Senator Robert Morgan of Lillington passed away on Saturday, an outpouring of praises have been shared through out NC and on social media sites.

Here are a few of the thoughts people are sharing

Tommy Burns, Former Harnett County Mgr

“I will miss my friend. I cherish our conversations at his law office in Lillington. The story I enjoyed hearing the most was when Sen. Morgan unknowingly took President Carter’s seat on Air Force One. President Carter insisted that Sen. Morgan keep his seat and President Carter sat down in the floor. A White House Photographer captured the moment, and Senator Morgan kept a framed copy of the moment in his office. He would joke that he is the only US Senator to make the President of the United States sit in the floor”

Brad Salmon, NC House

‘North Carolina lost a treasure this morning. Senator Robert Morgan died peacefully at his home in Buies Creek. I’ll forever be indebted to him for his generosity and mentorship. Whether it was establishing the consumer protection division within the NC’s Attorney General’s Office, fighting the big banks in the US Senate or advocating for poor eastern North Carolinians as a trial lawyer, Senator Morgan always fought for the people. He leaves a tremendous legacy and I will sorely miss him.”

July 6, 2016

Case update:

Late yesterday afternoon Mr. Alston turned himself in at the North Charleston Police Department. He was arrested for the Harnett County charges along with outstanding warrants in South Carolina (It is our understanding that he was wanted for Forgery of checks, burglary and failure to appear). The vehicle and Ms. Johnson have not been located at this time. We have not received bond information at this time.

Sheriff  Wayne Coats

PO Box 399

175 Bain Street, Lillington, NC 27546

Phone:  910-893-9111 • Fax: 910-893-6450

News Release

July 6, 2016

After receiving information concerning the activities of Paul Shane Durazo, a Detective, I ordered an Internal Investigation. On June 23, 2016, Detective Durazo was terminated from the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office.   On June 23, 2016, I informed  District Attorney Vernon Stewart of the results of the Internal Investigation.   We concluded based on the internal investigation that we would ask for the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to conduct an investigation to determine if any criminal activity has occurred.

I am not able to provide any additional information because of the on-going investigations.

Dunn, NC structure fire. N. McKay at Granville St. Dunn Emergency Services, Erwin Fire, Coats-Grove Fire, Buies Creek Fire, Dunn PD, and Harnett County Fire Marshals Office responded.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Stop by Buies Creek Fire & Rescue and give blood from 1:00PM -6:00PM

Anderson Creek Charter School Administrator tenure Terminated

According to a letter sent to parents of students attending Anderson Creek Charter School, Mr. Ozie Hall the administrator has been terminated. This comes on the heels of actions taken by the NC Attorney General’s office against Mr. Hall. Mr. Hall was administrator of another charter school in North Carolina and allegations were put fourth about mishandling of state funds. The investigation is ongoing with the NC Attorney General’s office.

Firefighters from Multiple Departments fighting large Commercial Fire at Alphin brothers in Dunn

Credit Robert Jordan

Reports are indicating that there is a large commercial fire at Alphin Brothers building off of 301 hwy in Dunn. Crews from all over the county are on scene battling the blaze.

Authorities said a female, 35 and her two small children, 3 years old and 21 month old were found dead at 98 Cherry Hill Dr in Lillington

News Release

May 6, 2016

“I am proud to serve as Harnett County Sheriff.  I believe in, and value, our deputies and staff who work in stressful roles whether that is on the road as a deputy, in our 911 center answering emergency calls, or in our detention center monitoring those incarcerated.  They show me daily how dedicated they are to doing their best to serve the citizens of Harnett County. 

Last year alone our deputies responded to more than 45-thousand calls for help from the public and our investigators solved more burglary cases than the national average of other similar agencies .  I hope you will give us the opportunity to work with federal investigators before reaching a conclusion in anything you hear in the public or read online.

As for the federal investigation reported on in the media, I believe it is appropriate for me to limit my comments regarding the situations under investigation.  I can confirm the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office has received requests from the United States Attorney’s Office regarding matters related to recent media reports. We take these allegations very seriously and are taking action.  Our priority is public safety for both Harnett County citizens and the officers who serve to protect us every day. 

We are in the process of retaining outside counsel to assist the Sheriff’s office in:

• evaluating any and all claims of police misconduct;
• immediately reviewing current protocols and procedures; and
• considering additional procedures.

All of this is in an effort to serve our citizens in an honorable way and restore any public trust which may have been lost in the Harnett County Sheriff’s office.  As Sheriff, I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of accountability for our employees.  The citizens of Harnett County should expect nothing less.”

Sheriff Wayne Coats

This person broke into a car behind Rainbow Pediatrics on May 4, 2016. He was operating a burgundy newer model vehicle. If you recognize this person, please call our tip line, 910-892-2222. Remember you never have to give your name or number. Tips that result in an arrest of the person(s) responsible for felony crimes are eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.