A look inside: Crime Stoppers

Making a difference one tip at a time

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent

Cleveland County Crime Stoppers Board poses for a photo after their July meeting. | Chuck Thompson

CRIME / FEATURE – Rebooted in 2022 after a dormant period of several years in Cleveland County, Crime Stoppers has been making a difference across the county by encouraging people to call in tips that lead to arrests, making the streets safer for residents across all four corners of Cleveland County.

Recently, Crime Stoppers met for their monthly board of directors meeting, where they reviewed recent arrests where tipsters made a difference and recovered property and brought criminals to justice and removed narcotics from the streets. Local Crime Stoppers Chairman Jeff Yates led the meeting.

From terrorism tips to grand theft auto and two warrants, Crime Stoppers is making a difference across Cleveland County.

When they get a tip that comes in that leads to an arrest, they like to have the detective that helped make that arrest to come to the meeting to explain to the board to explain how the crime stoppers tip helped lead to the arrest to determine the reward amount paid for by crime stoppers to the anonymous tipster.

In a conference room of The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, the Crime Stoppers board discussed the different level of rewards based on the amount of information that helped make an arrest and any drugs taken off the streets or stolen property returned and the severity of the crime.

“We’ve got a few that never claimed their reward money which after 60 days will be put back into the system,” explained Yates, noting not everyone wants the money but only to do the right thing.

With these tips and payments going to the tipsters require a lot of training by Crime Stoppers’ board and other volunteers. Training is important to stay up to date on the latest efforts and technology to reduce crime across the county.

About 10 people will represent CC at the state training conference that is held yearly. This year’s conference will be held at Atlantic Beach. The group includes a mixture of civilians and law enforcement.

Training helps volunteers handle fundraising and education of Crime Stoppers of the public. Fundraising is a constant initiative along with education on Crime Stoppers and what they do, mainly the anonymous tipster program and the cash rewards paid out to those who have information that leads to an arrest.

Catawba Nation Foundation Executive Director Kristine Urrutia attended the last meeting. The foundation is one of several sponsors of Cleveland County Crime Stoppers. Their Sponsors, such as The Catawba Nation Foundation, help to pay for training, tips leading to arrests and educating the public.

The initiative for ongoing education of the board of directors is critical. Training is needed to keep up with applicable laws and requirements, fundraising and all in between needed to keep Crime Stoppers moving forward over the years.

In a very professional, yet laid back friendly board meeting, they accomplish a lot in an hour without stiffness or the cold ruggedness of many boards that one might find anywhere from charities to corporations.

Yates also mentioned two board seats were currently open, looking to be filled by dedicated energetic people that want to be committed to making a difference.

“We encourage new board members to be completely in on the conversation,” explained Yates. “We want people to be involved; help us and work by being very involved.”

For anyone interest in joining the Crime Stoppers Board, or just to inquire about more information, can email Crime Stoppers at Stoppers.c@yahoo.com

The board members each have their own unique skills and interests, but one thing they all share in common is their dedication to Crime stoppers.

In their own words, here’s a little about them:

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The Cleveland County Crime Stoppers Board at their July 2026 meeting. | Chuck Thompson

Jeff Yates - Chairman, “I have been with the Cleveland County Crime Stoppers since day one of the program restart in 2022. My favorite thing about Crime stoppers is the interaction I get with the people of Cleveland County and educating them about our program. As a retired police officer, I love it when Crime Stoppers pays cash for a successful anonymous tip that results in an arrest! I feel that people should apply to be a Board Member because it is a satisfying and great way to give back to our communities.”

Scott Howell - Vice-Chair, “I am proud to be part of the Cleveland County Crime Stoppers. I am retired as Operations Manager for FMC Lithium Division, Mining/Milling Division Bessemer City and VP of Manufacturing/Sales of Spartan Minerals, Pacolet SC. I am passionate about helping build strong partnerships that will make Cleveland County a safer place for all.”

Brad Benson - Law Enforcement Coordinator, “I am a dedicated Law Enforcement Officer with over 11 years of experience. I serve as a Patrol Sergeant for Shelby Police Dept. In addition, I am an elected State Board Member for the North Carolina Crime Stoppers Association, working to enhance crime prevention efforts across the state.”  

Cheryl Yates - Board Member, “I have been with Cleveland County Crime Stoppers since day one of the program restart in 2022. My favorite thing about Crime Stoppers is getting out in the community and educating people on how our program works. As a Board Member, you can enjoy many opportunities to meet people from all over the county and participate in their community events while making them aware of Crime Stoppers.”

Darrell Griffin - Board Member, “It is an honor to be on a Board with so many community volunteers. This is a great team that has come together for one common purpose, and that is to help make Cleveland County a safe place to live and raise a family.”

David Bridges - Board Member, “As I entered into semi-retirement, I wanted to serve my community in ways to make it safer and better for current generations. Cleveland County Crime Stoppers is a good way to serve.”

Robert Medlin - Board Member, “I serve as a Community Resource Officer with the Kings Mountain Police Department. With my specialized training in crime prevention and gang investigations, I work proactively to identify emerging criminal trends and build stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community.  As a board member with Cleveland County Crime Stoppers, I look forward to continuing this mission.”

Matthew Albinger - Board Member, “I have worked as an engineer for 25 years and feel good about trying to serve my community in any way I am able. I am honored to be part of this group of people that provide such an innovative and safe way to contribute to the safety of their communities. I enjoy finding ways to interact with people and helping in any way I can to improve the safety and knowledge of our community members. I look forward to what we will be able to accomplish to help the people safely provide information needed so desperately by our law enforcement partners.”

Sherry Yokum - Secretary, “I was recruited to serve on the Cleveland County Crime Stoppers Board in 2024 and support its mission to encourage citizens to anonymously help law enforcement identify and arrest criminals.” 

Jodi Albinger - Treasurer, “I am proud to be part of the Cleveland County Crime Stoppers. I enjoy meeting with our board each month to discuss and develop innovative ways to connect with the community. I am passionate about helping build strong partnerships that will make Cleveland County a safer place for all.”

Sherri Reid - Board Member, “I am a founding member of the Crime Stoppers Board. I like getting to play a part in keeping Cleveland County safer by helping our law enforcement – even in a small way. The more crimes that are solved, the safer our communities become.”

Katherine Brooks - Board Member, “Born and raised in Shelby, I’ve been a Realtor for more than 23 years and I am proud to serve the community I call home. I am honored to serve on the Board and enjoy working with others who share a commitment to making a difference. I’m passionate about building strong community partnerships, fostering meaningful connections and supporting initiatives that help make Cleveland County a safer place for everyone.”

Danny Halloran - Board Member, “I enjoy meeting with our board each month to discuss innovative ways to connect with the community. I am dedicated to helping build strong partnerships that will make Cleveland County a safer place for all.”

On Tuesday, Aug. 4, Crime Stoppers will be at both Shelby City Park in Shelby and Patriots Park in Kings Mountain for National Night Out, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The next Crime Stoppers Board of Directors meeting will be held at 6 p.m., Monday August 17 at Boiling Springs Police Department.

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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent.

The Shelby Independent