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UPDATED: 93-Year-Old Pitt Co. Woman Admits Having Cocaine Save Email Print
Posted: 10:27 AM May 8, 2008
Last Updated: 9:41 PM May 9, 2008


A | A | A

We've received a lot of reaction and comments about the story we told you about of a 93 year old Pitt County woman who plead guilty to possession and selling cocaine.

Like you we wanted to know why she did it. We spoke with Helen Ttaylor over the phone and to her grandson, Robert Taylor.

He refused an on camera interview with his grandmother but spoke out about the charges. He claimes authorities unfair charged her with selling the drug and that other people in the home may have dropped the drugs on her back porch leaving his grandmother responsible. Authorities tell us they witnessed Helen Taylor kicking the drugs out the back door. Robert say his grandmother had no reason to sell dope.

Authorities disagree with robert claims and say they caught her red handing kicking drugs out the back door.

Original Story:

A 93-year-old woman will spend the next three years on probation for possessing cocaine.

Helen Taylor made the plea deal in Pitt County court yesterday.

Deputies say they arrested the woman back in 2005 after finding 15 units of crack cocaine in her home. She was originally indicted charges of possession with intent to deliver cocaine and maintaining a dwelling for distribution of a controlled substance.

The judge gave the woman unsupervised probation instead of sending her to prison for the next six to eight months.

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Posted by: Kay Location: Havelock on May 13, 2008 at 07:33 PM
I am saddened by this story...I really find it hard to believe that this woman had anything to do with the drugs found on her back porch. In fact, the key words are 'kicking them out of the back door'. What is wrong with these cops, these days? Are they that bored that they have to find fault with anyone? What is the state of mind of this precious woman? Do anyone realize that her presence is a blessing? She has seen things we would never see. And if she was forced to sell, or house drugs, it could only be explained about the rising cost of everything...

Posted by: mad in nc Location: nc on May 13, 2008 at 03:59 PM
You really think this is unusual in NC ? Check the records. Meth Lab bust in Washington.2 children in the home.2 Adults doing and making meth.Get probation.Someone needs a grip on this.OH and FYI they violated probation.Busted out on a drug test and Yeah you guessed it . More probation. So age does not matter. Do drugs don't do time. Maybe the news should check into that a little more

Posted by: Kris Location: Chocowinity on May 12, 2008 at 04:38 PM
Way too go Grandma! You need some help? Thats what alot of are turning to just to buy us some milk and bread!

Posted by: ZuLu Location: NC on May 12, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Kicking drugs out the door huh? Sounds like she's been there/done that! Don't be misled by her age, it's only a number.

Posted by: chica Location: greenville,nv on May 12, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Such a stereotype. What a person drives does not determine their employment, or how they make their money.

Posted by: someone Location: NC on May 11, 2008 at 11:39 PM
This women's age should not be the issue. It is wrong in any light, that is what is wrong with the world today. It is terrible that one age group can get away with it while another needs all the punishment they can get. If it is wrong it is wrong no questions asked. Maybe she is covering for someone else, wait a minute... Isn't that a crime too?

Posted by: Cactus Location: Strabane,NC on May 11, 2008 at 08:21 PM
OOps

Posted by: wanda Location: greenville on May 11, 2008 at 02:16 PM
I think the old lady should never get probation. I think she don't know what she was doing at the time. Please let her go cause her age is to far up to be put on probation.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 11, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Cactus I'm sure Jenny watched the video to determine the type of car the man drives. Watch the video for yourself and see!

Posted by: Me Location: Here on May 11, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Sad, sad, sad.... the son's "ride" is in the video above. Our society is screwed.

Posted by: Cactus Location: Strabane,NC on May 11, 2008 at 12:55 AM
Jenny: do you have some information the rest of us do not (or at least I don't), how did you determine what he was driving?

Posted by: freedom Location: remote nc on May 10, 2008 at 12:34 PM
if the drugs were for sale at the local abc store, she wouldn't have had them to begin with and the peddlers would have real jobs.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 10, 2008 at 08:21 AM
To John...I think you are right. She is most likely covering up for a grandchild or other relative that is actually the one selling the drug..... They figure what will a judge do to a 93 year old lady...A slap on the wrist and send her home....Which is what she got and the actual seller is free to roam the streets and sell even more drugs.

Posted by: Jenny Location: Close to the coast on May 10, 2008 at 01:22 AM
She isn't any better than anyone else, do the crime do the time granny! I beleive it was a cover up for they grandson, hell look what he was driving! that says it all. And besides, If it had been anyone else they would had pulled TIME! Thats what is wrong with our world today people like this screw up our kids Brains, I beleive she should pull the time! Hey If the law seen you, then you are BUSTED!! POINT BLANK.

