Public Safety

The sheriff’s office is investigating a number of financial irregularities and other issues at the Columbus County Animal Shelter.  Sheriff Jody Greene, who is interim director of the department, said Tuesday that adoption fees and other money remain unaccounted for. There are also discrepancies in drug records. “We have a lot of questions that have to be answered,” Greene said. Director Loretta Shipman is on extended medical leave....

Updated.Columbus County’s Animal Control lacks clear direction, purpose, and revenues, Sheriff Jody Greene told county commissioners Monday night. Greene was appointed interim animal control supervisor last month. Director Loretta Shipman is on extended medical leave. Greene asked commissioners to consider a new animal control ordinance that is a sweeping change over the county’s current rules. The new proposal was created from ordinances used by several counties that state officials...

Chadbourn case dismissed when drugs not sent to state, DA says District Attorney Jon David recommended suspending Chadbourn Police Chief Anthony Spivey March 4 due to problems with criminal evidence that led to the dismissal of at least one case. Spivey was placed on administrative leave March 5, days after Assistant Town Manager Jerome Chestnutt was named interim manager. In a letter to the town dated March 4...