Good morning, Huntersville.

Detectives from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department identified Tony G.

Leslie as a suspect in a cold case burglary and sexual assault on Christmas Day 1993—he was interviewed at Scotland County Correctional Institution where he is serving a 13‐year sentence for 2019 burglary convictions and on March 17 pleaded guilty to first‐degree burglary, receiving an additional 14‐year sentence.

CMPD, Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center and the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office announced a campaign today—urging community members to report crimes against children.

On April 2, the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners hired Mike Bryant as the new County manager to replace Dena R.

Diorio, who will retire June 30. Bryant, who joined the County in 2003 (as a management and budget analyst), will lead all County departments and manage a budget of more than $2.5 billion serving over 1.1 million residents.

On March 27, Mayor Christy Clark delivered Huntersville’s first State of the Town address and highlighted progress in public safety, transportation funded by a $50 million bond, park enhancements, and efforts to expand attainable housing.

She noted the transformation of the fire department—now with over 100 firefighters—and outlined plans to open a new town hall before year-end as well as to push for a Veterans Affairs office.

Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden said he was not included in discussions on reopening the juvenile detention center that closed in 2022 due to COVID staffing issues—his office did not extend the state contract amid claims of political maneuvering and misleading information, and he remains ready to join future talks.