State Sen. R.C. Soles Jr. has been indicted in connection with an August shooting at Soles' Tabor City home.
A Columbus County grand jury returned a true bill of indictment Thursday charging Soles with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.
On Aug. 23, Soles shot Thomas Kyle Blackburn. Soles said that Blackburn and another man were trying to intrude into Soles' home and that the shooting was in self-defense.
The indictment was expected since the grand jury had previously found probable cause in the case.
The prosecution is being handled by the Attorney General's Office because District Attorney Rex Gore, who has long ties to Soles, recused himself from the case.
Soles is the longest serving lawmaker in the state and he was a key member of the Democratic leadership in the Senate. He announced last week that he did not intend to seek re-election.
Update: Soles' attorneys, Joe Cheshire and Brad Bannon issued a statement in response to the indictment.
We are disappointed with the indictment of Senator Soles and maintain that he was acting in defense of himself and his home on August 23. We will continue to work with the Attorney General’s Office to resolve this unfortunate matter, consistent with the truth. Absent any new developments, we will have no further public comment about it.
Document(s):
soles indictment.pdf
Comments
Re: Soles indicted
January 8, 2010 - 6:31pm — amistique569No, RC Soles voted against the Castle Doctrine. That is what is so ironic about this. As a criminology major,the indictment sets NC back some 30 yrs, because in the past if a burglar was shot in someone's home, the shooter was charged with attempted murder. Regardless of how people feel about Mr. Soles, the real issue is, his home was being broken into and he had the right to protect his property and himself, especially, if he felt threatened with bodily harm. Malicious intent plays a major role in this act as far as the perpetrator is concerned.He certainly did'nt go there for a tea party! And yes, the DA should recuse himself; otherwise, I see another law suit against Wake County. One would think after the Duke LaCrosse suit, the DA's office would have learned their lesson. Atty Cheshire has made a name for himself and I, for one, would not want to go up against him.
Re: Soles indicted
January 8, 2010 - 1:07pm — myfowlerSenator Soles has always did what was right for his constituents and this community. Think of this poor county without his hard work and dedication to our community. His absence from the general assembly will be felt in this area. This will not bear well when appropriation issues,, which might aid Columbus Co., come up for discussion. Think of how many of our citizens in this county would have been negatively affected without jobs that he has been instrumental in bring to this area. Where would many of these people work without the new TCI? His record of positive and diligent attention to this county will be missed. I will not dignify this column with any issues other than what we elected Senator Soles to do for us as a community. We are in a world of bad days and without him to help us in Raleigh,we are economically doomed! I can honestly say that yesterday was my worst day in all my years of following politics. My father and Senator Soles were very good friends before his passing, but I can still recall them always discussing positive politics as it involved our community. I am proud to say Senator Soles is and always will be a friend in my heart. His influence has helped me in my own career in teaching political and economic issues. Do your homework and see just how much he will be missed as our legislator. God bless you Senator and God bless us all. michael dock fowler
Re: Soles indicted
January 8, 2010 - 7:15am — BitterEXdemocratThe AG would do us all well to permanently RECUSE himself BECAUSE of his longtime thick relationship with Sleazely.
Re: Soles indicted
January 8, 2010 - 12:35am — JohnlawretShould the AG not recuse himself also since he is a longtime political crony who has run on the same ticket as Soles? Soles' attorney seems very positive he can "work this out with the AG". Looking at credability of the parties you have a member of the corrupt NC Legislature and an alleged victim with a criminal record, the only difference I can see in them is that Soles political connections have kept him from having a lengthy criminal record and the alleged victim did not have the connections to keep him from being charged with his crimes. Should the case actually reach a trial in front of a Jury there may be more about Soles past actions come to light and he will have a harder time getting his cronies to cover for him in the light of an open court. Looks like a plea bargain is in the offing.
Re: Soles indicted
January 8, 2010 - 12:34am — JohnlawretShould the AG not recuse himself also since he is a longtime political crony who has run on the same ticket as Soles? Soles' attorney seems very positive he can "work this out with the AG". Looking at credability of the parties you have a member of the corrupt NC Legislature and an alleged victim with a criminal record, the only difference I can see in them is that Soles political connections have kept him from having a lengthy criminal record and the alleged victim did not have the connections to keep him from being charged with his crimes. Should the case actually reach a trial in front of a Jury there may be more about Soles past actions come to light and he will have a harder time getting his cronies to cover for him in the light of an open court. Looks like a plea bargain is in the offing.
Re: Soles indicted
January 8, 2010 - 12:07am — GrayJSomeone please refresh my memory does Ol R.C. support the Castle Doctrine?
Re: Soles indicted
January 7, 2010 - 6:55pm — fratman1906Is he charged with sexual offense? If the guy intruded into Sen. Soles home, then self-defense is a legitimate defense regardless on the nature of their past relationship.
Re: Soles indicted
January 7, 2010 - 6:13pm — porkybunnyHow many of those young people that he helped out did he molest? Just because the man is in the NC Senate doesn't mean he didn't confuse helping the youth and helping himself to some sexual gratification from the youth. Do you remember how many priests in the Catholic church were helping out the little altar boys.
Re: Soles indicted
January 7, 2010 - 6:10pm — porkybunnyThis isn't about homeowner rights or the right to bear arms. This is about a man that potentially has used and abused young men for sexual gratification. I don't know if he is admittedly homosexual (not that there is anything wrong with that - Seinfeld)... but if he is a pedophile then there is something wrong with that. Using a gun to defend yourself from a threat is always acceptible but if he refused to play tickle me elmo then that's another story... being the longest self-serving man in the NC Senate makes no difference. we are all citizens with the same rights and same responsibilities.
Re: Soles indicted
January 7, 2010 - 5:49pm — bigsurmacFrom following this ongoing saga, it would appear a jury must decide which person to believe.
A] A professional citizen with a long and distinguished history of public service and a known record of attempting to assist young people at risk of becoming habitual felons.
B] One of those young people, who has a serious record of multiple offenses at every age and level, with every reason to lie and make accusations against the homeowner.
C] Possibly a friend of the younger person, who according to the defendant in this case, was involved in the offenses against the victim's personal safety and property.
How much expense are taxpayers expected to accept, because a person with well-established criminal behavior decides to accuse a long-time community leader,known for helping young offenders.
Something for others to consider -- Help young offenders if you feel it is your civic and moral duty. But do so from an institutional setting, without revealing your full identity and any other details, such as place of residence.
Re: Soles indicted
January 7, 2010 - 5:31pm — uBniceI guess I am a little confused myself. Soles shot the guy in Soles' house where Soles maintains that he was "acting in defense of himself and his home on August 23"?? It appears that the only thing that could be of issue is whether Soles was "acting in defense of himself and his home" or whether he shot the guy with no real provocation. Will it be Soles' word against Blackburn's word? Are their witnesses? It should be interesting to follow this story. It has implications to any homeowner defending themselves and their property.
Re: Soles indicted
January 7, 2010 - 5:24pm — debra58your sins will find you out