Via Press Release:
Wednesday at approximately 6:00 PM, Michael Paul Norton, a 29-year-old male, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Joint Fugitive Task Force (JFTF) out of Greensboro, NC.
On June 09, 2015, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Department in South Carolina took out an arrest warrant for Norton. The alleged charge occurred when Norton knowingly contacted and met a 14-year-old boy using a cell phone app known as GRINDR.
Per the warrant, Norton is charged with Sex/Criminal sexual conduct with minor or attempt-victim 11 to 14 years of age inclusive second degree. Norton was previously employed as a law enforcement officer in Hanahan.
On June 10, 2015, the assistance of the JFTF was requested by detectives and investigators from South Carolina and Virginia in the apprehension of Norton. Information was passed to the JFTF that Norton was traveling by tractor trailer from Virginia to North Carolina and was to be considered armed and dangerous. On short notice the JFTF deployed to Norton’s next anticipated stop at 822 Clarksbury Church Road in Thomasville.
Investigators among the JFTF coordinated the arrest prior to Norton’s arrival. The JFTF surrounded the area and positively identified Norton driving the tractor trailer onto the property. Once Norton delivered the merchandise and exited the tractor the JFTF surrounded and converged on Norton taking him into custody without incident. Norton was transported to the Guilford County Detention Center in High Point where he is currently being held on a $700,000.00 bond.
The U.S. Marshals Joint Fugitive Task Force for the Middle District of North Carolina is comprised of investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service, Chapel Hill Police Department, Durham Police Department, Greensboro Police Department, High Point Police Department, Winston-Salem Police Department, Alamance County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Department of Community Corrections – Probation & Parole.
Statement from Hanahan Police Chief Michael Cochran:
“Michael Paul Norton was hired on 01-22-2012 as a certified police officer. Mr. Norton was a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran at his time of hire. Mr. Norton was transferred to a narcotics task force from 08-01-2013 until 06-27-2014. He then returned to patrol. He was terminated by the agency relating to a policy violation on 10-15-2014. As an agency, we are indeed shocked by the charges against Mr. Norton.”–Chief Cochran.
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