Gastonia Police arrested disabled Army Veteran Joshua Rohrer last year and charged him with panhandling. Officers also tased his service dog during the arrest that resulted in the death of the animal. Rohrer, feeling he had been assaulted, pushed for the release of the police body cam video of his arrest and desired the involved officers to be fired.
Rohrer was homeless and living in a tent when he was arrested last October while out with his service dog near a Gastonia shopping center. He was charged with resisting arrest and panhandling after police were called when there was an exchange between him and a nearby car.
During that contentious arrest, an officer shot Rohrer’s service dog with a taser. The dog was hit by a car and died while running loose.
The Gaston County District Attorney dropped the charges against Rohrer months later.
Now after almost a year in wrangling with North Carolina’s body camera laws, a Gaston County judge ordered the release of body camera footage of several police officers’ actions in arresting disabled homeless veteran Joshua Rohrer and then tasering his service dog (that died shortly thereafter) on October 13, 2021.
Despite the incident capturing national media attention, calls for reform from legislators across the country, and nearly a year of protests from members of the community, Gaston County officials had been successful in preventing the body camera footage from being seen by the public.
Last month, however, Mr. Rohrer’s attorney, Andrew LaBreche, filed a petition seeking to force the video’s release. On Wednesday, the judge held an emergency hearing on the matter.
Despite strong objections from the District Attorney and City of Gastonia seeking to withhold significant portions of the footage from the public, the judge reviewed the recordings and ordered that all body camera videos be immediately released in their entirety and with no redactions.
The recordings are expected to be formally released Thursday.
On February 24th 2022, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and Rutherford County Animal Control executed a search warrant at 158 Paws Ranch Rd in reference to animal cruelty.
Results of the search warrant was: 23 horses, 17 goats, and one sheep were seized.
All the animals have been dispersed to various rescues and foster homes until a court decision is determined.
Delores Hanser, 63, was charged with 11 counts of Misdemeanor Cruelty to Animals, 1 count of Improper Burial (local ordinance), and 2 counts of Specific Animal Care requirements (local ordinance).
Ms. Hanser was taken before the magistrate and received a $10,000 unsecured bond.
On Wednesday March 24, 2021, former Sheriff’s Deputy Jamie Dunn was found guilty of assaulting an individual being held in the Rutherford County Jail. Dunn immediately appealed the verdict and the case will proceed to Superior Court.
As RC Catalyst previously reported on the Oct. 2020 incident, Dunn was terminated as a Deputy with the Sheriff’s Office after being accused of striking a detained inmate in the head. Dunn was then charged by the State Bureau of Investigation with simple assault and arrested. Dunn posted bond awaiting disposition of the charge.
District Attorney Ted Bell Appears to Conceal Legal Proceedings from the Public
Since Dunn’s arrest, Sheriff Chris Francis’ Office and District Attorney Ted Bell have provided no updates for this case.
On March 24, 2021, however, RC Catalyst was informed by an anonymous source that the District Attorney Ted Bell had scheduled a trial for Dunn’s case at 1:30 p.m. that day. This source expressed concerns that the Bell had withheld information regarding this proceeding from the public.
In an effort to verify this information, RC Catalyst reviewed the District Court docket that Bell circulated to court staff and attorneys on Friday, March 24, 2021. Dunn’s case was, in fact, absent from the docket. In fact, no cases were scheduled for the afternoon of March 24, 2021.
While the District Attorney has control over scheduling cases in advance, this case was added to the docket through an “add-on” procedure to the calendar. The district attorney’s office has said in the past that add-ons are a way that a trial date is generally withheld from the press and public. In this instance, Dunn’s case was added to the docket on the day of the hearing, which resulted in the public receiving no notice that it would occur. In fact the doors to the courtroom were locked until the time of the trial. Generally access to the courtroom is given several minutes before cases are called.
Prosecutor Assistant District Attorney Lacey Beam informed RCCatalyst that the case was previously scheduled for the week before, but was continued when the case was changed to a trial. She later added on the case to the following Wednesday’s schedule.
Judge Michelle McEntyre was on the bench to hear the trial.
Revelations in Testimony Provided by Alleged Victim Raise Questions of Improper Interference with Investigations by Sheriff Francis and District Attorney’s Office
During the hearing, the State called two witnesses of note – Christian Eugene Hardin (the alleged victim) and SBI Agent Matthew Davis.
In Hardin’s testimony, he explained that he was arrested in, October 2020 when several Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call involving domestic violence at Hardin’s residence. From the time the officers arrived until he was placed in the jail, Hardin described two incidents where several deputies allegedly assaulted him.
First, during the arrest, Hardin claimed that several officers pulled him out of the police vehicle due to his behavior and physically assaulted him by, among other things, slamming his head on the ground, and engaging in an altercation that left his ribs broken and wrists in pain.
Second, after being restrained in the jail, Hardin stated that “this rage went through me. I started cussing at [Dunn], being very disrespectful.” Although Hardin claimed that he could not remember any specific comments directed toward Dunn, he stated that Dunn suddenly struck him once on the right side of the face.
