GARYSBURG, N.C. — A 33-year-old Garysburg man has been charged with felony intimidating a witness following an investigation by the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.
Don’Tayvious Devante’ Cotton surrendered to the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, Sept. 16, on an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
Deputy H. Baker served Cotton with the warrant charging him with one count of felony intimidating a witness.
According to the arrest warrant, the alleged intimidation consisted of “Stalking, Damaging Property, Placing Bounty on Witness/Victim’s Life, and Bribery” and was allegedly intended to force charges against Cotton to be withdrawn.
The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation was led by Sgt. Det. B. Johnson and began July 6. Johnson developed probable cause during the investigation and obtained the arrest warrant Sept. 4.
Cotton initially did not receive a bond due to a hold under North Carolina’s Pretrial Integrity Act.
Following his first appearance in Northampton County District Court, Cotton’s bond was set at $10,000 secured. The court also ordered that Cotton not come within 200 feet of the alleged victim.
Cotton was given a court date of Oct. 1 in Northampton County.
Northampton County Sheriff Jack Smith commended Johnson for his work on the investigation, saying this type of charge “strikes at the core of the judicial system.”
Cotton is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