Posted by: heart Location: Grifton on May 9, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Yep as stated before are we as a society take the idea that age, color, abilities and or nationalities are we suppossed to be filtering this and secide the severity of the punishment or what? This nation is sinking in a big whole and no one even cares but a handful of us!!!

Posted by: A Location: NC on May 9, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Our society is SOOOOOO screwed up. I can't believe how many of you people think this is okay because of her age. Give me a break .... that's why our society is so absolutely messed up. There IS something wrong with this! 93 or 203 this lady should be treated like all other drug dealers. Give me a break guys... grow up... think things through...

Posted by: Mr. Bob on May 9, 2008 at 09:44 PM
LOL,OJ got off,why not her.

Posted by: J Doe Location: North Carolina on May 9, 2008 at 07:29 PM
I have read over half of the comments posted about the 93 year woman that was sentenced for possession of crack cocaine. True indeed, she committed a crime and true indeed, she should be punished. However, our penal institution cannot benifit from housing a 93 year old woman. Reason number one; this lady probably have medical expenses that you and I both will have to take up the slack. Don't you think we are doing enough of that now? Reason # 2; what on earth could she possilby be assigned to while doing sentence? Babysitting the younger inmates maybe, or perhaps baking cookies or trading old home remedies for how to treat a bee sting with snuff. Some of the comments were uncalled for and absolutely ridiculous! In my honest opinion, this elderly lady was a victim of society. Why punish her for society's downfall? This country is feeding and rebuild other countries that don't want the US help. This lady probably receives $600 SSA and $10 Food Stamps to survive.

Posted by: Mike on May 9, 2008 at 06:41 PM
I cant really say much here but send her to jail.Oh i forgot they changed the law its now ok to sell crack.Remember that.

Slight Edit


Posted by: John Location: Florida on May 9, 2008 at 06:01 PM
probably cover up for a grandkid or something

Posted by: Mouth Of The Hood Location: Greenville on May 9, 2008 at 11:46 AM
I know she's sorry...sorry for getting caught. Stop snitching! Let's get these oil crooks and embelzzers that get cope deals for stealing and money laundering millions of dollars that just happen to be people's 401k and life savings. Keep ya head up granny...No one who passes judgement knows the "real" struggle anyway.

Posted by: DL Location: Eastern NC on May 9, 2008 at 11:45 AM
So many people posting here assume she chose to sell drugs "to make ends meet" and that justifies her crimes. Do you feel that way about every criminal? There have been several old women in Eastern NC who have been caught selling drugs. As a taxpayer, I'd rather pay for their prison cells than their probation officers. No wonder there's such a problem with youth violence today, when this is the kind of person raising the kids.

Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on May 9, 2008 at 09:42 AM
That's just great, she has already been caught for trafficking almost 400 grams of cocaine in 1993 and now this happens again. you have to ask yourself how long this has gone on and how many people has she supplied. Ridiculous, lock her tail up, She broke the law.

Posted by: Angela Location: somewhere on May 9, 2008 at 05:39 AM
Oh my god lady,what were you thinking....from the smile on her face she done this before. She deserve to be charge. If she was 39 she would charged.

Posted by: Brian Location: Bath on May 8, 2008 at 11:44 PM
DRUGS are bad for everyone, there is no one inmune to their destructive force. It's viciuse cycle, one needs the other to survive. I have a brother inlaw, who had a lit grill (he was cooking steaks(bought with worthless checks) for dealers) He got caught, drove away, grill fell overs setting truck on fire. He was alright but doped up and had to airflight him to Pitt. In the nist of this he tried to run over a cop, speeding 90 in 35 mph, luckily no kids or folks walking at 2 am. Yep, he got off fairly easy, more I thnk about it.......throw the book at granny. ENOUGH drug already

Posted by: shiftworker Location: NC on May 8, 2008 at 11:14 PM
I knew a lady years ago, that went to prison for her son, because when they came into her house, and raided it, she was the only one home, she was the one who rented the house and she didn't tattle tale on her son ( he wasn't home ) so she got the blame. I wouldn't be surprised one bit if this isn't what happened to granny, maybe even the first time too. Who knows? But as with the first lady I spoke about, she knew it was going on, so she was just as guilty as the son, and that may have been the same situation with Granny.

Posted by: Monica Location: NC on May 8, 2008 at 10:29 PM
I think someone set Granny up.It look pretty strange for a 93 yr. old lady doing drugs.Someone did Granny wrong.

