Macon County Sheriff's Office
Law Enforcement Center |
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1820 Lakeside Drive
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2811 tele
(828) 349-2275 fax
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July 22, 2004 Phone Scam in Macon County
PRESS RELEASE
May 28, 2004
On May 27, 2004 Macon County deputies arrested a Franklin man in connection with the shooting and recent murders
in the South Skeenah area of Macon County. Danny "Red" Roger Hodgin, age 52, was charged with two counts of
1st Degree Murder in connection to the murders of Gene Carpenter, age 59, and Lillie McConnell, age 42.
Hodgin is also charged with one count of "Accessory After The Fact" in connection to the assault with a deadly
weapon inflicting serious injury and two counts of "Accessory After the Fact" in connection to the murders of
Lillie McConnell and Gene Carpenter.
During the investigation into the shootings, detectives made several request of Hodgin to cooperate with their
investigation and to the whereabouts of the weapon that was used in the shootings. Each time Hodgin denied any
knowledge concerning the incident or to the whereabouts of the weapon. Hours later, detectives discovered the
SKS assault rifle buried in a wooded area located directly behind the Hodgin residence. Sheriff Holland states,
"Evidence shows that Mr. Hodgin had knowledge concerning the shooting, both before and after the fact."
Sheriff Holland concludes, "The evidence shows and by his own statement, Mr. Hodgin supplied the weapon to Kelly
Stockton just moments before he committed this violent act"
The State Bureau of Investigation is assisting the Sheriff’s Office with the investigation and the
investigation is ongoing
PRESS RELEASE
May 19, 2004
On May 18, 2004 Macon County deputies arrested a Franklin man on multiple charges stemming from a shooting in the
South Skeenah area of Macon County. Kelly Stockton, age 33, was charged with two counts of 1st Degree Murder of
Gene Carpenter, age 59, and Lillie McConnell, age 42. Stockton was also charged with one count of Assault with
a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury for shooting Bennie Phillips, who was treated for
his injuries at a local hospital.
Officers were dispatched to the residence after a female called from the residence requesting help.
Three separate calls to the 911 Center came from individuals at the residence and all three identified the shooter
to the 911 dispatchers. The first officers to arrive on scene found one person shot sitting in the living room
area of the residence. The found two more victims suffering from gunshot wounds in another area of the residence.
Carpenter and McConnell were determined by EMS personnel to be deceased. Deputies also found a teenager and a
four-year-old boy who had been in the residence at the time of the shootings. During one of the 911 calls the two
were hiding in the bathroom area of the residence.
After the deputies arrived on scene and had the scene secured, a description of a suspect was broadcasted and
near-by South Macon Elementary School was notified of the situation. School administrators placed the school on a
"Code Blue," which means the school was locked down. Sheriff Robert Holland states, "We never had information that
led us to believe that the school was in danger, but we felt that taking precautionary measures was the safest and
smartest route to take since the suspect was still at large and the shootings took place in close proximity to the
school."
At approximately 11:40 am Stockton was located by a Macon County deputy hiding behind the vehicle he was seen
driving from the crime scene. Stockton surrendered without incident and was taken to the Macon County Detention Center.
Sheriff Holland concludes, "As soon as we had Stockton in custody and we felt confident that there were no additional
concerns, the school was notified and school was open for business as usual."
The State Bureau of Investigation is assisting the Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.
Officers with the Franklin Police Department, the North Carolina Highway Patrol and volunteers with West Macon
and Otto Fire and Rescue assisted the Sheriff’s Office as well.
PRESS RELEASE
May 26, 2004
Judge Orders Poker Machines Destroyed at Sheriff’s Request
On May 26, 2004 three poker machines, recently confiscated by deputies, were destroyed at the Macon County Landfill.
The Sheriff’s Office had been investigating allegations of illegal activity involving poker machines in the county
and recently discovered some illegal machines at a local construction company.
Sheriff Robert L. Holland states, "While deputies were not able to substantiate any illegal payouts by the business owners, they were however, able
to show that they were in the county illegally. We have received numerous complaints concerning illegal payouts
at area businesses and recently spent several days visiting local businesses that had the machines."
Deputies assigned to investigate the allegations spent several weeks reviewing the records of poker machines currently registered.
During this time several local business owners were given verbal warnings regarding violations investigators found
as well as informing the business owners that the Sheriff’s Office would remain vigilant in their efforts to monitor
their poker machines.
During recent months the Sheriff’s Office has received information concerning illegal payouts
being given to patrons. People have recently called the Sheriff’s Office giving information that they have even
witnessed payouts at local businesses. However, of all the information that has been given in the past year,
no witness has agreed to testify in court to what they saw, which in many cases, would be required.
Several months ago Sheriff Holland suspended registration of any additional poker machines into Macon County.
Any machines that are brought in the county now are considered to be here illegally. From that point on any machines
found to be here illegally or being used illegally will be confiscated, the owner charged and upon conviction the
machines will then be destroyed.
There are currently 27 businesses in the county that have poker machines registered with the Sheriff’s Office which
are currently being monitored regularly.
Sheriff Holland states, "Of the businesses we checked recently 8 out of 10 were found to be operating illegally and
each were given their first and final warning." Sheriff Holland concludes, "I admit that the poker machine business
has not been a top priority for us in the past but the law is the law. It is our responsibility to enforce those laws
no matter what our personal beliefs may be concerning the gambling industry, the use of poker machines or the laws that
govern them."
Anyone willing to give information concerning the illegal operation of poker machines in Macon County are encouraged
to call the Sheriff’s Office at 349-2104.
The weekly incidence reports and arrest records are available in the 'Franklin Press'.
Archived Press Release Pages
Click the dated link for previous news releases
07/22/2004 Hodgin/Stockton/Poker machines
05/10/2004 Inmate Roasdide Cleanup
05/06/2004 Deputies Back to Work
04/15/2004 Meth Lab Bust
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