Mobile Version/Download Faster ·  Contact Us ·  Jobs ·  Make Us Your Home
Mostly Cloudy
Temp: 55 F (13 C)
Humidity: 47
Heat Index: NA F
Home  ·   News  ·   Weather  ·   Sports  ·   Watercooler  ·   Blogs  ·   Web Cams  ·   Sunrise  ·   Lottery  ·   Scam Alert  ·   Entertainment  ·   ECU Sports  ·   Station/Bios
Real Estate · CarSoup · Rental Guide · Experts · Double Dollar Deals · Classifieds · Food · Contests · Community · Carolina Camera · Health · First Alert · HD
WITN Your Way
Carolina Camera
Upload your favorite photos and videos.
WITN2go
WITN News, Weather, Sports and more on your mobile phone – Anytime. Anywhere.
First Alert
Instant weather and breaking news on your desktop!
Page may load slowly Carolina Scanner
News from around the state. All on one convenient page.
WITN.com Features
Lottery
Latest results from the North Carolina Education Lottery.
Scam Alert
Protect yourself.
Don't get scammed!
Doppler’s
Doghouse
See Doppler Dog’s pet pals online.
Gas Prices
Search for the area’s best deals.
Hunting & Fishing Forecast
Best time of day to hunt or fish…
Food Bytes
A Strange Situation Involves Guns Pulled On Secret Service Agents Save Email Print
Posted: 8:49 PM Dec 2, 2008
 Last Updated: 6:08 PM Dec 3, 2008
 Reporter: Christine Kennedy
31 comments
A | A | A

A man and his mother pulled their guns on two secret service agents two week ago in Chocowinity.

District Attorney Seth Edwards says on November 20th, two U.S. Secret Service Agents dressed in street clothes went onto Louise Chandler's property while conducting an investigation.

Louise called her son, Jermie Chandler from across the street to come over after she saw strangers on her lawn. Jermie got out of his truck with a gun drawn at the two men not knowing they were Secret Service Agents.

The agents revealed their identity and Jermie immediately dropped the gun. Louise dialed 911 after she hear activity outside.

The agents went to the front door and found Chandler holding a gun. No criminal charges have been filed. Jermie says the situation was "very strange."
More Stories
Man Accused Of Animal Cruelty Speaks To WITN

