Message from the Director

Laying a Solid Foundation for the Future

This version of “The Bureau Report” contains several important updates: plans for a new SBI headquarters, breaking ground on a new joint armory with NCSHP, the opening of our new SBI Training Center at DPS Samarcand, and the transition that is underway in recognition of the Bureau’s newly granted status as an independent agency of the executive branch of state government. To my mind, this all translates to lots of positive changes and the laying of a strong new foundation to equip the SBI to meet many new challenges that lie ahead. As with any law enforcement agency, our mission and the needs of the communities that we serve continue to evolve and expand. We cannot afford to be complacent, and we must actively and continuously plan for future needs. I believe this edition of our newsletter demonstrates that we in fact are making great progress in this regard and that the Bureau’s best days are ahead of us.

We could not possibly undertake these many initiatives without your active engagement and support. You represent the SBI’s most important asset, and our future potential relies on your continued contributions. I am sincerely grateful for all that you do and our collective strength as one of the finest law enforcement agencies in our state. Stay tuned for continued updates on these many important initiatives, including further information as we transition to an independent agency of the state’s executive branch.

As always, thank you for what you do and stay safe.

Robert Schurmeier,

Director

In the coming years, the SBI will have a new facility to call home. Members of the executive team have been discussing the design for a new SBI headquarters with the architectural firm, LS3P. The new facility will mean that Building 11 on the Raleigh campus will be torn down to make way for the new headquarters building that will consist of 74,658 square feet of space connecting to a recently renovated Building 16. The project will include a full renovation of Building 12, which will connect to the new headquarters building to create an HQ complex. The new complex will house most of the Raleigh area districts/sections/units including IT, Administration, Human Resources, Business Office, ISAAC, Training, CRMS, CIIS, CEIU, Special Programs, and Special Investigations and Compliance, to name a few. Because we are in the very early design stages, groundbreaking and construction dates have not been set yet. We will share more information in the coming months.

By Robert Parvin

Armorer/Firearms Instructor

Training Section

The SBI and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) held a groundbreaking ceremony in March for a new joint armory facility specifically designed for the needs of employees within both agencies.

In the past few years, SBI employees have dealt with flooding in the basement of Building 14 which prompted the move of our weapons storage and maintenance equipment to the newly renovated Building 16. As a result, the SBI's armory needs are currently spread out in Buildings 14, 16, and 9.

The new building will be equipped with modern environmental controls and security allowing for secure weapon and ammunition storage, along with more space to conduct needed weapon maintenance and repairs. Essentially, the new facility will bring all armory operations under one roof for both agencies. In addition, the new building will have its own driveway and a dedicated loading dock to accommodate semi-trucks with large deliveries. While the SBI will be sharing the building with NCSHP, there will be separate areas for each agency to ensure operations continue for both without any distractions or disruptions to daily tasks. Construction is set to begin at a later date.

Click the image below to watch the groundbreaking video.

By SAC Eric Frey

Training Section

In May, the SBI moved into a new Training Center on the campus of Samarcand. The new location gives our Samarcand staff more space and centralizes our operations to one location. We have a storage building that was moved from Salemburg to store our golf carts and other training equipment that was previously kept across campus. We also now have a small conference table for meetings and gatherings and a fully functional bedroom with a nearby bathroom to lodge instructors or trainers who need last minute accommodations after-hours. The 54^th SA Academy made it their service project to landscape the outside and they dedicated a plaque as well.

ASAC Charlie Massey

Training Section

The SBI Academy facilities at the Samarcand Training Academy (STA) have been upgraded. The rarely used "mat room" as it was called, has been elevated to a true physical fitness room thanks to the purchase and installation of new weight room equipment.

The idea came from Special Agent Chris Munden who oversees the Academy's Physical Training Program. While managing the program, he received feedback from trainees and PT instructors on ways to improve it. In February of 2023, while assessing the academy's physical training program and the existing facilities at Samarcand, SA Munden developed an idea to expand the capabilities of the academy's physical training program. He devised a plan to partner with Samarcand in remodeling the existing academy mat room into a state-of-the-art weight/workout room. Munden consulted with management from the Training Section and then began to identify possible equipment that would fill the physical training program's needs.

In March of 2023, Munden presented the idea to STA Executives. After he received detailed quotes for the project, STA approved the plan and allocated funding for it. SA Munden saw the project through which included replacing the existing mat room floor with a rolled rubber flooring product, the purchase of power racks, dip horns, landmine attachments, battle ropes, Olympic barbells, trap bars, football bars, flat benches, incline and decline benches, kettlebells, dumbbells, vertical plate trees, three-tiered dumbbell and kettlebell stands, scull rowers and air bikes. In addition, more than 3,000 lbs. of weights were purchased as part of the project.

