Monarch facility has

a grand reopening

LUMBERTON — On Monday, approximately 50 community members, elected officials, representatives from the hospital, social services, school system, and Eastpointe, the region’s managed care organization, gathered at Monarch’s Facility-Based Crisis center, 207 W. 29th St., for a grand reopening ceremony.

The facility was recently renovated and expanded.

The recently renovated crisis program provides in-patient treatment options for people with mental illness and substance use disorders requiring 24-hour secure and medically supervised care.

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Fake money is

passed at mall

FAYETTEVILLE — Detectives are investigating the use of counterfeit money that has been used at businesses in the Cross Creek Mall recently.

According to reports, at least $900 in bogus money was passed at the mall on Aug. 11.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective J. Sorie at 910-237-9390 or call Crimestoppers at 910-483-8477.

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Murder suspect is

still on the run

CLINTON — Sampson County sheriff’s investigators have warrants on file on Jorge Alexander Ruiz, 26, for the Aug. 14 murder of a man whose name still has not been released. Ruiz remains on the loose.

The murder took place on Keener Road and authorities said Ruiz should be considered armed and dangerous. Upon releasing the wanted poster, Sheriff’s Capt. Eric Pope said it was investigators’ belief that Ruiz was still in the region.

Ruiz is approximately 5 feet, 3 inches tall, weighing 172 pounds, with a muscular build, black hair and brown eyes. He has a scar on his forehead.

Anyone with information can call the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-592-4141, the Crime Tip Line at 910-564-5261 or their local law enforcement agency.

***

Thomas is guilty

on all charges

WHITEVILLE — After a four-week trial, a Columbus County Superior Court jury found Danny Lamont Thomas guilty of 12 felonies — including four counts of first-degree murder — on Tuesday.

Thomas was sentenced to life in prison.

Thomas was found guilty of the murder and armed robbery of Craig Lesand Williams; murder, first-degree burglary and second-degree kidnapping of Ivery and Regina Inman, and Anthony Martin; assault with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, and second-degree kidnapping of Terrance Rowell; and attempted murder and second-degree kidnapping of Centia McLeod Wilson.

— From staff and wire reports.

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