Witnesses Help Cops Nab Robber

Stolen A/C Unit Brings Arrest

UPDATED: Low Water Levels In Pamlico Sound Suspends Ferries

 Autopsy: Woman Was Struck, Throat Cut Before Being Buried

The Polaroid Camera Is Back, In Digital

Kiplinger's Ranks 4 NC Schools Among Best Values

Storm Knocks Out Power For Thousands
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Faust's son Location: Washington on Dec 9, 2008 at 09:49 PM
Under Title 18, Section 3056, USC, USSS They don't need a warrant and hindering them in any way is a punishable crime.
Posted by: AWESOME BILL Location: G-VEGAS on Dec 5, 2008 at 03:06 PM
I Apllaude The CHANDLERS for defending their PROPERTY,And PROTECTING His MOTHER!!Its a good thing those SECRET SERVICE MEN WERENT IN WEST VIRGINIA!!!THINK ABOUT IT!!!
Posted by: nurset Location: eastern nc on Dec 5, 2008 at 12:59 PM
I just don't think that the SS should have been poking around in her yard without first going to the door and knocking and identifying themselves as SS agents. That was stupid on their part. Put yourselves in her place and in her sons. You know that your 78 yr old mother is alone and she tells you that there are strangers in her yard walking around and looking under shelters and such. I think that Jermie did what any son would have done. He was scared for his Mama. In this day and age, no one knows what anyone else is up to. The SS agents should have knocked on her door and told her who they were and that they needed to ask her some questions or look around. That would have been the smart thing to do.
Posted by: come on folks Location: greenville on Dec 4, 2008 at 09:58 PM
First of all, no ones rights were violated. No one was initially detained, handcuffed or searched. Secondly, No Trespassing signs are great and apply to the general public. As law enforcement officials, they have the right to come on yours, mine or any other property to speak with somebody on a consentual basis while performing an official act of their office, like let's just say, investigating a crime. I understand the security risks perceived by the homeowner/resident, and do not think they over reacted. They also acted extremely properly once the identity of the agents was established. My primary rant is for those that are trying to deem this as some sort of socialistic government conspiracy. Law enforcement from all branches have been operating under this purview for YEARS, and will continue to do so until the Constitution is ammended. Let go your conspiracy theories, learn the law and don't blame me, I voted for McCain!
Posted by: Cactus Location: Strabane on Dec 4, 2008 at 06:47 PM
SS or not, don't come stumbling around on my property unanounced,or you will face a weapon.
Posted by: Concerned Location: Washington on Dec 4, 2008 at 10:22 AM
There is more of this story at: www.beaufortobserver.net. I would not want anyone roaming on my property either. Older people do need to protect themselves - glad she had a son close by to check it out.
Posted by: ???? Location: NC on Dec 4, 2008 at 02:21 AM
This story came from Seth Edwards DA. Who also said the home owner should be glad she wasn't shot. I say the SS should be glad they wern't shot and should keep away from law abiding people. Go investigate politicians. Bet you'll find some wrong doing there.
Posted by: ~ALPHA female~ Location: O84P on Dec 3, 2008 at 11:33 PM
awww...her boy loves her! Number one rule.....never miss with a woman's kids...number two rule...when those kids grow up.....you never miss with their momma!
Posted by: ME Location: Washington NC on Dec 3, 2008 at 10:25 PM
The funniest thing about this situation is the house belongs to Ms. Chandler which is Sheriff Alan Jordans mother in law. You tell me why the secret agents were in Beaufort County and at her house of all places. Hope this puts your mind in a twist.
Posted by: Talon Location: NC on Dec 3, 2008 at 06:24 PM
Ted, are you trying to tell me that a law enforcement officer needs a search warrant to walk up to a house? Nothing in this article says that the agents were in the back yard. Besides, the 14th ammendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. There is no indication that the agents were there to search or seize anything. I do agree that the information in this article is sketchy at best and raises more questions than it answers.
Posted by: female Location: washington on Dec 3, 2008 at 06:20 PM
I think it is very comforting to see a man watching over his widow mother. Strangers wandering around the property without any announcement looks like a robbery to me!!!! Glad to see that those who have guns in the house aren't afraid to use them.
Posted by: Me Location: Chocowinity on Dec 3, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Once and for all the only serious question is??? Secret Service in Chocowinity? What in the World for?? We have a right to protect ourselves from strangers with no noticeable identification in our own yards, But why would the SS b here?
Posted by: Ted Location: Greenville on Dec 3, 2008 at 01:04 PM
I’ve been out of law enforcement for a few years but if memory serves me correct depending upon where they were on property they may or may not have needed a search warrant. The “curtilage” or outdoor area immediately surrounding the home, is protected under the 14th amendment, open fields are not. Any current law enforcement out there please correct me if I’m wrong.
Posted by: Norma Location: Washington,NC on Dec 3, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Are not us private citizens protected under some kind of TRESPASSIMG LAWS?. If there is a Attorney out there what is our rights as home owners?
Posted by: Clifton Location: Washington on Dec 3, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Seems to me that all these people that think these plain clothed men actually have a right to come onto your property without any notification, much less a warrant, are prime targets for people that are out to do harm to others. It's a good thing they don't advertise their names and address here. THEY might just be the next victim in a home invasion,theft or robbery. If there were a investigation going on, Secret Service or ANY other law enforcement agency has the good common sense to abide in the law they uphold. They know that just showing up and wondering around, and snooping is cause for lawsuits if not loss of life. If they get fired on they will return fire to protect themselves. They are not going to just walk in a place like that. The risks are too high for all parties involved. I would have done the same to protect my family.
Posted by: concerned Location: greenville, nc on Dec 3, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Having worked for the Secret Service, I can tell you and most likely agree that it was a counterfit case; when the Feds come to do a meet a greet...they are doing preliminary investigations. Its when the front door is knocked in, flash grenades banging, and the words, "Federal Agents, Search Warrant!" are heard that you might want to take heed to their warnings. They also protect the President, but I doubt this was the issue...cause then they wont knock either ;)