SA Munden oversaw this project every step of the way, from beginning to end. This academy upgrade will immediately improve and increase the effectiveness of our physical training program and it will have a significant long term impact.

By AD Audria Bridges

Diversity and Inclusion Council

During the month of June, Catapult, a human resources company, provided eight manager sessions titled, Executive Mastermind Leadership in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB). The manager sessions covered foundational concepts of DEIB and conversations around unconscious bias, creating an inclusive culture allyship and roles as executives to promote culture changes and explore opportunities for organizational policies that positively impact all employees. The mastermind sessions served a total of 94 bureau supervisors, sworn and non-sworn, from across the state. Following the courses for the executive team and managers, Catapult provided 12 sessions of leadership for employees in DEIB. The employee sessions provided an interactive environment focused on understanding why DEIB is important and how each employee plays a part in creating an inclusive and belonging culture for themselves and colleagues. The employee sessions served a total of 285 team members. 

An after-action review with the lead Catapult instructor and his project steer team was held on August 11, 2023. The NCSBI’s executive team and several members of the NCSBI D&I Council participated in a methodical review of the project goal from start to finish, beginning with the RFP (state procurement) process and concluding with data and topics taken from anonymous surveys completed by participants in each session.

The NCSBI D&I Council’s initial objective for a first step in this process was to positively impact the culture of the NCSBI through a training opportunity that created a safe environment for the dialogue and exchange of diverse perspectives. All sessions were held at Catapult office locations in Raleigh, Greensboro, Charlotte, or at the NC Department of Public Safety’s Samarcand Training Academy.

In the future, the NCSBI D&I Council will meet with internal focus groups to discuss objectives, future goals, and ideas for the next progressive training step for DEIB. The Council will also work with the NCSBI training section to have the DEIB training embedded as part of the NCSBI Academy and field training program. The Council’s next meeting is scheduled for the fall of 2023. The NCSBI’s Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan will be reviewed at the next meeting with recommendations submitted to the NCSBI Human Resources Director and the NCSBI Director.

Here is a list of current D&I Council members:

David Prince - IT

Tatita Gudina - Case Records

SA Laura Kensington - Field Operations

SA Damon Wyche - Field Operations

ASAC Angela Key - Field Operations

ASAC Concita Bell - Field Operations

ASAC Dewey Galloway - Criminal Enterprise

ASAC Nathan Anderson - Computer Crimes

ASAC Dawn Karie - Field Operations

ASAC Steven Holmes - ISAAC

SAC Rod Massey - Professional Standards

Please reach out to me directly for collaborative discussions with the council at abridges@ncsbi.gov.

By ASAC John Taylor

K9 Unit Coordinator



The SBI K9 Unit welcomed some new additions to the family. Earlier this year, we purchased four Belgian Malinois from K2 Solutions and they recently graduated from handler school.

Zoli is a human remains detection (HRD) canine assigned to SA Kelli Phillips; Dragon is an ignitable liquids detection (arson) canine assigned to SA DJ Ward; Sherry is an HRD canine as well, assigned to SA Izzy Denman; and Kira is an HRD canine assigned to SA Sarah Robinson.

ASAC Kathryn Anderson

Training Section

Wellness Coordinator

Meet the newest members of the Peer Assistance Response Team (PART):

Brie Benson - BeTA

Akeem Bolarinwa - IT

Lisa Britton - CIIS

Will Davis - Coastal District

Len Hagaman - Northwestern District

They are available to anyone who would like to speak with a peer. The Peer Assistance Response Team is also available to lead discussions, conduct debriefs, and provide resources to employees. 

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Peer Assistance Response Team, please submit a memo to your supervisor and AD Kelly Page. 

SA Brie Benson, BeTA Unit

Akeem Bolarinwa, IT

Lisa Britton, CIIS

SA Will Davis, Coastal District

SA Len Hagaman, Northwestern District

By SA Shane Hudson 

Technical Services Unit

Vehicles are often the preferred transportation method to commit criminal activity, providing criminals the opportunity to get to and from their intended target with speed and in some situations autonomy when they are in someone else’s vehicle. Criminal actors believe if they use someone else’s vehicle or if they take measures to clean up their own vehicle, they can avoid detection and apprehension.

However, vehicles have become an increasingly valuable source of information to obtain evidence and additional leads to assist investigators. Technology continues to be implemented into ever increasing amounts of products we use day to day, and vehicles are no different. With vehicle manufacturers constantly seeking ways to keep their customers connected to their digital world and improve the overall quality of their customer’s traveling experience, they have implemented measures that capture valuable data about who is using their vehicles, how their vehicles are being used, and how they can improve that experience.