Posted by: work4whatIhave Location: NC on May 8, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Face reality: Granny is probably on public assistance/welfare/government funding, whatever you want to call it. Lock her up! Those who work (to support others)are going to foot the bill anyway. If she was 30, 40 or 50, bet she wouldn't have received probation.

Posted by: Tommy Location: Eastern NC/Choco on May 8, 2008 at 08:56 PM
Write to YOUR State Reps. (remind them of your vote) and make sure they are fighting to keep these drug dealers and drunks off the roads/communities. I'm glad so many agreed with my earlier posting but i have to admit I'm in the System and I'm ashamed at times! If you only knew how many walk free only to return later. Judges arent perfect and people make mistakes but mistakes occur one time. I dont know all of the facts of this case but those of you who laugh and joke at this obviously dont understand the lives and communities these kind of people destroy...until it hits your family. Final Note: SAD.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: NC on May 8, 2008 at 07:55 PM
It's sad to hear of such thing. I really think that probation was the best option for her. Yes, she had prior convictions and it goes back to 1991. Which is 17 years ago and she was only 76 then and she served time. You never may really know why she did it again. Maybe she needs the extra money. Who would ever think to look at a 93 y/o for possession. But, if it was for a child, grandchild, great-grandchild I would really be ashamed to see my grandmom mugshot on t.v. Grandmom you may need to speak up for yourself. Cause I wouldn't go down alone.

Posted by: Alison Location: havelock on May 8, 2008 at 07:22 PM
I think she should be punished just like everyone else. She is 93. She should and knows better. She probably has sold to children. She needs to be locked up.

Posted by: Hello Location: NC on May 8, 2008 at 06:57 PM
To S, Thank you for asking!: It's simple...maybe she just likes how smoking crack cocaine makes her feel and NO, not for medicinal purposes. Most people smoke crack cocaine because they like the rush they get the 1st time & continue smoking it trying to attain that same degree of high. According to most who have smoked it, they are never able to reach that same feeling. Also, in my comment at 2:47pm, I did make reference to her prior record on the DOC website- and so did you in your 4:39pm comment.

Posted by: Sharon Location: columbia,nc on May 8, 2008 at 05:50 PM
Would you like for your granny to be locked up? Heck NO

POST EDITED


Posted by: Sharon on May 8, 2008 at 05:43 PM
Give Granny a break,sike! Just trying to make end meets.

Posted by: one2one Location: greenville,nc on May 8, 2008 at 05:32 PM
So judge duke had a moment of clarity and said why waste the public tax dollars locking this 93 yr old woman up.I am probably in the minority when I say he gave the right sentence.Its a good thing she made it to sentencing.For all those that say throw the book at her she was dealing drugs well maybe she was but if you "sisters and brothers" didnt use up all the county taxes on section 8,food stamps,and the myrid of other things then maybe our great country could take care of its aging population.If she dealt for the income then i'm sure she had her reasons everyone does

Posted by: S on May 8, 2008 at 04:56 PM
To Hello: Can you possibly tell me what a 93 yr old would be doing with cocaine for personal use? Maybe I am just dumb and stupid and naive. And please don't tell me for medicinal purposes.

Posted by: S on May 8, 2008 at 04:39 PM
This "granny" has 2 prior drug related charges and you want to just let her go. NOT. I don't care if she is 193 years old. she knew what she was doing was illegal. She should be punished more severely!

Posted by: laffin' on May 8, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Mama's got a brand new bag!

Posted by: BIG J Location: SNOWHILL on May 8, 2008 at 04:17 PM
No matter the age,,,if it was a man he would have went to jail.So she should be locked up to. What are they going to Do? Sit with her 24-7 to make sure she does not do it again.

Posted by: Chris Location: Greenville on May 8, 2008 at 03:45 PM
I agree that she should be locked up just like anyone else who can't obey the law. It doesn't matter how old you are people. Breaking the law is breaking the law.

Posted by: Duh! Location: Greenville on May 8, 2008 at 03:31 PM
It seems to me that she was covering for someone, i.e. child or grandchild. I bet they convinced her that is she took the wrap for them that they wouldn't do anything to her. But if they were caught with the drugs that they would go to jail for a long long time. So Granny here felt sorry for him/her and took the blame.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 8, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Granny, you is too old for such stupid stuff.

Posted by: Bill Location: Greenville on May 8, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Grandma"s Lucky All She Got Was PROBATION After Going Before Judge Duke! He"s Known As The (HANGING) Judge! He Would Give His Own MOTHER A LIFE SENTENCE!ASK ANYONE WHOSE BEEN TO PRISON!

