Today's NC Political News briefs
RALEIGH — North Carolina agencies and lawmakers released several statewide government updates this week, including criminal tax enforcement, insurance fraud charges and an upcoming legislative calendar that includes finance, local government and property tax measures.
Mecklenburg nonprofit executive director found guilty in state tax case
The N.C. Department of Revenue said Terri Lynette Howard, 68, of Lancaster, South Carolina, was found guilty May 29 on two felony counts of obtaining property by false pretenses in a state tax case investigated by the department’s Criminal Investigations Division.
According to NCDOR, Howard was the executive director of the nonprofit A Place for Heroes. The department said information presented during trial showed Howard unlawfully obtained about $217,817.44 in sales tax refunds by filing fraudulent nonprofit refund claims.
Superior Court Judge S. Thomas Currin II sentenced Howard to two consecutive sentences totaling 79 to 117 months, suspended for 60 months of supervised probation. NCDOR said Howard was ordered to complete 90 days in custody and pay restitution. Source: N.C. Department of Revenue, June 3, 2026.
Mecklenburg County man charged in insurance fraud case
Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced June 3 that Dominick Shevonta Phifer, 34, of Charlotte, was charged with insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property under false pretense.
The N.C. Department of Insurance said Phifer was involved in a vehicle accident Nov. 30, 2025, obtained an automobile insurance policy Feb. 5, 2026, and later falsely told the insurance company the crash occurred Feb. 12, 2026. Department investigators accused Phifer of attempting to obtain $19,371.77 from the insurer.
Phifer was served a criminal summons May 26 and is scheduled to appear in Mecklenburg County District Court on June 25. Source: N.C. Department of Insurance, June 3, 2026.
General Statutes Commission scheduled to meet June 5
The N.C. General Assembly calendar listed a 10 a.m. Friday, June 5, meeting of the General Statutes Commission in rooms 1228/1327 of the Legislative Building.
The same calendar lists House and Senate sessions for Monday, June 8, followed by several House committee meetings Tuesday, June 9, including finance, state and local government, health, and deannexation-related meetings. Source: N.C. General Assembly legislative calendar.
