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Operation Fowl Play nets 8 arrests in Henderson County

Operation Fowl Play nets 8 arrests in Henderson County

Photo: Saga Communications/828newsNOW


HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Eight registered sex offenders were arrested this week in Henderson County during a two-day compliance operation led by the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, authorities said.

The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office participated in Operation Fowl Play on Nov. 24 and 25 to check whether offenders on supervised probation or parole were following state registry requirements, the agency said in a news release.

Deputies said the individuals arrested were found to be in violation of sex-offender registry rules and the terms of their supervision. Charges included failing to register online identifiers, probation violations and parole violations.

Those charged include:

  • Darryl Lenard Armand Sr., two counts of failure to register an online identifier and one probation violation.
  • Shonda Beheler, two counts of failure to register an online identifier.
  • Matthew Blumm, one count of failure to register an online identifier.
  • Andrew Brock, one count of failure to register an online identifier and one probation violation.
  • Paul Hespelt, five counts of failure to register an online identifier and one probation violation.
  • Michael McGrade, one count of failure to register an online identifier and one parole violation.
  • Brandon Miller, one count of failure to register an online identifier, a felony probation violation and a parole violation.
  • Johnny Rowe, one count of failure to register an online identifier and one parole violation.

State law requires offenders to report changes in residence, employment, enrollment status and online identifiers, as well as appear in person for regular verification. Failure to do so is a criminal offense under N.C. General Statute 14-208.11.

Sheriff Lowell Griffin said the agency remains committed to protecting victims of sexual abuse and thanked state partners for assisting in the operation.

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