CMPD: Crime is not the Problem it is Your Perception that's Wrong

Yesterday the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department's Public Information Office posted the following on "X":

Between April and June 2025, CMPD’s JADE Unit repeatedly arrested a juvenile involved in widespread vehicle break-ins across multiple jurisdictions in North and South Carolina. Despite multiple arrests, stolen firearms recovered and custody orders issued, the juvenile was released twice by judges and placed on CMPD's electronic monitoring. 

After cutting off the monitor the juvenile was linked to 100 more vehicle break-ins. On June 5, he was arrested again with two stolen firearms. Over the last three months, CMPD has arrested this juvenile eight separate times with charges including: 

·        Attempted Larceny of Motor Vehicles x 2

·        Larceny of Motor Vehicle x 1

·        Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle x 1

·        Felony Conspiracy x 21

·        Breaking and Entering of Motor Vehicles x 57

·        Possession of Handgun by Minor x 6

·        Possession of Stolen Firearm x 3

At least eight law enforcement agencies in both North and South Carolina have over 275 charges on this individual. This juvenile and other repeat offenders’ continuous disregard for the law greatly impacts public perception of crime in Charlotte. Habitual offenders inflate crime statistics by increasing the number of incidents and victims, creating the misconception of higher crime rates, when in reality, many of these offenses are committed by the same individuals.

Certainly a newsworthy story that the public should be aware of, and all important to illustrate the department's ongoing efforts to combat crime.

And then at the very end it goes nuclear grade stupid:

This juvenile and other repeat offenders’ continuous disregard for the law greatly impacts public perception of crime in Charlotte. Habitual offenders inflate crime statistics by increasing the number of incidents and victims, creating the misconception of higher crime rates, when in reality, many of these offenses are committed by the same individuals.

Cedar's Take:

This idiocy is troubling. They really do think you are stupid.

CMPD wants you the taxpayer and often victim to believe that crime really isn't so bad in Charlotte and that it is just your flawed perception of crime due to the same people doing the same crime again and again.

"We understand you were robbed 3 times and each time the crook took $1,000.00 worth of merchandise from your store, but we here at CMPD want you to understand it’s not so bad because it was the same guy each time!"

Seriously?

Just because every 3rd car you see in Steele Creek has a paper license plate doesn't mean they might be stolen cars. That would be a flawed perception.

The crowds of roaming thugs and hoodrats in Romare Bearden Park are just out for an evening stroll and that gunfire you think you hear is just celebratory pop rocks, never mind the crowds running down the street screaming out in fear. Uptown is very safe. To think otherwise is just a misconception. 

Remember a double homicide is really just one crime and not two.

What is it about Chief Jennings? Why suddenly is everything coming out about his shady dealings? Who with good conscience would take a $77,000 payment for moving.

Required council approval but the approval was never given? Was it even reported as income?

Who would in good conscience tell the PIO to spin repeat offenders as the cause of increased crime?

Why do the "CrimeMapper" numbers not true up?

Patrick Cannon, Tiawanna Brown, Anthony Fox have nothing on Chief Jennings.

Taking bribes, steal from the SBA, shady business connections, and the usual do you know who I am, you can't give me a ticket.

Vi Lyles and her free Myers Park Membership and the list goes on and on but small carrots to where we are now.

The lack of transparency is stunning.

The truth is smart people understand that "the perception is the reality".

$77,000 for Moving Expenses

Newly obtained public records show the city of Charlotte paid Johnny Jennings more than $77,000 in moving expenses after the city manager named the longtime Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department employee police chief in 2020. 

Records show, at the time, he lived in a neighboring county. The city's 2020 job posting for the position listed a minimum requirement for the incoming chief to live within the city limits within three months of the hire date. 

Because the amount was more than $60,000 Charlotte City Council would have had to approve the expense even if it was paid in 2 lump sums.

Let that marinate a while, $77K to move back into the Charlotte City limits. 

According to a search on Google:

The average company relocation package can vary significantly, but for entry-level or mid-level positions, it often ranges from $2,000 to $10,000, according to AIHR. For senior or specialized roles, these packages can range from $10,000 to $30,000 or more. Relocation packages may include a lump sum payment, direct billing of moving expenses, or a combination of both. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Entry-Level/Mid-Level:

Expect a range of $2,000 to $10,000, potentially covering basic moving expenses and temporary housing. 

