A 32-year-old Rockingham man is facing a misdemeanor charge after allegedly continuing to call 911 despite being instructed to use the emergency system only for legitimate emergencies.
According to an arrest warrant issued August 20 by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, Matthew Adam Oxendine allegedly continued calling 911 for emergency services after being told by the Sheriff’s Office not to contact the emergency communications center unless an emergency existed.
Oxendine was charged with misdemeanor misuse of the 911 system and booked into the Richmond County Jail under a $1,000 unsecured bond.
His first court appearance was held August 21. His next scheduled court hearing is September 24.
Court records cited by the Richmond County Daily Journal show Oxendine was previously charged with misuse of the 911 system in 2024 and again in April 2025.
Misuse of emergency services can tie up dispatchers and telephone lines needed by people experiencing potentially life-threatening situations. Residents should call 911 only when immediate assistance is needed from law enforcement, firefighters or emergency medical personnel.
The charge is an allegation. Oxendine is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Source: Richmond County Daily Journal