Posted by: Sick of Stupidity Location: Washington on Dec 3, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Is it any wonder that eastern North Carolina can't seem to move ahead???? With these kind of backwoods and backwater attitudes, it's no surprise we remain Tier 1. Quite frankly, "Big Brother" watching you isn't a bad thing unless you're doing something you shouldn't. Sounds like some of you out there are so defensive because you have something to hide. Paranoia like this is why the bad guys get away half the time. And I'm terribly disappointed that WITN even brought this incident to our attention...it's not news...it's just a way to draw attention.
Posted by: D Location: Chocowinity on Dec 3, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Don, I would be willing to bet WITN personnel were listening to their scanners. She called 911, therefore setting off the chain reaction. Who knows?
Posted by: WOLFGANG Location: CHOCOWINITY,NC on Dec 3, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Chocowinity (meaning "Fish From Many Waters") is a town in Beaufort County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 733 at the 2000 census. Jermie was protecting his Mother. There was just a report here by WINT. That a Lady was shot by a robber while she was fixing her own flat tire on the highway. Now you have 2 strangers on walking around on your Mothers property what did they want a drink of water? To Jermie there were 2 men trespassing on his Mothers property that possibley could cause her harm or her death. They have guns and are armed. They are lucky they did not get shot by the cops. This is Chocowinity,NC almost every home owner has a gun for self protection. There is very little crime here and our Police Force is small. Lets keep our little town safe. I understand the Agents were investigating something? The citizans of Chocowinity are good people,and God Bless our little town Chocowinity.
Posted by: WITN Moderator Location: witn.com on Dec 3, 2008 at 09:56 AM
The information for this story came from a press release from the District Attorney.
Posted by: John Location: Deep Run on Dec 3, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Look out Jehovah's Witnesses better not go to this house!
Posted by: Cody Location: Winterville on Dec 3, 2008 at 09:39 AM
It seems to me that these agents should have had local law enforcement with them. Local law enforcement recognition could have been good idea. I think it just goes to show how the federal government views itself as the only law enforcement agency to handle everything including any future terrorists attacks.
Posted by: Suspicious Location: Washington on Dec 3, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Very good ? Don! How did you get a hold of this story WITN..I myself dont find it to be news either. Can any of this be backed up with the sheriffs office or pd? Interesting, interesting!
Posted by: Don Location: Washington on Dec 3, 2008 at 08:12 AM
By the way... how and why did WITN get this "story"? It is not news, and why would charges be filed anyway? So, who reported it to you guys?
Posted by: Dwayne Location: Greenville on Dec 3, 2008 at 08:11 AM
4th and 14th admendment to the Constitution. Soon to be lost under the new regime.
Posted by: Don Location: Washington on Dec 3, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Good for the citizens! They should have held them at bay until the real cops got there!!... I'm talking about Choco PD!
Posted by: Chris Location: Greenville on Dec 3, 2008 at 06:13 AM
Sammy, Unfortunately we do not call people to let them know that we are investigating a crime. We do not need a warrant to investigate a crime, wether it is on your property or not. Jim - They were probably investigating a case involving counterfeit money. The Secret Service has jurisdiction on any case involving counterfeit bank notes. They were probably out of the raleigh office.
Posted by: Bo Location: Deep Run on Dec 3, 2008 at 12:33 AM
???: Wow, what a leap that was! Congratulations. Seemingly, you'll jump upon any local incident and attempt to turn it into a paranoid rant that turns a fire ant mound into Grandfather Mountain. (Oh no, did I say fire ant? Fire ants are red right?!! RED as in commie? Runnnnnnnn! Fire ants might too be part of the liberal media, Obama, socialistic plot to destroy America. Dang fire ant wealth redistributors!).
Posted by: Concerned Citizen Location: NC on Dec 2, 2008 at 11:54 PM
I am so very glad no charges were filed because there shouldn't be any charges. Isn't it a law abiding citizen's right to protect their property,their lives and the lives of their family? With all the crime and terrorist attacks how can anyone know anymore?
Posted by: to Sammy on Dec 2, 2008 at 11:08 PM
They had every right to walk on to the property if they were conducting an investigation. Its not SS for the Secret Service to walk onto your property. Had they gone in the house or conducted a warrantless search then your hyper sensitive reaction would be warranted
Posted by: Ret. Army Sgt. Major Location: Chocowinity,NC on Dec 2, 2008 at 10:51 PM
If the SS comes on my property. In street clothes Shorts & a Camo Jacket on. I have 4 Dobermans who would like to meet them. Plus my 870 Remington 12 ga pump shot gun, and my wifes Dirty Harry Smith $ Wesson 44 Mag.
Posted by: jim Location: pitt on Dec 2, 2008 at 10:27 PM
what were they investigating...secret service don't investigate your normal everyday crimes
Posted by: Blog Refuter Location: NC on Dec 2, 2008 at 10:22 PM
This is funny. I'm a secret service agent. Just kidding... Hmm...I wonder what they could be doing in Chocowinity???
Posted by: ??? Location: NC on Dec 2, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Might as well get used to Gestapo tactics. It happened under Clinton with Janet Reno as attorney general, and it will happen under Obama with Eric Holder as attorney general.
Posted by: Huh is right on Dec 2, 2008 at 09:26 PM
the story hardly makes sense the way it was written.
Posted by: Sammy Location: NC on Dec 2, 2008 at 09:17 PM
The SS men should have called the Chandlers first to ask them if its ok to go on there propery without a warrent. In street clothes? Her son was just protecting his Mother. Agains a possible home invasion. I would do the same thing. This is not the Nazi SS the government cannot just walk on someone property with out permission or a warrent by a judge. Thank God no one got hurt.
Posted by: HUH? on Dec 2, 2008 at 08:57 PM
I think this story is strange... the moral of the story being what? I mean I might would have guns drawn if I saw strange people on my property. So what's the point?
WITN Poll
Do you think the porn industry should receive its 5 million dollar bailout it's requesting from the Federal Government?

