Today's NC Political News briefs
RALEIGH — North Carolina agencies released several statewide public safety and consumer protection updates in recent days, including a warning about a resurfaced jury duty scam, new insurance fraud charges and a nuisance abatement case involving a Wilson motel.
Attorney general warns of resurfaced jury duty scam
Attorney General Jeff Jackson and Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe are warning North Carolinians about a resurfaced jury duty scam targeting Wake County residents. The N.C. Department of Justice said scammers are impersonating law enforcement officers and falsely claiming that residents missed jury duty and may be arrested unless they immediately pay a fine. State officials said law enforcement agencies will not call people to demand payment or threaten arrest over missed jury duty.
Hoke County man charged in insurance fraud case
The N.C. Department of Insurance announced the arrest of Kadeem Welch-Norton, 32, of Raeford, on charges of obtaining property by false pretense, possession of stolen goods and conspiracy. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey said the case involved stolen and altered checks, including a check from Erie Insurance Co. The department said Navy Federal Credit Union released $17,973.38 into Welch-Norton’s account through the checks. Welch-Norton surrendered to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office on June 5 and is scheduled to appear in Cumberland County District Court on June 24. The charges are accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Court order issued in Wilson motel nuisance case
The N.C. Department of Public Safety said a temporary restraining order has been issued in a nuisance abatement case involving America’s Best Value Inn on U.S. 301 South in Wilson. According to DPS, the Wilson Police Department and the City of Wilson requested assistance from the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division in March after a prolonged period of criminal activity at the property. DPS said the investigation found a history of illegal drug sales, drug-related overdoses, assaults, homicides, child abuse and prostitution at the motel. The court order restricts the property’s use, prohibits its sale, requires nuisance-related criminal activity to stop and prevents new tenants from occupying the premises pending further court proceedings.
