CARY, N.C. (WTVD) — The North Carolina State Highway Patrol celebrated the graduation of 55 new troopers.

The ceremony was held at Shepard’s Church in Cary. The 166th Basic Highway Patrol School graduates completed a rigorous 15-week training program covering firearms, vehicle operations, crash investigation, emergency response, physical fitness, de-escalation, and state law.

Chief Justice Paul Newby administered the oath of office, while Governor Josh Stein, the guest speaker, commended the graduates for their dedication to public service.

“It takes a special person to work in law enforcement,” Stein said. “I thank each of you for your commitment to protecting the public and will continue to advocate for the pay and respect law enforcement officers deserve.”

Colonel Freddy L. Johnson Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol, praised the graduates for their determination and character.

“Their willingness to earn the title of Trooper reflects their desire to serve the communities of this state,” he said.

The new troopers will begin their field training on December 10 at their assigned duty stations.

LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A Lincoln County man was sentenced this week for the death of a 63-year-old woman in October of 2023.

Michael Steven Ricker has been charged with the death of Lesa Armstrong Rose, his girlfriend’s mother. He was also out on bond at the time for shooting and injuring her father.

He pled guilty to a charge of second-degree murder, amended from the original charge of first-degree murder.

Riker was sentenced to 397 to 489 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections with 760 days credit for time served.

In related charges from Catawba County that will run concurrent with the Lincoln County charges are 84 to 113 months for discharging a firearm into an occupied property and 96 to 125 months for attempted first-degree murder.

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — A Wake County woman, detained by immigration officials earlier this week, will face a judge in Georgia next week.

Border Patrol agents detained Fatima Issela Velazquez-Antonio on Tuesday at a job site in Raleigh.

Her family says she has been held at a facility in Lumpkin, GA, and will face a judge on Tuesday to find out if she can be released on bond.

Gene Smith is the boyfriend of Velazquez-Antonio’s aunt. He says the family has been heartbroken since she was detained.

“The main question is, is she coming home? That’s the million-dollar question,” he said.

Smith says the 23-year-old came to the U.S. from Honduras as an unaccompanied minor at 14 and was granted asylum.

“She’s a good kid. She works hard. She loves her family. She loves her nieces and nephews without having kids of her own,” he said.

The Corinth Holders High School graduate came to the U.S. after losing her mom to cancer and her father to gang violence.

Ashley Lively is representing Velazquez-Antonio. Lively says Velazquez-Antonio has no criminal history aside from minor traffic violations and had no warrant out for her arrest prior to being detained.

Lively also says Velazquez-Antonio has a valid working permit, a social security number, and has not missed any prior interviews or hearings with the Department of Homeland Security.

“She had the right to remain in the United States while her case was being adjudicated. She did not have any sort of legal, permanent immigration status,” said Lively. “She had done everything right and was just waiting for her case to be adjudicated.”

Velazquez-Antonio’s case is now catching the attention of local elected leaders, including those in Washington, D.C.

Wendell Town Commissioner Deans Eatman posted on Facebook, saying in part, “Fatima deserves answers. Her family deserves answers.”

Rep. Deborah Ross is now looking into Velazquez-Antonio’s case.

A spokeswoman for her office told Eyewitness News, “Our office has been in touch with the lawyer representing Fatima Issela Velazquez-Antonio to better understand the case and if there is any support and assistance we can offer.”

“I’m deeply concerned by some of the reports I’ve seen about CBP detaining Wake County residents, including a teenager,” said Rep. Ross. “I will work with state and local partners to protect our residents from violations of their rights by federal immigration officers.”

Smith says the family just hopes to see her again soon.

“She cares about family and she loves the United States. She wants to stay and I hope that she will be allowed to,” he said.

Eyewitness News reached out to DHS for answers as to why Velazquez-Antonio was detained and what her current condition is.

DHS has not responded with details.

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