Yes
No


Special Sections
CarSoup
Search inventory from local dealers and private sellers.
Rental Guide
Video tours to help you find your next apartment.
Double Dollar Deals
Save 50% from local merchants.
Sylvan Problem Solver
Video tips from Sylvan Learning Center.
Classifieds
THE place to buy and sell items. Most ads free.
Experts
Got a question? Ask Eastern Carolina's Experts.
Local Lookup
Find local businesses online.
Business Break
Two minutes of info from local businesses.
Attorneys On Call
Free legal information on a variety of topics.
Video Home Tours
Tour Eastern Carolina homes from your computer.
Jeopardy! EXP
An exclusive online game that gives you an additional clue from each category in today's show.

Click one of the pictures below to see more or to upload your own photos and videos.
AP Video
Latest Blogs
Porn Industry Wants Stimulus Package - 4 Comments Posted
I can't make this stuff up. Yes...the porn industry is the latest seeking a federal bailout? (Read Blog)
Strong Reaction To Animal Cruelty Case - 3 Comments Posted
How could anyone do such a thing? That's the general reaction to the animal abuse case we've been reporting on out of Wayne County. (Read Blog)
Jett Travolta's Death: Whose Business Is It? - 4 Comments Posted
The death of the 16 year old son of a superstar actor has a lot of people asking questions. (Read Blog)
Get FIT with a Personal Trainer in your own home - 2 Comments Posted
Stick to your New Year's Resolution in the comfort of your own home with a personal trainer who’s not going to yell at you! (Read Blog)
New Year Off To Nice Start - Post Your Comments!
2009 is off to a dry start but that's about to change. (Read Blog)
In 2009, I Resolve To.... - 2 Comments Posted
What do you hope to achieve in the new year? (Read Blog)
Time For Lists - 3 Comments Posted
It's that time of the year for lists of the top news story, favorite song and person of the year...just to name a few. (Read Blog)
Here's a test we hoped you passed! - Post Your Comments!
WITN, along with many other television stations across North Carolina, conducted a DTV “Soft Test” on Wednesday night. Even though this was a “soft” test, not everyone got a passing grade. (Read Blog)
More Blogs >>>
 
Home - News - Weather - Sports - Watercooler - Blogs - Web Cams - Sunrise - Lottery - Scam Alert - Entertainment - ECU Sports - Station/Bios -
Real Estate - CarSoup - Rental Guide - Experts - Double Dollar Deals - Classifieds - Food - Contests - Community - Carolina Camera - Health - First Alert - HD -
Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - EEO Statement - FCC Form 388
Gray Television, Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2009 - Designed and Powered by Clickability