Posted by: Hello Location: NC on May 8, 2008 at 02:47 PM
Where in the article does it say she was caught selling crack to others? Maybe it was for her personal use. However, I must admit she has prior drug convictions - look at her doc screen: http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/apps/offender/offend1?DOCNUM=0400283&SENTENCEINFO=yes&SHOWPHOTO=yes

Posted by: Anonymous Location: NC on May 8, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Say it ain't so Granny... Say it ain't so.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: NC on May 8, 2008 at 02:39 PM
Ok she got away with selling/using drugs, but what message is this sending? If you are over 90 y/o you don't have to obey the laws? What if she killed someone over the drugs? What would they do with her then? If you live long enough, are you above the law?

Posted by: Doxielover Location: grifton on May 8, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Needs to be locked up just like any other person caught with the drugs. Don't think she won't be right back at her old antics, which she probably already is. Was in home health for years and believe, there are just as many crazy elderly as there are 20-30 something people.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Greenville, NC on May 8, 2008 at 02:21 PM
I heard that it was not her cocaine, she was letting others user her home.

Posted by: Rob Location: NC on May 8, 2008 at 01:49 PM
Idiots come in all ages. So do crack heads, by the way.

Posted by: Hi Location: Greenville on May 8, 2008 at 01:44 PM
I think she should of been sent to jail. Children try drugs for the first time everyday. An old lady selling drugs could look harmless to a young child. She's guilty. She should serve time.

Posted by: P Location: Greenville on May 8, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Its too bad alot of peoople think this is funny. The reality is it is very sad, and just another indicator of how crime infested the area is.

Posted by: lol Location: ayden on May 8, 2008 at 12:49 PM
This is so funny till i can not laugh. Grandma it seems like you has been hustling for years,so now it is time for you to enjoy real life. THANK GOD FOR THAT JUDGE!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Lakisha Location: NC on May 8, 2008 at 12:34 PM
I was just shocked and in unbelief. I really do not know what this world is coming to. By the age of 93 people should be settled down and watching the soaps. Calm down granny!!

Posted by: David Location: Manteo on May 8, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Im sorry- I just have to laugh!!! Who would have known granny was a crack dealer...?? LOL What other sentence could they possibly give to a 93 year old? I mean seriously, A year in prison could be a life sentence to her. The elderly have no retirement funds to live on..So they too are turning to drug dealing I guess!! I know drugs are a bad way to go but this one is just to cute to not laugh at!!

Posted by: hope Location: NC on May 8, 2008 at 12:22 PM
I agree with you Tommy, what a system.

Posted by: killa kandy Location: Tha P on May 8, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Yo grandma u kno u have 2 do ur thang to make a living. Granny a.k.a Hustler

Posted by: S on May 8, 2008 at 12:07 PM
I totally agree with Tommy! She was definitely old enough to know better. I'm sure she has children or grandchildren, neices or nephews, if she was that desperate for money, she should have asked them.

Posted by: Ziggy Location: NC on May 8, 2008 at 12:03 PM
She may be 93 years old, but she's been around. I would bet she's a hard nut to crack! At that age, there could be senile dementia, no joke, life takes it toll on the brain......still she's guilty!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 8, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Go Granny!

Posted by: Hello Location: NC on May 8, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Wonder why it took from 2005 to 2008 for this case to be disposed of in the first place? Finally, punishment with a common sense approach! Thank you, Judge Duke!

Posted by: Tommy Location: Eastern NC on May 8, 2008 at 11:53 AM
What has she been doing for the past 50 years? I would say...selling crack to kids, maintaining a safe place for criminals and feeding the crime in your city. She looks like a "darlin" but she is a criminal. Feel sorry for her if you wish..just dont blame the POLICE for the increase in crime. Treat her as you would a 39 year old drug dealer...Oh wait, you did. The System is such a disappointment. Blessed to be 93 but such a sad,sad story.

Posted by: Linda Location: Greenville on May 8, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Way to go Granny!!! In this day in age need to find some way to make money and ends meet - I don't do drugs but what other means do people have now of days with the price of everything - She should enjoy the rest of her life.

Posted by: Ray on May 8, 2008 at 11:04 AM
This story makes the wierd news column! Too crazy!

Posted by: J Location: Greenville on May 8, 2008 at 11:01 AM
I really don't see this woman being a threat to society. If shes not selling...leave her be. Good job judge.

Posted by: Michael Location: Merritt on May 8, 2008 at 10:48 AM
I do not want to see "Grandma" go to jail; however, house arrest seems appropiate to me. Even if "Grandma" was supplementing her income, it is morally and ethically wrong to profit off of someone else's misery. Bottom line: How many families has she hurt?

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