This “vast amount of data can be used to uncover critical information during an investigation and help determine what happened, where it occurred and who was involved" (source: https://berla.co/). For example, one of our local partners in western North Carolina was conducting a traffic stop one night and as the vehicle came to a stop, the passenger of the vehicle jumped out, fired rounds at the officer and then fled on foot. The SBI’s Technical Services Unit was called to conduct a Berla extract of the vehicle’s data and was able to match a connected device’s telephone number to a phone number in their local database which produced a lead for a potential suspect in their investigation.



Berla seeks to “create solutions for investigators to identify, acquire, and analyze critical information stored within vehicle systems to uncover key evidence that determines what happened, where it occurred and who was involved" (source: https://berla.co/). Their iVe Ecosystem is a “collection of tools that supports investigators through the entire vehicle forensics process with a mobile application for identifying vehicles, a hardware kit for acquiring systems and forensic software for analyzing data” (source: https://berla.co/).

The types of data that can be acquired depends vastly on the vehicle manufacturer as each company’s priorities and technological designs vary widely. The types of data that can be acquired include: routes, location data, connected devices, media and vehicle events such as door openings, brake engagement and acceleration data along with other potentially useful events related to vehicle operation. Some systems can also produce text message conversations coming from connected devices, recorded media messages, as well as, images from side, rear and forward facing camera systems used by the vehicle.

Bluetooth connected devices can produce valuable information like media access control addresses, connection times, device phone numbers and types of phones and operating systems, which can be used to generate leads in investigations. Call logs, text messages and contact lists sometimes include contact card photographs and can also be obtained when present in certain makes and models. Navigation logs can produce “breadcrumb trails” of where the vehicle has been and can be recorded as often as one-second intervals. Recorded routes can show entered destinations and proposed routes produced by associated navigation systems.

How this data can be used in investigations is limited only by the type of data recovered and the investigator’s imagination. It can be used for timelines, sequence of events, locations, patterns of life, identifying vehicle occupants, phone exploitation and links between individuals of interest. 

While vehicle forensics using Berla is still a very complicated process, often times coming with its own set of hurdles and obstacles to complete the acquisition process, it’s still a very useful tool which should be considered as a valuable source of information within our investigations. Although sometimes data is limited by the technology within the vehicle’s infotainment system or the criminal’s own effort to limit their digital footprint within the vehicle they use to conduct their criminal activity, as technology continues to advance and be integrated into more of our everyday lives, vehicle forensics will continue to be more productive and useful in identifying and apprehending those who continue to prey on victims in our communities.

The NCSBI Technical Services Unit has three certified Berla vehicle forensic operators located throughout the state of North Carolina and they are available to assist with investigations that could potentially benefit from acquiring data from vehicles used in crimes being investigated by our local, state and federal partners. For more information, you may contact an agent with the Technical Services Unit at TSU@ncsbi.gov.

Thousands of Pounds of Unused Medications Collected and Destroyed as Part of Operation Medicine Drop

A joint effort involving the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) resulted in the collection of more than 19,030 pounds of unused prescription medications as part of Operation Medicine Drop’s (OMD) Spring Take Back Event and the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. That translates into approximately 14.3 million dosage units thanks to the citizens of North Carolina who continue to fill drop boxes across the state at pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, police departments and sheriffs’ offices with unused or expired medications. On April 24, 2023, law enforcement agencies from across the state delivered those medications to members of the DEA, NCNG and the SBI. On April 26, 2023, the medications were safely and properly destroyed at an approved incinerator in Virginia.

OMD is a partnership between Safe Kids North Carolina, the DEA, the North Carolina Department of Justice, the North Carolina Department of Insurance, the NCNG Counterdrug Task Force, the SBI and law enforcement agencies across the state. Since 2013, OMD has collected 320.6 million prescription pills.



Please see below for the number of medications that have been collected and destroyed since 2013. These numbers reflect fall and spring OMD events for each year: 

 2013 – 20,176 lbs.

2014 – 9,932 lbs.

 2015 – 26,238 lbs.

 2016 – 41,385 lbs.

 2017 – 48,354 lbs.

 2018 – 62,239 lbs.

 2019 – 68,056 lbs.

 2020 – 42,815 lbs.

 2021 – 45,170 lbs.

 2022 – 44,500 lbs.

