Lenoir County sheriff says six juveniles, two adults charged or facing charges in assault investigation

Lenoir County Sheriff Jackie Rogers said Friday that multiple people have been charged or are being charged in connection with an assault that was recorded on video and widely shared on social media.

During a press conference, Rogers gave a timeline of the investigation and addressed community concerns about the case, including questions about a possible family connection between the sheriff and one of the juveniles involved.

Rogers said the assault occurred May 23, 2026, at approximately 10 p.m. at 4844 Sharon Church Road in Lenoir County.

According to Rogers, the incident was first reported to school officials May 27 by a concerned parent and a student at North Lenoir High School. School officials notified the school resource officer, who requested a copy of the video and began an investigation.

“The SRO received the video on May 27 and made contact with the victim,” Rogers said in his statement. “The victim was reluctant to discuss the incident due to retaliation and did not provide a statement.”

Rogers said the SRO interviewed several students believed to be involved in the incident.

On June 15, the juvenile victim and his father went to the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office to formally report the assault. Rogers said the Sheriff’s Office General Investigations Division received the report and video evidence June 16 and immediately began a criminal investigation.

Rogers said he was notified of the assault June 18 at approximately 8:20 a.m. After speaking with investigators and the SRO, Rogers said he was advised that felony charges were being sought against two individuals, one juvenile and one adult.

As a result of the investigation, Rogers said Ashton Clark, 18, of Lenoir County, was charged with felony assault by strangulation and conspiracy. A 17-year-old juvenile was charged with felony assault by strangulation and conspiracy.

Landon Harris, 19, of Pitt County, was charged with cyberbullying and conspiracy. Rogers said those charges stem from his alleged involvement in recording the incident and posting the video on social media.

Rogers said four additional juveniles are being charged with offenses ranging from assault with a deadly weapon, involving the use of a glass bottle, simple assault for punching the victim and conspiracy.

“Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues,” Rogers said.

According to Rogers, the investigation so far indicates the assault appears to have stemmed from a breakup between the victim and his girlfriend, as well as allegations that the victim had stolen items belonging to the girlfriend.

“The victim stated that his ex-girlfriend arranged for individuals to assault him at the residence,” Rogers said. “The victim was attending a party at the residence with a friend who lives there.”

Rogers said he personally spoke Friday morning with the victim and a family member. He said the victim reported injuries including a black eye, a popped blood vessel in his eye, a bruised thumb, a chipped front tooth, a nosebleed and knots on his head.

According to Rogers, the victim said he was initially treated at home but recently sought professional medical treatment. Rogers said the victim and his family also advised him that they had previously spoken with the school resource officer and school officials about the incident.

“The video is disturbing to watch,” Rogers said. “As a parent and family member, I cannot imagine what the victim’s family has experienced having to witness their child being treated in this manner.”

Rogers also addressed discussion on social media about a possible family connection between him and a juvenile seen in the video.

“The juvenile female who is seen throwing the first punch is a second cousin on my wife’s side of the family,” Rogers said.

Rogers said there would be no special treatment in the case.

“I have served in law enforcement for more than 34 years, and my integrity and the trust of this community mean everything to me,” Rogers said. “Regardless of whether an individual is a family member, friend, or stranger, the law applies equally to everyone.”

Rogers said the investigation remains active and ongoing.

“Everyone who participated in this assault will be held accountable for their actions,” Rogers said.

Rogers said he has requested that the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation review the case to ensure the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office has conducted a complete and thorough investigation.

“We will continue to follow the evidence wherever it leads, and we remain committed to seeking justice for the victim and accountability for everyone involved,” Rogers said.