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By Erin Smith
The residents of Robeson County can rest a little easier tonight knowing that their streets are a little safer thanks to the men and women of law enforcement who participated in Operation Zero Hour from February 23 through February 25. According to Scott Parker, with the U.S. Marshal’s Service, Operation Zero Hour was one of the biggest operations of its kind to be conducted in Robeson County.
Parker said of the operation, “The results are amazing.”
Over a period of three days, 123 individuals were arrested in Robeson County, 170 warrants were served, 22 fire arms were taken off the streets and 37 high risk gang member searches were conducted. Parker said that during the operation, 18 gang members were validated. He added that as a result of the operation a data base of known gang members is being created and will be of great assistance to law enforcement officers in the future.
Parker said 180 law enforcement officers from 21 agencies took part in the operation. Participating agencies included the United States Marshal’s Service, North Carolina Highway Patrol, the Department of Public Safety, Division of Community Corrections, Department of Adult Corrections Special Operations and Intelligence Unit, Lumberton Police Department, Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Fayetteville Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina and the District Attorney’s Office for District 16B.
Parker called the joint operation a “team effort” of all the agencies. He explained the choice in naming the operation “zero hour.” Parker said that “zero hour” means that time is up.
Parker said that 33 individuals who were parole absconders or have violated parole were brought back to justice during Operation Zero Hour.
“Operation Zero Hour doesn’t end today. We have developed leads to turn over to local law enforcement,” said Parker.
He said Operation Zero Hour came about as a result of the Department of Community Corrections. “They asked us to come down and we met and we all agreed to come together as one,” said Parker. “Many of these individuals (arrested) will be facing federal charges.”
Some of the more significant arrests include:
** Timothy Locklear who is charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder;
** Donald Maynor who is charged with accessory after the fact to murder and felony death by vehicle;
**Christopher McLaurin who is charged with sexual offense against a child;
** Donald McIntyre who is charged with kidnapping, possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, and multiple parole violations;
**Darien Lewis who is charged with accessory after the fact to murder in relation to a double homicide.
C. J. Hyman, with the ATF Charlotte office, said that as he drove to Lumberton from Charlotte he thought about how the mission of law enforcement has changed and in order to be successful, it takes collaboration between agencies.
Randy Graham of the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, said, “We want to say to the citizens this not end of this operation.”
Eric Hacker, an investigator with district attorney’s office, added that the preparation for this operation was astronomical.
Assistant District Attorney Matthew Scott said one individual who was arrested and charged with second-degree murder was wanted in a case involving a motor vehicle crash that killed one person. He said the crash killed a beloved member of the Allentown Fire Department.
Lumberton Police Chief Michael McNeill added that everyone wants the residents of Robeson County, as well as those who visit, to feel safe and at ease.
When asked about the types of federal charges, Jane Jackson with the US Attorney’s Office said that several convicted felons were arrested for having guns in their possession. She said they could face up to 10 years in federal prison and if they are a career criminal it could be a longer sentence.
She added there are also individuals who are facing federal drug trafficking charges as well.
Parker concluded the event by thanking the news media for assisting in getting the word out about the operation.
“There were a lot of guns seized this week and they were chambered and ready to use,” said Parker.
When asked how many fugitives remain at large, Parker did not give specific numbers but he replied, “We want everybody. We are not satisfied until we get everybody.”
He summed his words by saying that arrests were made throughout Robeson County and law enforcement officers have developed leads on one fugitive who was located in New York and officers are following up on leads on others who are wanted for various offenses.
Parker added that the agencies are beginning the planning stages for another operation next month.
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