A lesson in tough love: Police make an example of a convicted felon
HIGH POINT — James McConico Jr. had his chances.
Drugs, weapons, robberies, assaults, kidnappings, sex offenses, resisting arrest and more — he had been arrested 33 times by High Point police in recent years in connection with various crimes in the city’s Southside.
He was convicted May 27 in connection with an armed robbery and assault case related to drug trafficking last September. He will spend at least the next 30 years in state prison.
He’s just 21 years old.
McConico’s fate wasn’t sealed overnight. Police said McConico, known on the streets as “Papa D,” was warned multiple times to stop his criminal behavior and was offered help through the High Point violent crime reduction strategy to get his life in line.
“They offered him help finding a job, help with whatever his needs were to make lifestyle changes that would help him avoid a life of violence,” said Chief Jim Fealy.
“This community offered him help. They offered him a better path. They offered him love. But instead he chose to be a significant threat to the safety of this community.”
Officers hit the streets in Southside on Wednesday to spread word of McConico’s conviction and emphasize that violence will not be tolerated in High Point.
Fealy said McConico is a prime example of the tough love the police and community will give offenders who do not heed their calls to stop the violence.
Through the crime reduction strategy, police focus on major criminal suspects in High Point and reach out to them, giving a stern warning about their activities and the consequences if they don’t stop.
The suspect is then offered assistance through various organizations with whatever help he needs to get his life turned around. Assistance can include anything from drug rehabilitation, housing, getting an education or something as simple as encouragement.
“We have lots of poster children good and bad,” Fealy said.
“There are success stories of people dramatically changing their lives. There are others... who didn’t get the message and have been sent away to the state or federal penitentiary for a very long time.”
Reaction from residents in Southside on Wednesday included surprise and praise when hearing McConico had been removed from the streets.
“It’s a good idea (for police to let the community know),” said A.G., an elderly woman who said she had lived in the community for more than 50 years.
“It was such a nice neighborhood but everything had gotten rotten, but everything has started to turn around.” The woman refused to give her full name over fear of retaliation.
“There are bad things going on in the neighborhood, and I’m sick of it,” she said, before mentioning a known drug-house within sight of her front porch.
While noting McConico’s arrest is a sign of progress of making the city a safer place, Fealy said there is plenty of work to be done.
“These are still communities that need our help,” Fealy said.
“It’s important to make sure that our residents in our neighborhoods know that they are not alone.”
Contact Ryan Seals at 373-7077 or ryan.seals@news-record.com
Accompanying Photos
Photo Caption: High Point Detective Kevin Ray talks with a family at 810 Cliffside Ave. as he hands out fliers.
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