, Edenton Police responded to a call at 3:18 p.m. March 10 to an incident that happened earlier in the day on Albemarle Street. Everett is accused of throwing objects at the victim, who suffered minor injuries. No bond was set.

Jamison Darnell Jones, 39, of Brace Street, Hertford was arrested on March 17, 2026, on Broad Street. He was charged with resisting an officer. A secured bond of $14,500 was set.

Jean Welch Herrar, 62, of Sterling Pointe Drive, Winterville, was arrested on Broad Street, Edenton. Herrar was charged with communicating threats. An unsecured bond of $2,000 was set.

At 2:30 p.m. March 13, 2026, Edenton Police responded to a store on Broad Street where a person was allegedly communicating threats and brandishing a handgun.

Perquimans County Sheriff’s Office

Marvin Woodard, of Haywood Smith Road, Hertford, was arrested on March 6, 2026, on charges of crime of domestic violence and larceny. A secured bond of $30,000 was set.

Marvin Woodward, of Haywood, Belvidere, was arrested on March 6, 2026, on a charge of second-degree trespass. A secured bond of $30,000 was set.

Jeleese Jordan, Lightfoot MHP Lane, Hertford, was arrested on March 8, 2026, on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon. An unsecured bond of $3,000 was set.

Daryl Gandy, of Marion Oaks Drive, Charlotte, was arrested on March 11, 2026, on two charges of possession or manufacturing of fraudulent identification, one charge of obtaining property by false pretenses and one charge of identity theft. A secured bond of $23,000 was set.

Jamez Moore, of Walker Street, Hertford, was arrested on March 13, 2026, on a charge of driving while intoxicated. A$2,000 secured bond was set.

Owen Amick, of Hertford, was arrested on March 18, 2026, on two charges of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Amick was placed in a 48-hour hold. No bond was set.

Derrick Wood, of Holly Street, Hertford, was arrested on March 19, 2026, on a charge of driving while license revoked.

Dallis Spicer, of Clark Street, Hertford, was arrested on March 19 on a charge of stalking/harassment. A $500 unsecured bond was set.