|
Littleton area citizens were shocked by the news that a Roanoke Rapids man was arrested and charged for allegedly committing 20 counts of sexually inappropriate behavior with a 14 year old minor. The charges stem from a police investigation that tracked the alleged offenses from Lakeland Cultural Arts Center to The Centre at Halifax Community College.
Littleton Police Chief Mike Suggs received a request from the Roanoke Rapids Police Department on March 25 to pick up Jeffrey Wayne Parks of Valley Drive in Roanoke Rapids. A joint investigation between the Weldon Police Department and the Littleton Police Department soon led to charges from Halifax County District Attorney (DA) William Graham.
On April 2 Jeffrey Wayne Parks was arrested and charged with sexual offenses with a child the age of six or more, it is a first degree sexual offense. According to DA Graham no additional information could be provided because it is an ongoing investigation.
Parks was a choreographer with Lakeland and the incidences allegedly happened when the girl and he were part of the play Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory play. The Observer has learned that Parks has been involved at Lakeland for several years and most recently was involved with the Wizard of Oz.
The news of the charges has hit the Littleton community hard. People the Observer talked to were shocked when the news first broke. Lakeland has been a shining light in the community for years.
Littleton Mayor Mason Hawfield expressed his surprise with the news and told the Observer, “I’m sorry for the little girl and hope that it never happens again.”
Hundreds of plays and other events have been held at Lakeland over the years and countless numbers of youngsters have been involved with the theater over the years.
Lakeland Managing Artistic Director Walter K. (Wally) Hurst told the Observer that he was, “shocked and saddened by the news.” When asked if he could provide any additional information Hurst responded, “Let the legal system take its course.”
Hurst and other members of the Lakeland board do plan to meet to discuss the situation and how to deal with it. Hurst later stated, “There will be no delays in auditions or play production here at Lakeland.”
The investigation started on March 2 and involved Suggs as well as Weldon Police Lt. James Avens. Weldon was involved because four of the alleged incidents occurred at The Centre which is located in Weldon.
Lakeland and The Centre have been working together to bring the plays Lakeland produces to the larger additional audience that the Centre provides. We were unable to get a hold of anyone at the Centre for comment.
Parks has been released from the Halifax County jail on a $50,000 secured bond. A court date was set for April 30.
|
