Public Safety

Some Columbus County residents are receiving notices about toll and traffic violations in a scam that’s making the rounds, according to the sheriff’s office. The text messages contain a realistic notice claiming to be from the Wake County courts, demanding immediate payment for an “outstanding violation.” The text claims that driver’s license may be suspended and “maximum statutory fines, late penalties and additional court costs” will be levied....

Two people in Bladen County have now been charged under a new law that makes it a felony to expose children to illegal drugs. In one case, four or five children in a home tested positive for cocaine and methamphetamine. Bradley Senecal, 53, Elizabethtown, was arrested Dec. 31 for the attempted murder of Letina Deal, according to warrants. The incident occurred during a domestic dispute, Sheriff Jim McVicker...

Detectives arrested a New Britton Highway woman on multiple theft and fraud charges after she allegedly forged a man’s name and stole more than $100,000 in cash and property. Jennifer Parker, 48, of 2998 New Britton Hwy., Whiteville, was held under $25,000 bond, according to detention center reports. She was charged with 15 counts of felony larceny, five counts of identity theft, and one each of safecracking obtaining...