Senior/Specialized Roles:

These packages can range from $10,000 to $30,000, potentially including comprehensive moving services and additional support. 

Lump Sum vs. Reimbursement:

Some companies offer a lump sum, while others reimburse expenses based on receipts. 

Negotiation:

Relocation packages can sometimes be negotiated, especially for higher-level roles. 

Cost Factors:

The total cost of a relocation package depends on factors like distance of the move, size of household, and whether the employee owns or rents. 

Examples:

Some companies offering relocation packages include Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, with amounts ranging from $3,000 to over $10,000. 

Cedar's Take:

So how to you feel about your job with CMPD this morning? 

Why did it take five years to disclose this abomination? 

Good Morning Charloot!

It's been a rather dull weekend around Charloot, sans one homicide and the usual drunks and idiots. 

The anti Trump "No Kings" protest was basically uneventful. Bike team doing a BZ job of keeping the clowns from wandering down College Street.

Taxpayers and uptown business owners are pleased to see that Command put a stop to both the protestors wearing masks and the aimlessly wandering protest marches.

Juneteenth on Thursday should be dull as well even up on Da Ford. Hearing that the idea of CMPD "standing down" has been canned again for this year and that street takeovers are to be dealt with promptly.

With Father's day on Sunday it gave us all time to hang out with family and friends pool side and watch the kids enjoy the day.  

Still I don't think you can really appreciate Father's Day until you notice that 3 of the guys who were playing corn hole just an hour ago are now heading off to roll call leaving the house in their blue uniforms, wearing duty belts and carrying three and four year olds in their arms. The hand off is quick and just like that they are rolling. The kids head back to the pool and the girls just cope.

That is all just my perspective.

Oh one more thing.... "Let's be careful out there".

CP

CMPD Officer Busted on DWI

From the CMPD PIO:

Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, June 9, 2025) - The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Internal Affairs Division is conducting an internal investigation following the arrest of CMPD Officer Jonathan Nicholas outside of the CMPD jurisdiction.

On June 8, while off-duty, Officer Nicholas was arrested by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) in Burke County. Officer Nicholas was initially stopped for speeding and later arrested for Driving While Impaired (DWI).

The NCSHP is the lead investigative agency and questions should be directed to their office.

Officer Nicholas is currently on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the internal investigation. Officer Nicholas was hired on August 13, 2012. His most recent assignment was in the University City Division.

Later CMPD Chief Jennings issued this statement:

"Upholding the law is a constant commitment, not just something done during an officer’s shift. I am disheartened to learn of the arrest of Officer Nicholas because it represents a deviation from the commitment all officers make when we take our oath and pin on this badge. We are held to a higher standard as law enforcement officers, whether we are on or off duty. Any behavior that falls short of that commitment compromises public trust and should not be tolerated."

Cedar's Take:

I don't drink and drive. Not even a little The USCG and FAA have basically zero tolerance policies which means I can't even "hang out with the guys" the night before and make a 7 am flight. Tonic and Lime on the rocks is my limit. 

Now everyone within CMPD knows the SHP guys don't cut breaks. 

My kryptonite is craft beer and in particular Wicked Weed "Pernicious" at 7.3% ABV which means one is enough to blow stupid. Daily Haze is also pretty good. Which means I don't drink on a weekend in the mountains or on a road trip. Which also means I don't drink away from home. I don't drink at friends homes and I don't drink an drive ever.

So when the SHP tosses the bullshit "how much have you had to drink tonight question my way" I can say "ZERO". I always have and always will.

I lost a girlfriend to a drunk driver in high school I don't like people who drive drunk.

That said unpaid administrative leave is just all kinds of wrong when it come to a 13 year member of the department. 

And along those lines Chief Jennings comments are kinda rich considering.

They Live Among Us!

Once the crime scene is cleared and the yellow tape removed. Shortly after Charlotte Fire hosed down the blood stained parking lot and the headlines faded many of those arrested for their role in a homicide by CMPD are back on the streets. 

Many of those arrested will be released on a no bail program instituted by now retired Liberal Chief Judge Reagan Miller and continue to commit crimes of violence. 

Others are given a free passes by Mecklenburg DA Spencer Merriweather.

