The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office has taken action under a recently enacted state law requiring immigration status verification for certain detainees. Sheriff Darren Campbell provided details about the incident involving an undocumented immigrant charged with felony larceny.
On Thursday, December 12, 2024, Deputy S. Zalepka of the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Community Oriented Policing Unit (COPS) responded to a report of stolen jewelry. After gathering information from the victim about the suspect, deputies proceeded to East Wilson Avenue in Mooresville to investigate.
Upon arrival, deputies identified the suspect as Jackeline Sorayda Zamora-Sequeira. During their investigation, Zamora-Sequeira was found in possession of two stolen pieces of jewelry, valued at $17,449. She admitted to stealing the items while cleaning the victim’s residence in early August 2024.
Following the investigation, Deputy Zalepka arrested Zamora-Sequeira on a charge of Felony Larceny. She was transported to the Iredell County Detention Center, where Magistrate T. Thompson issued a $15,000 secured bond.
Zamora-Sequeira, an undocumented immigrant from Nicaragua, is being held under the provisions of North Carolina General Statute 162-62(b1), which took effect on December 1, 2024. The statute mandates that law enforcement verify the legal presence of individuals charged with a felony or impaired driving offense and detained for more than 24 hours in a county jail.
In accordance with the new law, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office submitted the required documentation to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to verify Zamora-Sequeira’s legal status. The Sheriff’s Office is now awaiting guidance and confirmation from ICE regarding further action.
This case marks one of the first instances of cooperation under the updated statute, reflecting its intended role in enhancing communication between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