                        2023 – 19,030 lbs. (spring event)

The next coordinated Operation Medicine Drop event will take place this fall. You can visit www.morepowerfulnc.org for more information and to find a drop box near you.

On October 2, 2023, the state budget went into effect. Below is how the SBI will be impacted.

Key items related to the SBI in the budget include:

• The SBI will become an independent agency effective December 1, 2023.
• There is a 4% salary increase for non-sworn employees for SFY23-24; 3% salary increase budgeted for SFY24-25.
• Provides a salary increase for sworn members of the SBI for SFY23-24; Sworn grades 5-10 receive an 8% increase for SFY23-24; Sworn grades 11-12 receive a 7% increase for SFY23-24; No proposed changes for SFY24-25 for any sworn grades at this time.

• Capital Improvements Section 40.1.(a)

▾SBI Headquarters & Building 12 Renovations DPS21-9

• SFY23-24; $3,268,050
• SFY24-25; $30,000,000
• SFY25-26; $19,793,240

▾SBI Logistics Building Phase 1 DPS 23-11

• SFY23-24; $2,028,500
• SFY24-25; $5,927,250
• SFY25-26; $5,927,250

• SBI Administrative Positions – 4 full-time employees (FTEs) $450,000 (R) both years
• SBI CyberTips – 6 FTEs SFY23-24 $138,746 NR; $347,058 (R); SFY24-25 $694,155 (R); 1 sworn, 5 non-sworn effective January 1, 2024.
• SBI officer involved shootings, use of force incidents, death in custody incidents and organized retail theft – 8 FTEs SFY23-24 $1,074,800 (NR); $586,160 (R); SFY24-25 $1,172,320 (R); effective January 1, 2024.

(From Left to Right)

Front Row: Jamie Hannah, Amanda Cobb, Ana Edwards, Ferrin Page, Caitlin Allen, Carrie Maner, Derrick Holloway

Back Row: DeAnthony Brooks, Christian McNeil, Mathew Holcomb, Benjamin Laughman, Sergio Sanchez, Scott Spear

November 3, 2023

10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

The Shepherd's Church

6051 Tryon Road

Cary, NC 27518

The 55th SA Academy's service project included landscaping the front entrance of the Samarcand Training Academy.

SBI Agent's Family Named 'March of Dimes Ambassador Family'

Special Agent Destinie Denny and her family were selected as the March of Dimes Ambassador Family for 2023. Denny and her husband, Micah Denny, a trooper with NCSHP, shared their journey of becoming parents to triplets with Fox 8 (WGHP), a local news station.

ASAC Anderson Discusses Electronic Storage Detection K9s on Podcast

Check out ASAC Nathan Anderson on the podcast, "Full Access" hosted by Grayshift as he talks about his K9 partner, Rita.

Episode Summary

(Courtesy of Grayshift)

Digital evidence is critical to all ICAC investigations. As storage devices become increasingly smaller in physical size but store more data, locating that evidence becomes difficult. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has responded to this need by adding K-9 Rita to the team.

This episode’s conversation with Nathan Anderson discusses electronic detection K-9s and their role in criminal investigations. Click the button below to listen to the podcast.

Restoring the Identities of

Unknown Individuals

(Courtesy of PBS North Carolina)

Forensic scientists from NC State University have teamed up with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation in hopes of identifying skeletal remains and restoring the identities of unknown individuals in North Carolina. After studying the bones and creating biological profiles, they turn to DNA information to compile genetic profiles.

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Awareness Event Shines Light on Extortion

In late May and early June, the Carousel Center held a child sexual abuse prevention awareness event featuring the documentary "Sextortion: The Hidden Pandemic." Following the film, expert panelists including SAC Kevin Roughton discussed the impact of this crime on our communities and what we can do to better protect children. 

Multi-Law Enforcement Agency Press Conference on Increase in CyberTips

SAC Kevin Roughton spoke at a CMPD press conference in June alongside CMPD and the FBI where they talked about the rise in the number of CyberTips across the state.

SBI, RTI Host Missing Persons Day Event

The purpose of the event was to bring families, affected by the disappearance of a loved one, together with multiple agencies to provide them with free services and resources.

The Director's Awards Ceremony was held on May 16, 2023, in the auditorium at SBI HQ where SBI staff, local and federal partners accepted special recognition for their outstanding work as family and friends gathered in support.