Furqan Grice and Anthony Goodson

Anthony Goodson Courtesy of MSCO

Ibn Ishamel Marshall and Anu'Bius Rashard Talib Smith were shot to death on February 27, 2019. 

On March 1, 2019 Furqan Bashir Grice and Anthony Goodson were both charged with murder in the double homicide. 

From a Local Television News Report: 

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police were called to the area of Morehead St. and Grandin Rd. around 9 p.m. Police said one victim was found in a parking lot, and two more were found in a car. Investigators believed all three victims were shot in the 600 block of Grandin Road, but two stayed inside the vehicle while the other ran down the street. 

Police said the victims were taken to the hospital where two of them died. There was no immediate word on the condition of the third person. 

The men who died were identified as 17-year-old Ibn Marshall and 18-year-old Anu'bius Smith. 

On Friday, CMPD announced that Furqan Grice, 18, and Anthony Goodson, 18, were arrested in connection with their murders. Grice was arrested Thursday and is facing two counts of first-degree murder. Goodson was arrested Friday and is in the process of being interviewed by homicide detectives. 

Two guns and some marijuana were found at the crime scene. Neighbors said the area is normally peaceful. Now they're dealing with a lost sense of security. 

Goodson was charged with 2 counts of First Degree Murder as was Grice.

But the Mecklenburg DA dismissed the murder charges and both would pled to "Robbery with a dangerous weapon (attempted)" and receive minimal sentences with a maximum of 6 years and 2 months.

Goodson was released from prison on May 12th of this year. Grice was released on December 8th of last year. Both are still within their one year parole period.

And they now once again live among us. 

Alvin Steele - Incarceration Saves Lives

This story is one that will soon be forgotten. But the stories like this are endless in Charlotte.

Alvin Steele was shot to death in a one star motel on Lucky Penny Street on March 31, 2025.

A yelp review of the "Charlotte Express Inn" reads: "If I could give this place negative stars I would! Dead cockroaches in the bathroom and a huge blood stain on the blanket with holes in it, broken furniture and stains on the couch! How on earth is this place $60 a night!" 

Steel was Charlotte's 37th homicide vic, but how did he end up on the list?

Alvin Steele was arrested in January of this year with a pile of traffic citations including no drivers license and well as weapons charges and he was held for less 24 hours before he was released on a minimal bail.

Alvin Steele Courtesy of MCSO

A month later he was arrested again and as before on weapons charges.

Alvin Steele Courtesy of MCSO

And of course let out again on a minimum bail despite his prior arrests and convictions.

Then the January case was dismissed because someone forgot to turn in the paperwork.

The two arrests earlier in 2025 were not Steele's first trip to jail. He had been arrested in April of 2022 on stolen property and weapons charges in Gaston County. He was then in August of that year given community service and probation.

He had also been arrested back in 2021 for a shooting which wounded 3 people including a 7 year old girl.

According to media reports on Tuesday March 31, 2021 police officers responded to a 911 call near a convenience store on Hovis Road around 3 p.m. During a news conference Wednesday, CMPD Maj. Brian Foley said two teenagers had been targeted and shot at from a vehicle. They ran to a nearby house for medical attention, Foley said. Additionally a seven year old girl in another car was hit by a bullet.

CMPD Chief Jonny Jennings spoke forcefully at the time about crime saying "the shooting of a seven year old girl tugs at his heart"

Less than 24 hours after the news media interviewed Chief Jennings about the little girl being shot. Steele was arrested and charged with AWDWIKISI.

But the chief's talk held little value with the district attorney's office. By August of that year, the Mecklenburg County ADA Alana Marie Byrnes would dismiss the charges against Steele citing lack of evidence.

Even prior to the shooting of the little girl Steele had been arrested. A 2018 arrest on drug charges was dismissed because of COVID-19 and there are others, all dismissed. 

On May 12 of 2025 Alvin’s Steele's life came to a sudden, but not unexpected end, at that cheap motel on Lucky Penny Street.

According to court documents, his girlfriend found him shot multiple times in his room, covered by a sheet and pillow.

Investigators said Tyler Minor, who was staying with the Alvin, called 911 and said he shot his friend.

Tyler Minor Photo Courtesy of MCSO

Minor’s father then tried to turn him in, but he jumped out of his car on the way to the police station. He was arrested on Wednesday and charged with murder.

