Case takes toll on Sheriff's Office

By: Marisela Burgos/Eyewitness News 9 | WNCT
Published: January 16, 2008

It's one of the highest profile cases ever, out of Onslow County. Now, the department is on a mission, and that's to find the man they believe murdered a pregnant Camp Lejeune Marine. Sheriff's deputies are working long hours trying to bring a close to a case, drawing national attention.

So, how has this case affected the Onslow County Sheriff's Office, and its ability to do its regular work?

The sheriff may have stepped away from the public eye, but that doesn't mean investigators' are stepping away from finding Cesar Laurean, the man accused of murdering a pregnant Marine and her unborn child.

“We believe we're going to catch him and getting info. Everyday that is leading up to his apprehension,” Captain Rick Sutherland says.

But, Sutherland doesn't hide the fact that this high-profile case has taken a toll on his dept.

“There may be other people with other investigations who may be becoming a little frustrated because their investigation doesn't get as much attention. Every other investigation is important. Our guys are going their best to work every case and not just this one,” Sutherland says.

Investigators say they're strained, the workload has increased, and patrols are constantly following tips and working on crime scenes. “The excess workload is a burden but everyone is doing a great job of staying in there and doing their job.

He says the extra work and frustration will not get in the way of finding Laurean and their other responsibilities in Onslow County.

Captain Sutherland thanks the navy investigators, the SBI and the Federal Government for their help. He says if it wasn't for them, they wouldn't have been able to handle all the workload.