Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election to the US Congress in 2024. McHenry is serving his tenth term as the representative for North Carolina’s 10th Congressional District which comprises Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, and Rutherford counties.
The Congressman who has served since 2005, is the 37th member of Congress to announce they will not be seeking re-election in 2024.
WASHINGTON — Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) released the following statement:
“I will be retiring from Congress at the end of my current term. This is not a decision I come to lightly, but I believe there is a season for everything and—for me—this season has come to an end.
“Past, present, and future, the House of Representatives is the center of our American republic. Through good and bad, during the highest of days and the lowest, and from proud to infamous times, the House is the venue for our nation’s disagreements bound up in our hopes for a better tomorrow. It is a truly special place and—as an American—my service here is undoubtedly my proudest. Since being sworn in January 3rd, 2005, I have worked every day to uphold the Constitution and the system of government our founders so wisely created.
“Thank you to my bosses at home in western North Carolina for giving me the opportunity to serve you. I strived each day in this job to not let you down. Being entrusted as your voice in Washington is my highest honor and that remains true today. My goal has always been to be a voice for western North Carolina to Washington, not the other way around.
“I’m thankful for my staff—in DC and at home in NC—who have so ably served me during my time in the House. It has been an honor to work alongside you over the past two decades. They are gifted folks who have dedicated their careers to serving the people of western North Carolina and our nation.
“Throughout my years in the House, I’ve mentored and been mentored. I’ve learned from many, been taught lessons by others. I am proud to have been a legislator for nearly twenty years. The craft of legislating is an art and I’m thankful for all the members and staff who helped me hone that craft.
“As the youngest of five kids, I learned the best from my brothers and sisters. My family means the world to me. The center of that world is my wife Giulia. Together, we have three amazing kids who have made our lives all the better. I’m grateful for the sacrifices they’ve made supporting me as I’ve served in the House.
“There has been a great deal of handwringing and ink spilled about the future of this institution because some—like me—have decided to leave. Those concerns are exaggerated. I’ve seen a lot of change over twenty years. I truly feel this institution is on the verge of the next great turn. Whether it’s 1974, 1994, or 2010, we’ve seen the House evolve over time. Evolutions are often lumpy and disjointed, but at each stage, new leaders emerge. There are many smart and capable members who remain, and others are on their way. I’m confident the House is in good hands.
“I look forward to what the next season brings for my family and me.”
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jennifer Elaine Roarke, 54, of Hickory, N.C., appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge David C. Keesler today and pleaded guilty to wire fraud, for embezzling more than $2 million from the clients of the law firm that employed her, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in North Carolina joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to court documents and today’s plea hearing, from 2007 to 2021, Roarke, who is also known as Jennifer Claveria, was employed as an assistant and a paralegal for a law firm in Hickory, North Carolina. The law firm handled, among other things, the administration and management of trusts for clients, including the trusts’ bank accounts. As part of her duties, Roarke was responsible for opening mail, depositing checks into trust bank accounts, and processing invoices. As Roarke admitted in court today, from 2015 to September 2021, Roarke executed the embezzlement scheme by causing at least 190 fraudulent and unauthorized bank wires, totaling more than $2 million, from the law firm’s clients’ trust bank accounts to bank accounts controlled by Roarke. Roarke used the embezzled funds to pay for personal items, make mortgage, car, and credit card payments, and to fund an extravagant lifestyle.
Roarke was released on bond following the plea hearing. A sentencing date has not been set.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the FBI for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassye Cole with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is in charge of the prosecution.
Jennifer Elaine Roarke
Photo courtesy of Young, Morphis, Bach & Taylor
Taylorsville – On Monday, December 4, at approximately 2:20 p.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Alexander County on NC 16 at Shade Tree Road. A 2016 Chevrolet Express Van traveling south on NC 16 attempted to turn left onto Shade Tree Road and turned in front of a northbound 1996 Harley Davidson motorcycle.
The driver of the Harley Davidson, Christopher Chad Goans, 48, of Lenior, was ejected from the motorcycle and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The driver of the Chevrolet, David Robert Brady, 62, of Conover, was not injured.
The initial investigation does not indicate impairment or speed to be contributing factors. Brady was charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and failure to yield the right of way. During the on-scene investigation, the roadway was closed in the area for approximately two hours.
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