Minor too has been recently arrested on drugs and weapons charges. The week before the murder of Steele a mecklenburg  county magistrate let him walk out of jail on a Pre-Trial Release agreement. In other words no bail despite the seriousness of the charges.

Police said the incident was sparked because of a girl. 

However, Alvin’s grandmother said she couldn’t make sense of this. “As a person, Alvin was loving. He loved animals, and he loved people. He was very loving, always respectful,” His grandmother would say.

“Just put the guns down, you know. If we have grievances, try to talk. Try to go to somebody, but we’ve got to put the guns down. I mean, we’re killing everybody,” said the 50 year old.

She added that said Alvin leaves behind two young daughters.

Minor remains in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sherriff's Department and has been denied bail. A trial date has not been set.

Cedar's Take:

Incarceration says lives. Multiple times there was a chance to prevent this murder and each time the system run by liberal judges, and district attorneys failed. 

On the positive side Minor's killing of Steele prevented Steele from killing someone else. 

But expect Minor is out before he's 25 and the process to start all over again.

Here Hold My Beer

When is comes to stupid no one yells "here, hold my beer" louder than the clowns at Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office better know as Garry McFadden's "Day's Inn" Extended Stay Resort and Recording Studio.

Forget the two MCSO employees having a knife fight this is way more stupid!

But I bet y'all didn't have this on your bingo card.   

John Matanovic was arrested Saturday night by the Cornelius, North Carolina Police Department for not having a Funeral Directors License.  

At least according to Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden.

His LinkedIn profile says he's also a parking lot attendant, apprentice plumber and works at Autobell.  

Talk about a crazy side gig!

I know what you're thinking maybe his dad had a extra large refrigerator he wasn’t using since it's not deer season, right?

Need to get Uncle Henry taken care of and on his way but don't have the green to pay for a real funeral call my buddy John Jason or as he's known by his street name "Doctor Death".

OK not really so Y'all ready for this.....

Contrary to MCSO Matanovic was over in the far northwest end Montgomery County back on 15 September of last year and was actually charged with Trespassing because he and his buddies where "Drinking beer and jumping from the cliffs on the Yadkin River Game Lands on Tuckertown Road". 

Leave it to Garry McFadden to screw up the paperwork.

Seriously funny - Poor kid gets arrested on an outstanding warrant from nearly a year ago and MCSO logs it into the system as NO FUNERAL DIRECTOR'S LICENSE!

MCSO Says it's not their fault. 

Officer Barney Fife of Cornelius PD apparently had the subject on a traffic stop, ran him through ACIS, which came back with a hit on the unpaid citation. 

Rather than send him home with a warning to fix it or else Barney decided to take him to jail at 2 am. 

Then we suspect he or the MCSO used the GS 90-210 vs GS 113-264 and didn't bother to check the computer screen.

Matanovic was released around 12:30 pm on Sunday after posting a $750.00 bail about midday on Sunday MCSO changed their system to "see paperwork for charges".

Cedar's Take:

It was pointed out that with the ACIS hit the Cornelius Officer had a duty to arrest him.

Which is True, failure to appear is a common event and yes you need to go to jail right then and there, but I think a little grace would go a long way. 

I know exactly where the kid was and during deer season that's not a smart place to be. However I think was still bow hunting only and it is public lands. 

Now the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Sgt Howell who wrote the citation deserves a medal for asshole of the year. This location has been the perfect spot for end of summer fun for 100 years. Now maybe Matanovic had an attitude IDK.

Anyways the punk apparently just blew it off. Still I don’t know if I’d run him to Charlotte on that outstanding warrant. 

But he’ll have the how he was arrested for being an undertaker without a license story to tell forever.

Ditto for the Mecklenburg County magistrate who set his bond at $750.00 on a $200 citation and MCSO who put him in an orange jumpsuit on a Saturday Night.

Which is the problem with having DEI hires in government jobs. The stupid is stunning because there is no common sense.

Issuing citations to 20 year olds for swimming on a end of Summer Saturday afternoon, that's stupid

Arresting a 20 year old on a Saturday night on an outstanding citation and driving him 20 miles to Charlotte is stupid.

Setting his bail at $750 on a $200 fine is stupid.

Putting him in a orange jumpsuit for his 2 am mug shot is stupid.

Entering the wrong crime is stupid.

And all of this stupid is costing taxpayers millions. Just stop it!