At the request of the City of Morganton, the State Bureau of Investigation conducted an inquiry into allegations of financial improprieties or other criminal wrongdoing by one or more City employees. The SBI has reported to the City and to the District Attorney that it found no credible evidence of any wrongdoing. As a result, the SBI and the District Attorney have closed this investigation, according to a press release issued Monday by the City of Morganton.

Multiple arrests are made after a traffic stop in Morganton. On Thursday, a PSO stopped a Jeep Liberty for driving left of center. During the approach, the officer oberved seven occupants in the vehicle. Drug paraphernalia was observed in plain view, and the officer called for assistance. A K9 search was initiated which indicated the presence of additional narcotics in the vehicle. Arrested were Gregory Shell, charged with simple possession of a schedule VI controlled substance, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia, Vance Hinson, charged with six outstanding warrants, three for failure to appear and three Probation Violations, with a bond of $34,000 and a court date of March 8th. Roderick Caldwell was charged with possession of schedule II controlled substance and given a $5000 bond. The driver of the vehicle, Christina Perkins was issued a citation for driving left of center.