Craven County Crime Stoppers

04/03/2026

🚨 Child abuse is a hidden epidemic and silence only protects the abuser. 🚨

In the most recent national reporting year, more than 546,000 children were confirmed victims of abuse or neglect, and 1,773 lost their lives. Infants remain the most vulnerable.

The truth is even worse: experts believe for every case reported, others go unreported.

Every abused child carries trauma that can last a lifetime. It takes all of us—parents, neighbors, teachers, churches, and communities—to protect our children.

If something doesn’t look right, speak up.
Call or text 1-800-422-4453

💙 Silence protects abusers. Action protects children.

03/27/2026

Please share this post to help spread awareness and let us know in the comments if you received the scam.

This week on Craven County Crime Stoppers: SCAMS

We want to take a moment to make you aware of a scam that’s currently making its way around Craven County andl all over Eastern North Carolina.

Folks are receiving text messages claiming to be a ‘Notice of Default.’ These messages are designed to look official they may include a state seal, a judge’s name, a case number, and even what looks like a signature.

But make no mistake… these messages are fake.

Here’s what you need to know:

Courts do not notify you of legal action through text message.
They are not going to send you a QR code to pay or settle anything.
And if you notice, these messages usually say your court date is tomorrow, that’s done on purpose to create panic and rush you into making a bad decision.

So what should you do?

Do not scan the QR code.
Do not call the number listed in that message.

If you have any concerns, contact the courthouse directly using a verified phone number, not the one provided in the text.

At the end of the day, scammers are counting on fear and urgency. Take a step back, think it through, and don’t let them get the upper hand.

If you have information about scams or any criminal activity, contact Craven County Crime Stoppers through our app at p3tips.com/986. For additional details, visit us on Instagram and Facebook at Craven County Crime Stoppers.

You’ll stay completely anonymous and could earn a cash reward if your tip leads to an arrest.

Help us keep our community safe and we’ll see you next time.

-CPL. Kelly Cox

North Carolina Crime Stoppers Association
Craven County Sheriff's Office
City of New Bern, NC Police Department
City of Havelock Police
Bridgeton Police Department
River Bend Police Department
Trent Woods Police Department
Bridgeton Police Department
Vanceboro Police Department
Craven County NC
NC Sheriffs' Association

03/19/2026

03/15/2026

I wanted to take just a moment to explain why I’ve been absent from the show over the last couple of months and then we’ll officially jump back into our Crime of the Week segment starting again next week.

For those who may not know, I was recently running for Sheriff in another county, where I live and where my family has called home our entire lives. I went up against an incumbent sheriff in the Republican primary, and while we came up just short, my 48% to his 52%, I’m incredibly proud of the campaign we ran and the support we received.

I want to sincerely thank everyone who supported me during that campaign, both in Beaufort County and right here in Craven County. The encouragement, prayers, and support meant more to my family and me than I could ever truly put into words.

I also want to give a special thank you to Sheriff Chip Hughes for allowing me the opportunity to run while continuing to serve here at the Craven County Sheriff's Office. I’d also like to thank the Craven County Crime Stoppers Board, along with Captain Daniels with the City of New Bern, NC Police Department, for holding everything down while I was away. They did a tremendous job keeping the program moving forward, and I’m grateful for all they did.

Now, I’m excited to be back and getting back into the swing of things, helping keep our community safe, highlighting the criminals who think they can prey on innocent people, and yes… roasting a few of them along the way.

I’m also looking forward to taking on some new assignments here at the Craven County Sheriff’s Office as Sheriff Hughes reassigns some responsibilities, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of this community in whatever role I’m needed most.

So if you know something, say something. Submit a tip through the P3 Tips app or at p3tips.com/986. You’ll stay anonymous, and you could receive a cash reward.

And remember, criminals may think they’re getting away with it… but in Craven County, someone is always watching.

I’m Kelly Cox with CCCS.