Partnership Award for Merit 

• RAC Jeremi Blankley, SA Addy Penniman, SA Nicholas Terpin, Analyst Ryan Clemmons, Forensic Analyst Shannon Krieger, SA Dylan Bunn, SA Richard Everhart, SA Charles Kitchen, SA Richard Davies - Homeland Security Investigations
• Sergeant David “Scott” Atkins, Corporal Anot Buchanan, Officer Michael Ambrosio, Officer Michael Graham, Officer Jonathan Chasten, Officer Steve Friel, Officer Jayne Morataya, Officer Ray Marrow, Officer Matt Adams - Greensboro Police Department
• Sergeant David “Steve” Grissom, Investigator Dusty Mullen, Investigator Wyatt Horton, Investigator Tony Martins, Investigator Josh Williams, Investigator Latrice Evans, Investigator Unberto Espinoza - Wake County Sheriff’s Office
• SA Warren Adamson, SA Keith Headley, Analyst Richard Hutchinson - Drug Enforcement Administration
• Dr. Lisa Briggs, Edwin Grant, Patrick Nee - K9 HRD Task Force
• McDowell County Sheriff’s Office
• Detective Lance Anthony - Wake County Sheriff’s Office/DEA Task Force
• Special Agent John Pavlovic, Jr., and Certified Forensic Examiner Kelly Matthewman - Homeland Security Investigations
• Detective Nathaniel Calvert - Watauga County Sheriff’s Office/NCSBI Task Force Agent
• Detective Michael Hanson - Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office/NCSBI Task Force Agent
• Assistant District Attorney Jessica Phillips - Catawba County District Attorney’s Office
• Lt. Brad Hall and Detective Matt Ward - Alamance County Sheriff’s Office

Meritorious Service Award

Award for Excellence (Director’s Award)

SBI Takes 1st Place in Firearms Competition

The SBI took first place in a firearms competition in April. Adjutant General Todd Hunt of the North Carolina National Guard held an invitational pistol match at Camp Butner for state law enforcement agencies and members of the Guard. The SBI was invited along with NCSHP, ALE, the State Capitol Police, U.S. Secret Service, the National Guard and Air National Guard. 

Our team, who chose the name, “Schurmenators” consisted of SA John Radford, SA Justin Carter, SA Justin Guess and SA Aaron Swiggett. After a day of various challenges against dozens of shooters, the Schurmenators finished first and SA Radford also finished first overall. Congratulations!!

National Forensic Academy

Graduation

Congratulations to SBI Special Agent Sarah Bosco from the Special Programs Unit. She graduated from the National Forensic Academy (NFA) in TN on March 17, 2023. The NFA is a 10-week, 400-hour training program that focuses on evidence identification, collection, preservation, and crime scene reconstruction. SA Bosco also passed the International Association for Identification (IAI) exam and is now a certified Crime Scene Investigator through the IAI. Well done, SA Bosco!

West Point Leadership Graduation

Congratulations to ASAC Elena Jones and ASAC Charlie Massey for graduating from the West Point Leadership Program at Methodist University in April. Also in the photos, Director Schurmeier and Dr. Mark Bowman, Associate Professor of Justice Studies at Methodist University

State Employee Recognition Week

One of the ways we celebrated State Employee Recognition Week this year was with a picnic at headquarters. Some of our district offices also held barbeues and other events to celebrate. It was an opportunity to say thank you to each of you for serving the citizens of NC and helping to make our state a wonderful place to live.

Matt Brody Recognized by Director Schurmeier

In May, Director Schurmeier recognized Matt Brody, Special Advisor to the Director, for his service to the citizens of NC and his partnership with the SBI. Congratulations!

SA Benson Obtains General Instructor Certification

Congratulations to SA Brie Benson! She graduated from Wake Tech Community College in March and obtained her general instructor certification. Benson works as a BeTA agent and she works with her K9 partner, Porter, an AKC therapy dog.

Matthews Receives BLET Certification

Congratulations to Olivia Matthews for completing BLET certification. Matthews graduated from Wake Tech BLET earlier this year and is part of the 55^th SBI Special Agent Academy.

SBI Human Trafficking Unit

Selected by IACP

The SBI's Human Trafficking Unit has been selected as a demonstration site for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Building Agency Capacity: A Toolkit for Human Trafficking Investigations. The toolkit will assist law enforcement agencies in conducting investigations using trauma-informed, victim-centered principles as they identify and help victims of human trafficking. The Human Trafficking Unit will collaborate with IACP experts and others to develop resources, support, and technical assistance for law enforcement.

Clandestine Lab Training

SBI agents participated in a clandestine laboratory training hosted by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and sponsored by the Midwest Counterdrug Training Center in March. Clandestine labs are used to make illegal drugs like methamphetamine. During the 40-hour course, participants were instructed on how to investigate those types of scenes safely and thoroughly.

