09/19/2026
Operation Register Watch Leads to Multiple Arrests in Robeson County
Media ReleaseFriday, September 18, 2026
A multi-agency operation involving the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, United States Marshals Service, and North Carolina Department of Adult Correction has resulted in the arrest of 18 individuals and the identification of several offenders who are currently being sought by law enforcement for failure to register.
“Operation Register Watch,” focused on verifying the residences and registration information of registered s*x offenders throughout Robeson County and investigating individuals suspected of violating s*x-offender registration requirements and other laws.
During the operation, investigators conducted 37 searches, located one absconder, and verified the residences of 170 registered s*x offenders.
The investigation resulted in charges including:
• 31 counts of Failure to Register as a S*x Offender
• 6 counts of Failure to Report a Change of Address as a S*x Offender
• 2 counts of Possession of a Fi***rm by a Convicted Felon
• 14 probation violations
• 1 count of Possession of Ma*****na Less Than ½ Ounce
The following individuals were arrested:
• Robert Grice, 51, of St. Pauls — Failure to Register as a S*x Offender (2 counts)
• Bashon Shuler, 35, of Lumberton — Failure to Register as a S*x Offender (2 counts)
• Johnnie Lee Hammonds, 67, of Lumberton — Failure to Register as a S*x Offender
• Justin D. Brigman, 27, of Pembroke — Failure to Register as a S*x Offender (2 counts)
• Neil F. Sutton, 30, of Pembroke — Failure to Register as a S*x Offender
• Joshua L. Wright, 40, of Lumberton — Failure to Register as a S*x Offender (2 counts) and Parole Violation
• Kevin D. Reeves, 45, of Lumberton — Failure to Report Change of Address as a S*x Offender
• Horace A. Barnhill, 57, of Lumberton — Failure to Report Change of Address as a S*x Offender
• Oliver Barksdale, 64, of Lumberton — Failure to Register as a S*x Offender
• Carnell Morrison, 48, of Red Springs — Failure to Report Change of Address as a S*x Offender
• Linwood Locklear, 54, of Maxton — Failure to Register as a S*x Offender
• Dale L. Locklear, 53, of Pembroke — Failure to Register as a S*x Offender
• Lorenzo Brown, 42, of Orrum — Failure to Register as a S*x Offender (4 counts)
• Cory Williams, 34, of Rowland — Failure to Register as a S*x Offender
• James G. Smith, 45, of Maxton — Failure to Register as a S*x Offender (3 counts)
• Kobe Davis, 24, of Fairmont — Failure to Register as a S*x Offender (4 counts) and Probation Violation
• Jerry Locklear, 70, of Pembroke — Possession of a Fi***rm by a Convicted Felon and Probation Violation
• Edward Wayne McNeill Jr., 33, of Red Springs — Possession of a Fi***rm by a Convicted Felon
The following individuals are being sought by law enforcement:
• Nathaniel C. Johnson, 63, of Maxton — Failure to Report Change of Address as a S*x Offender
• Joseph Campbell, 41, of Lumberton — Failure to Register as a S*x Offender (3 counts) and Possession of Ma*****na Less Than ½ Ounce
• Earl Oxendine Jr., 53, of Lumberton — Failure to Report Change of Address as a S*x Offender
• Michael Bethea, 58, of St. Pauls — Failure to Report Change of Address as a S*x Offender
• Ricky Crawford, 67, of Lumberton — Failure to Register as a S*x Offender (3 counts)
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the wanted individuals is asked to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office S*x Offender Registry Division at (910) 671-3100.
“Under our system of justice, every person is presumed to be innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. The information contained in this post is not intended to be an expression of opinion regarding guilt. The views and opinions expressed by private citizens who may comment on this post are not adopted by and do not reflect the official policy or position of this law enforcement agency."
NOTE: The Sheriff’s Office does not issue or determine bond amounts. This is done through a judicial official, such as a judge or magistrate, as per N.C. General Statute 15A-532. Many factors are considered when determining bond amounts.