Although the defense emphasized Hardin’s behavior leading up to the alleged assault, Dunn’s counsel largely focused on issues surrounding the origin and process of the investigation. For example, Dunn’s counsel made several inquiries:
Whether Hardin initiated contact with law enforcement or, instead, law enforcement sought out Hardin;
Whether any law enforcement officers encouraged, pressured, or took any potentially wrongful actions to ensure Hardin proceeded with criminal charges against Dunn;
Whether Hardin had made any efforts to file charges against the other officers who Hardin claimed had broken his ribs.
Initially, Hardin attempted to withhold answers, and even asked the judge “do I have to answer these questions?”
When Hardin did respond, however, he noted that he had been approached by officers that he had not contacted, though he did not provide details about what transpired when meeting with most of these officers.
In a follow up question, Dunn’s counsel asked if Hardin had reviewed the video footage of the incident. Hardin stated that he had watched it at his own home. Given that Dunn had not been allowed to view the video footage until the date of the hearing, Dunn’s counsel inquired as to how he could have had access to the video at his personal residence. Hardin initially attempted to decline answer this question but, when pressed, stated that “someone brought it to me.”
Testimony from Investigator Bolsters Suspicions of Improper Conduct of Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney
During Agent Davis’ testimony, he explained that there was considerable delay before the District Attorney requested that the SBI investigate. As a result, Hardin was not interviewed until approximately ten (10) days after the incident.
Once Agent Davis began his investigation, he explained that he reviewed video footage for the entire incident, including what occurred during the arrest and in the jail. Dunn’s counsel asked whether Agent Davis had uncovered any additional misconduct in reviewing the video footage or otherwise. Agent Davis responded that he had discovered no additional wrongdoing. In fact, Agent Davis stated that he had not even interviewed the other officers that allegedly assaulted Hardin and broken his ribs.
When Dunn’s counsel asked why Davis had neither spoken with the other officers that Hardin claims assaulted him or looked at other possible incidents of misconduct, Davis testified that he was to look only at any potential wrongdoing “in the jail” and that he was specifically instructed “not to stray away from that.”
Defense Appears Poised to Expose Potential Misconduct on Appeal
After the prosecution and defense had completed their questioning, District Court Judge Michelle McEntire asked Hardin if he wished to speak prior to issuing a ruling. Hardin accepted the invitation and explained that he understood that Dunn was going through with traumatic issues he asked Sheriff Francis for help addressing and stated that he was “going through a lot that night too.” Hardin said that he just wanted to “move forward.”
At the conclusion of the trial, the District Court judge found Dunn guilty and Dunn immediately appealed the matter to Superior Court.
Based on the theme of improper interference or influence by the Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney, it appears Dunn’s counsel has forecast what is to come in Superior Court. During a trial in District Court, a defendant is not allowed to obtain any documents, recordings, or subpoena witnesses. Because of the disadvantage this situation creates to a defendant, attorneys for a defendant typically withhold much of the evidence in their possession and only ask a limited number of questions designed to assist in preparing for trial in Superior Court.
Because the majority of the questions posed by Dunn’s counsel highlighted what appear to be disturbing incidents of interference with the investigation and legal process, including possible encouragement or manipulation of Hardin, it appears that Dunn’s counsel is poised to explore these issues in far more detail through the discovery process.
We will continue to report on this matter as it develops.
RUTHERFORDTON — Former sheriff’s office employee, Lacie Felicia Boykins, 40, of Shelby who embezzled $85,790 from RCSD received no jail time in her plea deal. Boykins had pleaded guilty to five counts of embezzlement of cash proceeds by a public official/trustee on Sept. 30, 2020. Her crimes were committed over a 5-year period, but Boykins received a suspended sentence.
In her former position as an administrative specialist with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Boykins handled the county’s concealed-carry permits. Cash payments for permits are $95; renewals cost $85.
On Jan. 11 a coworker reported possible embezzlement activities. On Jan. 23, Boykins was placed on administrative leave while the Sheriff’s Department conducted an internal investigation. Criminal charges were filed on July 24, 2020.
Boykin’s sentence included a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 17 months incarceration suspended for 60 months supervised probation. Boykins is required to make full restitution of the embezzled monies. Boykins is to complete 40 hours of community service. Fees for her probation supervision and community service were waived. Boykins began her employment by the sheriff’s office on May 4, 2012 with an annual salary of $32,673.
In order to have have transparency and an unbiased investigation most law enforcement agencies ask the State Bureau of Investigation(SBI) to conduct internal investigations. Instead, Rutherford County Sheriff Chris Francis opted to keep the investigation in-house.
On February 27, 2019, Rutherford County Schools administrators acknowledged that they had become aware of allegations involving sexual assault by Gunnery Sergeant Eric Currington and Officer Chris Brown against multiple underage students in the ROTC program.
Currington and Brown were instructors in R-S Central High School’s Marine-ROTC program.
Rutherford County Schools administrators stated that they were coordinating with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department in what was, at the time, identified as an ongoing investigation.
Since the original statements by the Rutherford County School administrators, however, a number of developments occurred.
