Archives Reprint

    A federal judge ruled Friday that the second trial of Roanoke pain specialist Cecil Byron Knox and two of his associates will take place in Roanoke.

    In a meeting in his chambers with attorneys in the case, Chief U.S. District Judge Samuel Wilson said he planned to seek jurors from outside the Roanoke area because of the media attention to the first trial. That trial, which ended in October, resulted in a hung jury for Cecil Byron Knox, his office manager, Beverly Gale Boone, and licensed professional counselor Willard Newbill "Bill" James.

    Knox, 54, faces multiple counts of prescribing medication outside the scope of legitimate medical practice, which federal prosecutors Rusty Fitzgerald and Patrick Hogeboom argue led to death or serious injury in some cases. He also faces perjury charges.

    Knox and Boone, 44, also face charges of racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, criminal conspiracy, mail fraud and health care fraud, as well as charges that they were part of an illegal kickback scheme. James, 58, also faces criminal conspiracy, mail fraud and health care fraud charges.

   - Jen McCaffery

Roanoke police seek help in shoplifting case

    Roanoke police are asking for the public's assistance in identifying a shoplifting suspect.

    The suspect was caught on surveillance film at the Kmart in the 1400 block of Hershberger Road Northwest about 5 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2003.

    Roanoke police spokeswoman Shelly Alley said the man can be seen on the tape concealing pool cues in his clothes.

    "You can see them through the back of his shirt," she said.

    The man is also seen using a lighter to melt the plastic protector off compact discs before stuffing the discs in his pants, and he stole some motor oil as well, Alley said.

    An employee who noticed that the man was acting suspicious began to observe him and saw him conceal about 20 CDs in his pants. Alley said a female employee tried to stop the man as he exited the store, but the man got out the door.

    The suspect ran through the parking lot with a male employee chasing him. The suspect got into a black sedan and drove away. Alley said the suspect dropped a few CDs as he ran, and those were recovered.

    No one was hurt in the pursuit.

    Police released a picture obtained from surveillance film. They ask that anyone who recognizes the man in the picture or has information about the crime call the Criminal Investigation Unit at 853-2571.

   - Lindsey Nair

Roanoke police list radar-enforcement areas

    Roanoke police have announced next week's planned areas for radar enforcement in their effort to more closely monitor traffic violations.

    Beginning Sunday, radar is scheduled in these areas:

    The 2900 block of Cannaday Street Northeast.

    The 4000 block of Williamson Road Northwest.

    The 700 block of Dale Avenue Southeast.

    The 2600 block of Brandon Avenue Southwest.

    Anyone who would like to report an area to be monitored by police can call 853-2321.

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