Public Safety

  An investigation into what the sheriff’s office called an “organized theft ring” has resulted in one arrest and the recovery of multiple stolen vehicles. Eric Matthew Ward, 40, of Whiteville, was held under $100,000 secured bond. He was arrested Oct.14 on three counts each of felony altering or removing motor vehicle serial numbers and felony possession of stolen vehicles; felony possession catalytic converter; possess, buy or seek...

Highway Patrol stopped a Holly Ridge woman for a traffic ticket Oct. 13, and found large quantities of drugs, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office. Amanda Marie Hawksworth, 39, was stopped at the intersection of N.C. 214 and U.S. 74 by a Trooper, the press release said. During the investigation, North Carolina Highway Patrol located various amounts of methamphetamine and numerous items of paraphernalia. County...