COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County’s virus numbers continue to rise as state health officials Thursday reported NC’s highest one-day number of COVID-19 positives.

A news release from local public health officials reported 56 new cases in Burke County pushing the total number of positives to 3-thousand-734.

In Burke, 636 cases are active, while 17 are now hospitalized.

Statewide, 4-thousand-296 new cases were reported Thursday.

The record-high day follows several days of increasing trends in new cases, the percent of tests proving positive, and hospitalizations.

State figures also reveal a higher number of residents visiting emergency departments with COVID-like symptoms.

NC health officials advise people to avoid travel over Thanksgiving and only gather with those in your household.

Officials also recommend wearing masks during gatherings, celebrate outdoors if possible, arrange tables and chairs to be physically distance if attendees are not in the same family unit, and keep the Thanksgiving event small with one person serving instead of buffet style.

College students returning home for the holiday are urged to get tested before going home.

If you need to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 test, call the Burke County Health Department at 828-764-9150.

Federal Sentence

A Marion man with an extensive criminal history is sentenced to more than a decade in prison in federal court.

A news release says 43-year-old Jonathan Brooks Floyd was sentenced to 178 months amounting to more than 14 years for the charge of possession with intent to distribute meth.

Following his prison sentence, Floyd will also be subject to five years of supervised release.

Court documents say officials became aware in November 2019 that Floyd was trafficking meth.

A news release states a search of Floyd’s home turned up over 625 grams of methamphetamine and five firearms.

Floyd pleaded guilty to the drug charge last June, while previous convictions in NC including being a habitual felon contributed to the court’s sentencing.

According to reports, Floyd is currently in custody and will be transferred to the federal Bureau of Prisons once a federal facility is designated.

Assault Arrest

A Marion man is charged 5 months after allegedly breaking into a woman’s home and assaulting her.

Reports from the McDowell Sheriff’s Office say 51-year-old Theodore Scott Owenby of Zion Hill Road broke into the residence on June 5^th causing damage to the door, and further grabbed the female around her neck.

According to reports, the woman who was assaulted was acquainted with Owenby.

Earlier this month, Owenby was arrested for assaulting officers and resisting arrest; at which time he was also served with outstanding warrants for breaking and entering, assault on a female, and injury to real property.

Lincoln Child Assault

A Lincolnton man has been charged in connection with a child sexual assault that occurred last month.

Lincoln detectives reports receiving word from the local child advocacy center October 22^nd that a 14-year-old female had disclosed the sexual assault during an interview with officials.

The alleged incident occurred at a residence the victim was visiting, and the victim and suspect did not know each other reports say.

30-year-old Erick Richard Cardenas was interviewed by Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office officials on Thursday and admitted to the assault.

Cardenas has been charged with indecent liberties with a child and jailed under a 20-thousand dollar secured bond.

He will have his first court appearance today.