If you drive about three hours west of Louisburg, you will arrive in Mooresville. The fast-growing town is perhaps best known as home to a number of NASCAR racing teams. Some headlines were generated there recently after a resident was arrested and charged with theft crimes, including felony breaking and entering.
Law enforcement officials said the 36-year-old man broke into a convenience store, stole lottery tickets and later tried to cash the stolen tickets in.
According to the county sheriff’s office, someone forced their way through the front doors of a convenience store at a highway gas station. An alarm apparently notified police, but by the time officers arrived, the suspect (or suspects) had fled the area.
The business’s owner arrived, examined the property and informed deputies that it appeared that the only items taken were lottery tickets.
A short, sparsely detailed article on the incident says police identified the man later arrested as the suspect, though it does not state how or why officers came to that conclusion.
The man was later spotted while driving by a deputy, pulled over and arrested. He now faces the following charges:
- Felony breaking and entering
- Felony larceny after breaking and entering
- Felony obtaining of property by false pretense
According to a news report, he faces five counts of the latter charge, related to apparently cashing in stolen lottery tickets.
If he is convicted of felony breaking and entering (a Class H felony), he could face a minimum of four months confinement, with a maximum of 25 months behind bars.
Those facing similar possible punishments in Franklin County should decline to speak to a prosecutor until they have discussed their legal options with an attorney experienced in criminal defense.