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"Operation Summer Heat" Brings Justice
"Operation Summer Heat" Brings Justice 
On August 3, 2021, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security funded an operation that was hosted by the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.
“Operation Summer Heat” was organized and implemented through the cooperative efforts of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Forest City Police Department, Rutherfordton Police Department, and Lake Lure Police Department.
Law Enforcement Officers concentrated their patrol efforts in Ellenboro, Henrietta, Cliffside, and Forest City. Their diligence successfully led to the following individuals being charged and/or arrested:
Rodney Lee Willis (Ellenboro, NC)
Arrested for Possession with the Intent to Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine & Drug Paraphernalia
Rodney Allen Brown (Ellenboro, NC)
Arrested for Felony Flee to Elude with Motor Vehicle; Reckless Driving; Possession of Methamphetamine; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; and Injury to Trees/Crops/Lands
Billy Joe Wilkins (Mooresboro, NC)
Charged with Felony Probation Violation
Holden Shane Hipp (Forest City, NC)
Arrested on outstanding Orders for Arrest for failing to appear in district court for three previous charges
Susie Marie Williams (Forest City, NC)
Arrested on outstanding Orders of Arrest for failing to appear in district court for five previous charges
Lisa Gantt Harris (Shelby, NC)
Charged with Driving While License Revoked and arrested for one outstanding Order for Arrest for failing to appear in district court on one previous charge
Eddie Dixon (Rutherford County, NC)
Charged with Driving While License Revoked
Bruce Bradley (Henrietta, NC)
Charged with Fictitious Plate
Michael Tate (Rutherford County, NC)
Charged with No Operators License
Jerry Todd Watson, Jr. (Forest City, NC)
Charged with Driving While License Revoked
Barbara Ann Blanton (Forest City, NC)
Charged with Driving While License Revoked and No Insurance
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and Forest City Police Department are fortunate to have deputies and officers assigned as Task Force Officers (TFOs) with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. These partnerships allow for the funding of specialized plans like “Operation Summer Heat”, the hours needed to develop it and the resources required to implement it. The commitment and participation of the agencies listed above are the reason that joint endeavors like “Operation Summer Heat” are successful.
“Operation Summer Heat” was organized and implemented through the cooperative efforts of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Forest City Police Department, Rutherfordton Police Department, and Lake Lure Police Department.
Law Enforcement Officers concentrated their patrol efforts in Ellenboro, Henrietta, Cliffside, and Forest City. Their diligence successfully led to the following individuals being charged and/or arrested:
Rodney Lee Willis (Ellenboro, NC)
Arrested for Possession with the Intent to Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine & Drug Paraphernalia
Rodney Allen Brown (Ellenboro, NC)
Arrested for Felony Flee to Elude with Motor Vehicle; Reckless Driving; Possession of Methamphetamine; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; and Injury to Trees/Crops/Lands
Billy Joe Wilkins (Mooresboro, NC)
Charged with Felony Probation Violation
Holden Shane Hipp (Forest City, NC)
Arrested on outstanding Orders for Arrest for failing to appear in district court for three previous charges
Susie Marie Williams (Forest City, NC)
Arrested on outstanding Orders of Arrest for failing to appear in district court for five previous charges
Lisa Gantt Harris (Shelby, NC)
Charged with Driving While License Revoked and arrested for one outstanding Order for Arrest for failing to appear in district court on one previous charge
Eddie Dixon (Rutherford County, NC)
Charged with Driving While License Revoked
Bruce Bradley (Henrietta, NC)
Charged with Fictitious Plate
Michael Tate (Rutherford County, NC)
Charged with No Operators License
Jerry Todd Watson, Jr. (Forest City, NC)
Charged with Driving While License Revoked
Barbara Ann Blanton (Forest City, NC)
Charged with Driving While License Revoked and No Insurance
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and Forest City Police Department are fortunate to have deputies and officers assigned as Task Force Officers (TFOs) with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. These partnerships allow for the funding of specialized plans like “Operation Summer Heat”, the hours needed to develop it and the resources required to implement it. The commitment and participation of the agencies listed above are the reason that joint endeavors like “Operation Summer Heat” are successful.
Address/Location
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office
198 N Washington St
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 828-287-6247
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