More than a month after deputies received a kidnapping report in Hamlet, 18-year-old Monteise Lonvonte Hubbard was arrested and is being held without bond at the Richmond County Jail. Deputies allege he took his ex-girlfriend from a home against her will; she was later found unharmed and reunited with her family.
Deputies responded on August 20 to the 600 block of U.S. Highway 1 South after receiving reports of a kidnapping, according to Queen City News. Officials alleged Hubbard entered the home, took his ex-girlfriend against her will and drove away with her in a car.
Victim Located Safely, Warrants Issued
Officials said the woman was later found unharmed and returned to her family. Warrants for Hubbard were issued on August 20, but he was not arrested until September 24, according to the report. It did not explain what happened between the issuance of the warrants and his arrest.
Once arrested, Hubbard was charged with first-degree burglary, kidnapping, assault on a female and injury to real property. He is being held without bond at the Richmond County Jail.
Sheriff Praises Deputies' Work
Richmond County Sheriff Mark Gulledge praised deputies and investigators for their response and for locating the woman. “I commend our deputies and investigators for their response to this incident and, most importantly, for their efforts in safely locating the victim,” he said. Gulledge also said his office takes allegations of violence and unlawful removal of a person seriously.
A Richmond County Sheriff's Office Facebook post confirmed Hubbard’s age, hometown, arrest and charges. The office said it would continue working to protect victims and pursue accountability through the judicial process.
Victim Assistance Resources
The Richmond County Sheriff's Office victim-services page links to the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and other victim-assistance resources.
No court date, attorney information or additional details about the case have been made public. Hoodline will continue to follow developments in the case as they become available.