Then-superintendent of Rutherford County Schools, Dr. Janet Mason relinquished her position as superintendent, a move Rutherford Weekly described as a “surprise” to many across the county and educators in the school system. Mason then accepted a position as the Town Manager of Forest City on June 20, 2019. As Mason noted, “I have not worked in municipal government, but leadership transcends arenas, I have things to learn.” After a 33-year tenure as superintendent, the timing of her claimed “retirement” – particularly to assume a role as Town Manager for which she had no experience – raised questions as to the basis of departure.
In the meantime, numerous deputies in the Sheriff’s Office have informed RC Catalyst that the Sheriff’s Office provided District Attorney Ted Bell with sufficient information to prosecute and likely convict both Currington and Brown for unlawful sexual conduct with multiple underage victims.
According to one victim of the officers listed above (who will not be identified for confidentiality concerns, as well as fear of reprisal), one of the training officers responsible for assaulting a female cadet threatened to kill her if she revealed the sexual assaults. This victim had planned to enlist in the military and, before the assaults began, had impeccable academic credentials, was highly motivated, and had a strong work ethic. As a result of the often-violent assaults, one of the sexual assault victims is now fearful for her safety, wrestling with significant issues stemming from the trauma, and has lost her ability to focus on her life trajectory. Her aspirations to join the military were ruined and she continues having difficulty with everyday life.
At the time of this article, requests for comment to Ted Bell, Sheriff Chris Francis, and Janet Mason have gone unanswered. However, Sheriff Francis’ apathy toward insisting the actions of both training (Officers Currington and Brown) raise serious concerns as to why these individuals have escaped prosecution. More concerning, however, is Ted Bell’s refusal to prosecute the alleged rapes of minors.
Former Judge Randy Pool
In light of the widely-shared disbelief thought this community resulting from Ted Bell’s refusal to prosecute former-Chief District Judge Randy Pool for more than, at least, fifty (50) women (known to RC Catalyst at this time) that Pool victimized, Ted Bell’s failure to now protect children who have allegedly been subjected to violent sexual assaults, as well as threatened to remain silent, is difficult to comprehend.
As details regarding District Attorney Ted Bell’s seemingly limitless comfort level with sexual assault continue to surface, RC Catalyst will continue to report on this story (as well as the incidents involving former Judge Pool) and will inform the community as to any comments received from either Sheriff Francis or Ted Bell involving this situation.
Because District Attorney Ted Bell and Sheriff Chris Francis appear to believe they have no obligation to respond to inquiries and concerns expressed by their constituents, however, we encourage you to contact the following outside criminal investigatory entities to report these issues:
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations – (919) 662-4500
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein – (919) 716-6400
Federal Bureau of Investigations – (704) 672-6100
United State Marine Corps. – (866) 243-3887
*Based on our investigation, it appears the US Marine Corps was never contacted regarding the issues discussed in this article.
Chief Deputy Warren Sprouse fired Deputy Jamie Dunn this week after an incident at the jail.
Dunn allegedly hit a handcuffed inmate, arrested in a domestic violence call and known to him from his substitute teacher days, after the inmate called his wife, a CHASE teacher, an obscene name and made a violent sexual threat towards Dunn’s daughter. The suspect supposedly was treated for a broken jaw.
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) upon reviewing the video obtained from the jail issued a warrant for Dunn for assault. Upon advice from legal counsel, Dunn turned himself in to Polk County, N.C. Sheriff’s Department.
While Dunn does not deny an incident that he described as happening during a blackout, he was never given the opportunity to tell his side of the story before the county terminated his employment.
The originating domestic violence call that Saturday night came in at approximately 8:39 p.m. Dunn was on duty that night despite the fact that his mother had died unexpectedly the day before. Dunn felt obligated to show up for work since the night patrol was frequently understaffed. Sheriff Chris Francis had previously told him he was needed on patrol. Yet, the grief of his mom’s passing weighed heavy on his mind.
At the scene of the alleged domestic violence, Dunn recognized the young woman who answered the door from a call the month before. Then she had been obviously beaten up including swollen eyes, but no charges had been made.
According to Dunn, this time, while talking with the young woman outside, the male occupant of the house came out and shouted “You done talked enough,” and proceeded to grab her arm and pull her back into the house.
Witnessing this physical assault, Dunn detained the man and put him in handcuffs into the back seat of the patrol car. There the suspect wriggled his handcuffs in front of him and began kicking the back window with great force.
Upon arrival at the jail, the suspect began threatening and intimidating others as well.
Dunn was aware of the county’s various assistance programs and had spoken to his supervisor about getting grief assistance. He had a zoom consultation with a psychiatrist on Monday and a follow-up visit with his physician who signed Dunn’s papers for a Family Medical Leave. Dunn intended to turn those papers in when his supervisor met with him. Instead, he was terminated.
Dunn has over 20+ years experience in law enforcement and has served in various capacities such as the Narcotics Unit, Detective, Patrol, and the Interdiction Team.
Currington and Brown were instructors in R-S Central High School’s Marine-ROTC program.