WITN-TV, WCTI News 12, WNCT-TV
New Bern Live, The New Bern Sun Journal
North Carolina Crime Stoppers Association

01/12/2026

As we ring in the New Year, Craven County Crime Stoppers thanks our community for your continued support in helping make Craven County a safer place.

Craven County Crime Stoppers is a separate, standalone 501(c)(3) that works alongside all law enforcement agencies in Craven County. Because of your support and donations, we are able to pay cash rewards for anonymous tips that lead to arrests and safer neighborhoods.

Your involvement truly makes a difference. Thank you for standing with us, here’s to a safe New Year.

-CPL. Kelly Cox

Craven County Sheriff's Office
City of New Bern, NC Police Department
City of Havelock Police
River Bend Police Department
Bridgeton Police Department
Trent Woods Police Department
Vanceboro Police Department
Craven County Sheriff’s Office - Animal Protective Services
North Carolina Crime Stoppers Association
Craven County NC

New Bern Live The New Bern Sun Journal

12/30/2025

🥂 Let’s ring in the New Year safely, Craven County!

Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until you’ve had a few drinks to find a ride. Officers will be out in force tonight to keep our roads safe. 🎆 Be Neighborly: Before the fireworks start, think of your neighbors, their pets, and our local veterans. A quick heads-up goes a long way!

Wishing you all a safe and happy start to 2026!

12/28/2025

Please be on the lookout.

-CPL. Kelly Cox

Craven County Sheriff's Office
North Carolina Crime Stoppers Association

Craven County NC

‼️UPDATE: Marvin Terie West has been located‼️

‼️MISSING PERSON: Marvin Terie West‼️

The family of Marvin Terie West and our office need your help. Marvin was reported missing by his sister this afternoon.

Descriptive Details
• Name: Marvin Terie West
• Date of Birth: July 21, 1981 (44 years old)
• Last Seen: Approximately 2 months ago
• Location: 113 Wells Rd, Cove City
• Clothing: Unknown at this time
Circumstances
Marvin has not been heard from in several weeks. His family is concerned for his wellbeing and is asking anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to come forward.

⚠️ HOW YOU CAN HELP
1 Share this post to increase visibility in the Cove City and surrounding areas.
2 Check security footage if you live near Wells Rd.
3 Contact Authorities: If you have seen Marvin or have any information, please contact the Craven County Sheriff's Office at 252-636-6620 or craven County Communications at 252-633-2357.

-CPL. Kelly Cox

Craven County Crime Stoppers
Craven County NC
NC Sheriffs' Association

WITN-TV, WNCT-TV, WCTI News 12
New Bern Live, The New Bern Sun Journal
North Carolina Crime Stoppers Association

12/23/2025

Please be on the lookout for 14 year old runaway juvenile, Keith Edwards. Contact the City of Havelock Police if you have any information.

CPL. Kelly Cox

North Carolina Crime Stoppers Association
Craven County Sheriff's Office

Update 12/23/25: The runaway juvenile has returned home safely.

12/22/2025

WATCH: SPREADING KINDNESS & HOPE

This Holiday Season, Let’s Pledge To:
Check in on neighbors: Especially those spending the holidays alone.

Lead with patience: Whether you’re in holiday traffic or at the grocery store.

Share the light: Small acts of generosity make our county a harder place for negativity to take root.

Our Gift to You: Peace of Mind
Law enforcement agencies remain on watch 24/7 so you can focus on what matters most. If you see something that doesn't feel right, you can always protect your community while remaining 100% anonymous.

Download the P3 Tips App

Wishing you a safe, hopeful, and very happy holiday season!

12/12/2025

UPDATE: Dominic Connelly

Dominic Connelly was captured today in Vanceboro, N.C.

Connelly was located near Muddy Lane in an abandoned structure.

Connelly was wanted for the October 25, 2025 murder of his grandmother in Havelock and the October 29, 2025 attempted murder of a Craven County Sheriff’s Deputy in Vanceboro.

Connelly has been on the run since the end of October which launched a large scale, multi agency manhunt involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

A press conference is scheduled at 2:00PM today with more details.