Someone sent an email asking about South Charlotte pedo perp and what turns out to be a very recent arrest.
While I really detest pedos perverts and child molestors but I don't think pointing out this case will serve any real purpose or help protect any other kids.
But the concern is these cases are just dismissed like so many other cases by the Meck DA and Judges.
Anyone have any suggestions?
No surprise that CMPD is feeling the "heat" since homicides in the Queen City are up during the 1st quarter.
But not lost on most of Charlotte is the fact that property crimes that affect many of us residents are also up.
Apparently someone within CMPD thought it a good idea to call attention to areas were CMPD has had success.
This week CMPD's public information officer has proudly announced a couple of notable arrests:
On January 29, 2024, a CMPD detective in the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) was proactively monitoring cameras at Brookshire Boulevard and Hoskins Road.
The detective observed a distinctive looking Jeep that strongly resembled a vehicle that was used in an auto theft the day prior in the Metro Division on Freedom Drive.
The detective notified Metro and Freedom Division officers who responded and located the vehicle. The driver was detained and identified as 18-year-old James Antonio Johnson. He had active warrants for auto theft and was placed under arrest. Johnson is a prolific auto theft suspect with multiple prior felony arrests. During the vehicle search, officers also located a gun with an obliterated serial number.
Our patrol officers, RTCC, Telecommunications, Aviation, K-9 and other specialty units all do a phenomenal job working in tandem to quickly arrest dangerous and repeat offenders.
And
Great work by CMPD’s Westover Division arresting a repeat commercial breaking and entering suspect. Antonito Smith, 19, is facing approximately 60 charges.
On March 27, officers responded to a commercial breaking and entering call at a retail store on Park Road. A suspect, later identified as Smith, was caught on camera breaking in and attempting to pry open an ATM open inside the store. Officers quickly responded to the area and after a brief foot chase, arrested Smith. Detectives were able to close 23 active cases with his arrest.
From Smith's Arrest Sheet:
The suspect is being charged with 33 counts of breaking and entering, 22 counts of larceny after breaking and entering, 3 counts of break into a coin/currency machine, 1 count of resist, delay and obstruct, and possession of burglary tools night (3/27/24) was wearing the same clothing when he broke into, the Walgreens and all the same clothing was found on his person or in his path of flight.
The suspect was transported to the Westover Division Office where he waived his adult Miranda rights and agreed to speak with a detective.
The suspect stated that he is homeless and admitted that he broke into the Walgreens to-try and get cash. The suspect was asked about all other cases that detectives were investigating where commercial businesses were broken into.
He was told that there was video surveillance showing the suspect wearing the same clothing that he had on for all of the other cases. The suspect stated that he already told detectives that he is homeless, and times are tough, and he needed money. The suspect went on to say that he was caught, and he is wearing the.clothes that he always has on.
In the month of March alone, the Westover Division has made 19 arrests, including nine breaking and entering arrests and four larceny from auto arrests.
We want to recognize the overall amazing work of officers and detectives in the Westover Division and their dedication to keeping their communities safe.
But not everyone is happy with CMPD's efforts:
Justin LaFrancois who identifies himself as "Alt-weekly publisher" awarded "Best liberal garbage pile masquerading as a media outlet" complained to CMPD via "X":
"The only mugshots you’ve posted this year are of Black men. You’re upholding the narrative and basis upon which the department was formed—that Black people must be policed, detained and humiliated in the public square. You arrest white people for crimes daily, let’s see those."
So we took a look at the 77 arrests on Wednesday and only 8 of those who were arrested by CMPD are listed as Caucasian, 3 women two with DUI and one shop lifting, the 5 men a mixture of protective order violations DUI and one B&E two counts. Not much to get excited about.
Antonito Smith remains in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff. James Johnson was released on April 5, 2024.
Juliet Ann Nowicki it seems was having a large time as Sunday night became Monday morning and then FIVE-O just happened to "unfairly" light her happy ass up.
The 23 year-old was apparently arrested by CMPD Officers on suspicion of driving while impaired. Reports state that she initially refused consent to breathalyzer but apparently later blew a .23.
She was released around 6 AM Monday on a promise to appear. Her next court appearance is May 16, 2024.
Elizabeth Trosch, the Mecklenburg County Chief District Court Judge, has been removed from office effective May 1, 2024.
Chief Judge Elizabeth Trosch
North Carolina Chief Justice Paul Newby has decided to replace her on May 1. Roy Wiggins, who holds Seat 12 in Mecklenburg County's court system, will take her position.Trosch was appointed as Chief Judge in February 2020, following the retirement of former Chief Judge Regan Miller.
Trosch continued Judge Miller's no cash bail and slap on the wrist mandates that made Mecklenburg County's criminal justice system a running joke among felons and repeat offenders.
