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Former North Carolina Marine accused of child sex crimes facing up to life in prison

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Former North Carolina Marine accused of child sex crimes facing up to life in prison


WILMINGTON, N.C. (WTVD) — A former Marine stationed in North Carolina is facing life in prison after he was convicted of multiple counts of child sex crimes.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said a federal jury convicted 25-year-old Anthony Joseph Fritzinger on five counts of production of child pornography, four counts of online exploitation of a minor, one count of possession of child pornography including a victim younger than 12, and two counts of extortion.

According to the DOJ, court records and evidence presented during the trial showed that Fritzinger tried to extort an 18-year-old online into sending him nude photos by threatening to distribute them when she was a minor. The teen’s parents then contacted local law enforcement, who gave the case to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). The NCIS then found Fritzinger’s online activities stalking, soliciting, and extorting minors to obtain sexual images and videos of them.

“We cracked this case because one victim had the courage to come forward, which led other brave victims to share their stories. This case is a warning to predators and wake-up call for parents. Closely monitor your kids’ social media accounts and talk to them about the dangers of strangers online who may pretend to be a friend,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.

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Investigators said Fritzinger, who was stationed at Cherry Point Air Station, used teen online “dating” websites such as Spotafriend and mylol.com to find and contact potential victims, and sometimes posed as a teenage girl. Fritzinger would then start an online relationship with the victims through social media, and encourage them to send him sexually explicit photos and videos.

“Anthony Fritzinger deserves to be held accountable for the predatory crimes he has committed against children, who are the most vulnerable members of our society. Such behavior has no place in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly Parrish of the NCIS Carolinas Field Office.

When sentenced, Fritzinger faces up to life in prison.

Copyright © 2024 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.



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North Carolina

North Carolina man to serve 15 years after having sex with Cumberland County 12-year-old

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North Carolina man to serve 15 years after having sex with Cumberland County 12-year-old


A North Carolina man learned his fate after recording himself having sex with a minor in 2023, according to the Department of Justice.

Brayan Garcia-Vazquez, 25, was sentenced to 180 months of imprisonment on April 1 after he knowingly had sex with a 12-year-old girl in her home and recorded it, the DOJ announced.

During his indictment hearing in 2024, it was found that he and the victim had sex on April 5, 2023, in Cumberland County. She told authorities she and Garcia-Vazquez had met on Instagram in 2022.

The Department of Justice said he came to her home on two separate days to have sex and, on the second day, he brought her a gold bracelet before recording them having sex.

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During court proceedings, it was revealed that he shared the video with the victim, whose mother eventually found the video and shared it with authorities.

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After his sentence is completed, Garcia-Vazquez faces deportation after the Department of Homeland Security assisted with the investigation.



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ThRive Local announces award winners for North Carolina

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ThRive Local announces award winners for North Carolina


GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — THRive Local has hosted five luncheons since they started in March and has announced some of the award winners.

THRive Local is a county-focused, community plan designed to strengthen local systems of care through targeted local partnerships, provider collaboration, and community-driven solutions.

The full list of North Carolina Award winners include:

Youth Advocate Award:

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  • Stacy Huss, Chief Court Counselor, District 2
  • Terri Proctor, Chief Court Counselor, District 7
  • Marlo Blake, Chief Court Counselor, District 3

Bridge Builder Award:

  • Lori Leggett, Beaufort DSS Director

North Central CFAC:

  • Lorrine Washington and Felicia McNair on behalf of the North Central CFAC

North Central Regional Advisory Board:

  • Jerry Langley, Beaufort County Commissioner
  • Deborah Herring, Co-Chair, on behalf of the North Central Regional Advisory Board

CIT Law Enforcement Officer Award:

  • Probation Officer Harmony Campbell, NC DAC, Community Supervision

Equity in Action Award

  • Ripe for Revival Mobile Market
  • Stronger Together Black Youth Suicide Prevention
  • Charletta Basnight, Trillium’s Council on Health Disparities    

Appreciation of Service Award:

For more information, click here.





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Lowering U.S. and NC Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of North Carolina Rep. Mike Clampitt

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Lowering U.S. and NC Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of North Carolina Rep. Mike Clampitt


Governor Josh Stein today ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, April 4 in honor of North Carolina State House Representative Mike Clampitt, who died on Wednesday, March 18, after a long battle with cancer.

Before his passing, Rep. Clampitt was serving his fourth term and recently won the GOP primary to run for a fifth term in office. A native of Swain County, Rep. Clampitt represented North Carolina’s 119th District including Transylvania, Jackson and Swain Counties. Services for Rep. Clampitt will be held in Cullowhee, North Carolina on April 4.

“Before I was sworn in as Governor, Representative Mike Clampitt was one of the first people I called as we worked to rebuild western NC after Hurricane Helene,” said Governor Josh Stein. “He was a steadfast public servant for his community in WNC, and today I am saddened by the news of his passing. May his memory be a blessing.”

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are also
encouraged to fly flags at half-staff for the time indicated. 

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North Carolina flag announcements are issued in accordance with regulations outlined in the U.S. Flag Code.
Click for the NC State Government Flag Guide. 
Sign up for the North Carolina Flag Alert list.



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