CEDAR POINT, N.C. (WITN) – A neighborhood in the east has become the center of controversy after the discovery of Native American artifacts led to a conflict between residents and Native American groups, resulting in the arrest of a deputy.

James De la O was arrested Monday by the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office on charges of communication threats, assault on a woman, and filing a false police report related to incidents on June 23.

Dr. Crystal Cavalier-Kerk of the 7 Directions of Service stated, “He lost his job and faces charges of two counts of communicating threats (non-hate crimes), one count of assault on a woman (non-aggravated), and one count of filing a false report (misleading, not obstruction of his duty or oath).”

An arrest warrant obtained by WITN revealed that De la O, a resident of the Bridge View neighborhood, “assaulted the woman” by “slamming her to the ground.” Another warrant detailed that De la O verbally threatened two individuals, saying, “I will knock you the **** out.”

Following the arrest, Sheriff Chris Thomas confirmed to WITN that De la O is no longer employed by the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office. De la O was released on a written promise to appear in court on August 12.

“We celebrate the small penalty for this officer,” said Cavalier-Kerk. “Not because a human lost their job, but because the collective of humans is safer. We do not accept this display of justice.”

Despite the confrontation and ongoing disagreements, Cavalier-Kerk emphasized the importance of truth. “We must be warriors for the truth,” she said. “Without the truth, there can be no healing.”

The Carteret County Sheriff’s Office has stated that this is an ongoing investigation, and additional charges may be filed as more evidence is reviewed.

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