Mecklenburg County Court officials have faced concerns over low bonds given to people charged with violent crimes. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings, Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden, and Mecklenburg County DA Spencer Merriweather were all outspoken about this issue.
But it took a Republican controlled North Carolina state legislature to pass The Pretrial Integrity Act in 2023 to mitigate these issues.
Wiggins has held his District Court Judge seat since 2018.
Still Judge Trosch brushed aside criticism and address what she thought were her accomplishments in a memo released on Tuesday.
The memo released by Judge Trosh:
On April 22, 2024, the Chief Justice informed me that he wants a different direction in leadership for Mecklenburg and that he has appointed Judge Roy Wiggins to the post of Chief District Court Judge effective May 1, 2024.
It has been a privilege and an honor to serve Mecklenburg County as the Chief District Court Judge over the last four years. I have endeavored to improve our courts by spear-heading collaborative reforms that have advanced procedural justice and improved outcomes across the district. We have come through the COVID19 pandemic stronger—having executed successful backlog reduction strategies and implemented data driven case management strategies bringing our pending case inventory down to pre-pandemic levels for most case types. Together, we coordinated the successful launch of e-Courts in Mecklenburg County—shepherding our district through the greatest transformation of the courts in our generation.
I am proud of the work we have done together to ensure justice for our community without favor, denial, or delay. We have reduced non-motor vehicle pending cases to 48% below pre-pandemic levels. Our criminal trial courts are more efficient bringing 230% more Driving While Impaired cases to trial and increasing dispositions by 78% compared to FY2019. Similarly, we have brought our felony pending case inventory down from 6,721 cases at the height of the pandemic to 2,373 cases—158% below pre-pandemic levels.
We have successfully reduced our domestic pending cases to below pre-pandemic numbers. Despite taking 43% more domestic filings than the next largest district, we have outperformed Wake County with 85% more dispositions in the last fiscal year. Our Family Court has been effective and efficient having completed 65% more property distribution trials and 100% more child support and child custody trials.
The lack of affordable housing in Mecklenburg County has stretched our general civil court to unparalleled capacity. We have experienced a six-fold increase in eviction cases since 2013. Eviction filings in Mecklenburg County account for 48% of eviction filings statewide. Nevertheless, through data driven case management strategies, we have kept pace with over 70 bench trials per week in our civil courtroom.
As leadership of this district transitions to a new chief, I am confident that I have left it better than I found it. In partnership with local leaders, court staff and partners, a strong foundation has been laid for Mecklenburg to be the most productive and efficient district in the state.
Remember back on March 28 when CMPD finally caught up with Carlos Clark and seized his Corvette after he taunting Officers on line? Charged with 10 counts and released less than 12 hours later?
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Also at the hotel was the ex-wife Shememeka Dade who has been charged with first degree murder.
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Jamal had be arrested last July 3, 2023 on the charge of assault on a female. No word if the victim in that case was Shememeka but it stands to reason.
This is the world of that we have created in Charlotte. Life on the streets is cheap real cheap. Embassy Suites are usually nice hotels with business travelers. But this location moved away from professional people to serving the extended stay cheap rooms demographic.
Too many hotels too many empty rooms and so here we are.
Ditto with apartments a glut of apartments in Steele Creek and put the crime rate ever higher.
39 bodies since January 1st. Wow!
Lt. Muhammad has been charged with one count of felony Financial Transaction Card Fraud and one count of felony Conspiracy to Commit Financial Transaction Card Fraud.
Investigators determined that the incidents occurred outside of work and did not involve the functions of his job. Muhammad turned himself in at 11:30 p.m. on April 16 and was processed overnight.
CMPD Internal Affairs is conducting a parallel investigation. Lt. Muhammad is currently on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the internal investigation.
Lieutenant Muhammad was hired on Oct. 18, 2010, and is currently assigned to the Central Division.
Statement from Chief Jennings:
"The arrest of our own lieutenant is a devastating blow to the trust we've worked tirelessly to build with this community. We hold ourselves to an uncompromising standard of integrity, and any violation is a betrayal of that sacred oath. But let me be absolutely clear: the CMPD has zero tolerance for misconduct, regardless of rank or tenure. The decisive action taken by investigators sends a powerful message – no badge is a shield for illegal behavior. The law applies equally to every citizen, and that includes those who wear our uniform. This incident is a painful reminder that we are all fallible, but it also demonstrates our unwavering commitment to accountability. We will investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure that justice is served. The people we are sworn to protect deserve nothing less.”
Cedar's Take:
I don't know the facts and won't make judgement. But it seems this doesn't help perception of CMPD with much of the community that looks for any excuse to call out Officers. Interesting that using the word thug to describe a certain criminal demographic is racist but one bad cop means ACB and the local media goes total dog pile.
Y'all keep your head down, but stay proud you are our only hope. And let's be careful out there.