COVID-19 UPDATE

The surge in COVID-19 numbers throughout the area continues, as Burke County sees an increase of 72 new cases Monday, bringing the total of positives to 4-thousand-656.

911 of those cases are reported to be active, and 22 Burke residents are hospitalized with the virus.

In McDowell County, health officials reported 123 new cases yesterday.

McDowell’s total of positives is currently 2-thousand-67, while 347 residents remain in quarantine.

Catawba County reports its’ highest single-day total of hospitalizations with 77 residents presently undergoing treatment for COVID-19.

Caldwell County saw an increase of 102 cases of the virus for a total of 3-thousand-949. Caldwell reported the 52nd COVID-19 related death, with the patient between the ages of 65-74, had been hospitalized and was reported to have underlying health conditions.

In the meantime, State health officials have released a list of NC hospitals that will be among the first to receive initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Caldwell Memorial in Lenoir, Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory and Pardee in Hendersonville are Western North Carolina hospitals included

Reports say the hospital systems will in turn determine which facilities they serve will get the first dosages.

Sex Crimes

A Nebo man faces multiple sex crimes after his arrest in McDowell County. l

McDowell County Sheriff's detectives received an anonymous tip that led to an investigation of 25-year-old Jonathon Leslie Carver of Chestnut Oak Forest Drive.

Officers discovered Carver allegedly had inappropriate sexual contact with an 8-month-old boy and a 2-year-old girl.

The offenses, reports say, occurred over the past six months, and Carver is acquainted with the victims.

He has been charged with two counts each of taking indecent liberties with a child and felony child abuse involving a sexual act, one count each of statutory rape of a child by an adult, incest of a child less than 13 years of age, and first degree statutory sex offense.

Carver is in the McDowell County jail under a 1-million dollar bond.

Probation Search

A probation search at a Marion residence leads to the discovery of drugs and a gun. 

McDowell County Sheriff's detectives along with state probation officers searched the Lilac Drive home of 56-year-old Timothy Lee Westmoreland.

Westmoreland is on probation and is subject to warrantless searches.

Authorities located a small amount of meth and a rifle as a result of the search.

Westmoreland has been charged with possession of meth, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

DA's Recognized

The 36th District Attorney's Office has recognized two of its members as board-certified specialists in NC Criminal Law. Assistant DA Michelle Lippert, who practices in Burke County ADA Scott Lippert, stationed in Catawba County, received confirmation of their new certifications Friday. Fewer than 4-percent of attorneys are recognized as specialists, while the Lipperts are the only two criminal law specialist attorneys in the district.