"Train the Trainer"

SBI agents completed a four-week K9 "Train the Trainer" course at K2 Solutions in March. The training included teaching dogs which odors to search for in the case of explosives or drug detection and teaching new handlers from across the state of NC and Virginia.

CS Campbell Presents at Negotiators Conference

Criminal Specialist Chris Campbell was a presenter at the Baltimore County Negotiators Conference in March. He talked about generational interviewing and ways to attract more people to a career in law enforcement. There were approximately 800 attendees from 19 states and six countries representing 220 agencies.

Bomb Squad/K9 Unit Provide Training at Samarcand

In May, our Bomb Squad and K9 Unit hosted bomb dog handlers from North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia for a two-day explosives course at Samarcand. The course included classroom instruction, range demonstrations, and practical exercises.

BeTA Unit Holds Training in Charlotte

In June, the SBI's BeTA Unit held a three-day training in Charlotte where they talked about mitigation strategies. Molly Hudgens, a school counselor and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, discussed how recognizing red flags can prevent tragedy, and she shared her experience of talking an armed student out of committing a mass shooting at a middle school in TN. They also visited the Constellation Garden Memorial at UNC Charlotte in memory of the victims of the tragic shooting that happened on the campus in 2019.

Bomb Squad Agents Complete TBT Training

Congratulations to SBI agents Hunter Whitt, Brett Anders, Chris Munden and Grayson Edwards from our bomb squad. They completed a Tactical Bomb Tech (TBT) training course hosted by the FBI at Samarcand during the summer. There are only 350 TBT members in the country.

On the Range

SBI agents from the Southern Piedmont District, Human Trafficking Unit, and Crime Scene and Arson Unit took time out for a photo while completing firearms qualifications at the range in Kannapolis back in August.

Wellness and Fitness Huddle 

The SBI held a Wellness and Fitness Huddle in July for employees and those interested in working at the Bureau. Discussion topics included nutrition and mental wellness. There was also an opportunity to try the POPAT, a fitness assessment. The next huddle event is planned for later this year.

BeTA Unit Presentation

Special Agents Brie Benson and Kaitlyn Hall from our BeTA Unit gave a presentation in August to Ally Financial employees in Charlotte. They talked about behavioral threat assessment and how the public and private sectors can partner together and seek to prevent acts of targeted violence.

SBI Employees Volunteer at Area Food Bank

In March, some of our SBI employees volunteered at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina to help put food on the tables for local families across the state.

Law Enforcement Leaders of America Event at JCSU

Special Agent Kailah Kearney was part of a panel discussion presented by Johnson C. Smith University and ATF Charlotte in March called "Law Enforcement Leaders of America." It was an opportunity for students to learn more about careers in law enforcement.

Agents from the Bomb Squad Visit Elementary School for Career Day

Agents from our Bomb Squad participated in a career day event at Hominy Valley Elementary School in Candler back in March. Students had lots of questions for our agents who showed them some of the gear and tools they use, including one of our robots.

Explosives Detection K9s Assist with Security During POTUS Visit

SBI agents along with our explosives detection K9s from the bomb squad assisted with security efforts while President Joe Biden visited Durham in March.

Diversifying the Law Enforcement Landscape

SAC Kevin Canty was part of a panel discussion presented by Livingstone College and ATF Charlotte in April that focused on diversifying the criminal justice landscape. Special Agents Kailah Kearney and Laura Nales covered the SBI's recruitment booth and answered questions from students. Representatives from various law enforcement and criminal justice agencies were also on hand to talk with students looking to learn more about careers in the field.

Wingate University Holds Career/Networking Event

ASAC Brandon Blackman and SA Ty Andrus attended Wingate University's Criminal Justice Career and Networking Event in April where they had an opportunity to talk with students about career and internship opportunities with the SBI.

Law Enforcement Leaders of America Event at FSU

SA Laura Kensington was part of a panel discussion presented by Fayetteville State University and ATF Charlotte in April, where they discussed careers in criminal justice and the importance of diversifying the field. Fleet Manager Ernest Logan, a current FSU Student, was also on hand to answer questions from students interested in a career with the SBI. Representatives from other law enforcement and criminal justice agencies also talked with students looking to learn more about a career in the respective fields.

Bomb Detection Dogs Work Security at High Point Market

SBI K9 Nick, one of our bomb detection dogs, worked security at the High Point Market in April. Nick and his handler, ASAC John Taylor, worked alongside the High Point Police Department as the event is known to attract tens of thousands of people to the area.

Agents Attend Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival

To help celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, SA Laura Kensington and SA Brie Benson, along with her therapy K9 partner, Porter, attended the Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival in May. The festival celebrates Asian cultures, diversity, ethnicity, roots and history.

Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run

ASAC Jeremy Alderman and SA Kelli Phillips took part in the Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run in May. ASAC Alderman ran alongside the Salisbury Police Department and the Rowan County Sheriff's Office to support the Special Olympics. SA Phillips ran alongside the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office and the Shelby Police Department in support of the athletes.

Photo courtesy of the Salisbury PD.

Photo courtesy of CSI Gary Lee/CCSO.

Agents Take Part in

"Free to Be Me" Event

SBI agents from our K9 Unit, Bomb Squad, Crime Scene, Drone, and BeTA Unit attended the "Free to Be Me" event in Greenville in May. "Free to Be Me" provides children who have chronic and/or critical health issues with an afternoon of fun with their families.

Agents Run in Sexual Assault Awareness 5K

CS Deemus Pulliam and SA Christian McNeil from the Computer Crimes Unit took part in a 5K race to support sexual assault awareness back in April. They met with a member of the organization "Friend to Friend" to examine ways to work together to help those in our community. The organization helps survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking

Gardner-Webb University Career Fair

ASAC Jeremy Alderman, SA Kelli Phillips and her K9 partner, Rebel, and SA Luke Ross participated in the April Public Safety Career Fair at Gardner-Webb University. It was a chance to meet students and share information about a career with the SBI.

Talking to Kids About Internet Safety

Facilitated by Communities In Schools, SBI Senior Analyst Tiffany Pate from the NC Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and our Computer Crimes Unit talked with students at East Middle School in Biscoe back in April. She spoke about internet safety and gave students practical ways to be safe while navigating the digital world.

Blessing of the Badges

SA Nicole Ward attended the Blessing of the Badges event held by the Randolph County Sheriff's Office in May. It was their 5th annual event where they honored and prayed for law enforcement officers across the state, including those who died in the line of duty.

SBI's Diversity Recruitment Committee Attend Pride Festival

In June, the SBI's Diversity Recruitment Committee attended the Salisbury Pride “United with Pride” festival to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community alongside FBI Charlotte, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the Salisbury Police Department and the NC Law Enforcement Women's Association.

Building Relationships

The SBI took part in an event hosted by the Desert of NC Youth Department in June, where the Nat'l Organization of Black Law Enforcement provided training. The group talked with the youth and their parents about increasing positive interactions and building relationships with law enforcement.

National Night Out 2023

We had a great time at National Night Out in Jacksonville in August. SAC Christian Brenzel, SA Madison Mozingo, SA Laura Kensington and SA Brie Benson, along with her therapy K9 Porter, had fun hanging out and getting to know people in the community.

Governor's School Supply Drive

We are excited to have helped students get ready for a new school year by collecting donations for Governor Roy Cooper's School Supply Drive. Employees at our Southeastern District office in Fayetteville along with Temple Baptist Church collected enough supplies to assemble over 50 backpacks! Our employees at SBI Headquarters also stepped up to help make sure students were ready for a new school year.

The State Employees Combined Campaign (SECC) is here! It's an opportunity to donate to area charities and help the many people they serve in our communities. Please donate between now and November 30, 2023. You can make your donation online by clicking the button below.

New Health Insurance Provider

As you all know, the state has decided to change our current health insurance provider from Blue Cross Blue Shield to AETNA for the 2025 benefit year. Plan members will start receiving more information regarding the changes in 2024 prior to Open Enrollment for the 2025 benefit year. As a reminder, this change does not happen until 2025. For more information, click the link below.

2025 Transition to Aetna as TPA | NC State Health Plan (shpnc.org)

Lindsay Lail

Special Agent in Charge

Crime Scene and Arson Unit





Amanda Nosalek

Special Agent in Charge

Human Resources

Joe Lewis

Asst. Special Agent in Charge

Polygraph Program/Computer Crimes Unit



John Long

Special Agent in Charge

Northern Piedmont District

Hyriea Ibraimov

User Support Specialist -

Information Technology



Robert Evans

Asst. Special Agent in Charge

Crime Scene and Arson Unit

Heidi Hawkins

Criminal Information Audit Supervisor -

Criminal Information and Identification Section



Justin Heinrich

Special Agent in Charge

Technical Operations Unit

Rod Massey

Special Agent in Charge

Professional Standards and Compliance Unit



Alaric Martin

Accountant I

Business Office

Chris Dawson

Asst. Special Agent in Charge

Technical Operations Unit - CAT



Nick Deming

Asst. Special Agent in Charge

Professional Standards an Compliance

Josh Hawks

Asst. Special Agent in Charge

Northwestern District



Andres Hernandez

Asst. Special Agent in Charge

Northern Piedmont District

Jamie Castle

Assistant Special Agent in Charge - Northwestern District

Brent Culbertson

Special Agent in Charge - Technical Services Unit

Elliott Smith

Special Agent in Charge - Human Resources

David Whitley

Assistant Special Agent in Charge - Northwestern District

Lisa Walker

Administrative Specialist II - Case Records

Scott Williams

Special Agent in Charge - Northern Piedmont

Thomas Ammons

Special Agent in Charge - Professional Standards & Compliance Unit

Jennifer Matherly

SBI Agent III - Northeastern District

Ken Spencer

Applications Systems Analyst I - Information Technology

Kevin Snead

SBI Agent III - Criminal Enterprise Investigations

Michael Sheron

SBI Agent III - Criminal Enterprise Investigations

Favorite place to go or visit in NC?

Outer Banks, but our beautiful NC mountains are a close second.

What are your hobbies?

Trail running is the one and only thing I do just for me.

What are you listening to right now? (Music or podcast!)

Pimsleur Korean Level 1 on Audible. My niece starts university in London, UK this fall majoring in Korean language and social anthropology, and I want to be able to share that with her and know some language when I visit her during her year in Seoul in 2025-26.

What’s your favorite motivational quote? 

It is currently “Be curious, not judgmental” from Ted Lasso (original quote attribution unknown, but it is not from Walt Whitman).

What is your favorite TV show and/or movie?

Really loved the Oceans 11, 12, 13 trilogy. Even flew out to Las Vegas on a whim just to watch the final Oceans 13 in the same environment as the movie.

Favorite book?

“All Creatures Great and Small” by James Herriot.

Favorite sports team?

Pittsburgh Steelers (I grew up in the Steel Curtain era).

Favorite thing about working for the SBI?

I love working for the SBI when I am provided the opportunity and resources to apply the full extent of my knowledge, experience, and creativity to analyzing real-world problems in criminal justice and public safety and conceptualizing, planning, and implementing information technology solutions that demonstrably improve public safety and officer safety or otherwise serve the public interest. I like to think that I have been part of several such solutions over the past 17 years.

Something most people don’t know about you?

My educational background is in biomedical engineering and physiology, and my interest in information technology grew from use of it in those academic pursuits. The first major database system I programmed was in support of Duke University’s participation in the Human Genome Project and research in genetically linked diseases.

If you could learn to do something really well, what would it be?

Play a musical instrument (other than air guitar).

Where are you going on your next vacation?

Charleston, SC for my 25th wedding anniversary in October.

SA Bosco Graduation

On Instagram, this post did really well with the most likes at 177 and reached 1,648 accounts which is the number of unique accounts that saw the post. This post also made 1,879 impressions which may include multiple views of the post by the same accounts.

Operation Medicine Drop

On Twitter, this post did well. It had the most impressions (1,387) which is the number of times people saw it. It also had the highest engagement (38) which is the number of times a user interacted with the tweet.

56th Academy Announcement

On Facebook, this post was shared the most, 199 times, and had 445 total reactions. This post also made 38,457 impressions which is the number of times it was seen on someone's screen.

57th Academy Announcement

On LinkedIn, this post had the highest impressions at 1,833 - the number of times the post was seen. It was reposted 10 times and had the highest number of reactions/likes at 38. Users clicked this post 197 times.

K9 Unit Welcomes New Members

On Facebook, this post had the highest reach (27,852) which is the number of unique users who saw the post. It also received the most comments (63) and had the most likes/reactions (1,041). This post also had the highest number of likes on Instagram with 241 likes.

Diversity Recruitment Committee Attends PRIDE Event

On Instagram, this post had the highest reach (1,791), the number of accounts that saw the post. It also had 107 likes and was shared 36 times.

SBI Career Expo

On Twitter, this post did well. It received 324 impressions which is the number of times the post was viewed on the platform. 

SBI Quarterly Promotions Award - October 23, 2023

55th SA Academy SOFA Cookout - October 26, 2023

Halloween - October 31, 2023

55th SA Academy Graduation - November 3, 2023

Election Day - November 7, 2023

Veterans Day - Friday, November 10, 2023

State Observed Holidays (Thanksgiving) - November 23 & 24, 2023

SBI Director's Cup - December 1, 2023

If you have a story idea or event you would like to see featured in the quarterly edition of the SBI e-newsletter or on our social media platforms, send your ideas, stories and/or pictures to 

agrube@ncsbi.gov.

Next e-newsletter: December 2023

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