Friday, March 30, 2007

Fire Destroys Meadow Area Mobile Home

Fire swept through a mobile home off Lee-Johnson Road before noon Friday, totally consuming the trailer. A witness at the scene said a man who was in the trailer when it caught fire ran to a neighbor's home to call 911. He said the man was visiting a woman who reportedly lived at the trailer with her one-year-old son, but was not at home when the fire started. Firefighters from Meadow, and Plain View, in neighboring Sampson County , battled the blaze. The trailer, owned by Lloyd Earl Herring, was already fully engulfed in flames when crews arrived.

From left to right, Meadow Volunteer firefighters Jared Blackman, Justin Barefoot, Chief Randy Parker (in blue) and Mike Wood (in red cap) work to put out hot spots in the remains of a trailer that was completely destroyed by fire Friday. Photo courtesy The Daily Record

Bill Would Double Current Tax On Purchase Of New Vehicles

North Carolina consumers would have to pay more than double the current tax on the purchase of a new car or truck under a tax increase proposal introduced in the state senate last week. State Senator Dan Clodfelter (D-Charlotte) has introduced Senate Bill 1201, which would raise the Highway Use Tax on new vehicles purchased from 3 percent to 6.75 percent. If passed, the tax would raise approximately $900 million annually for the Highway Trust Fund. For the average consumer purchasing a vehicle, the tax would amount to an additional $20 for their monthly car payment, and represents the single largest tax increase on cars and trucks in state history. In addition, the bill would do away with trade-in deductions, meaning car buyers would pay the full 6.75 percent tax on the price of the new vehicle, even if they had a trade in. The bill already has a lot of opposition. Car dealers said the proposed tax hike would hurt working class people, even preventing some consumers from being able to afford buying a car.

Photo: Roger Wood, Internet Sales Manager, at Smithfield Chevrolet stands in front of a new 2007 Chevy Silverado. If a new bill, introduced by NC Senator Dan Clodfelter (D-Charlotte), is approved it would increase the tax on new cars and trucks from 3 to 6.75%. Car dealers are opposed to the tax increase

I-40 Lane Closures Expected To Cause Major Delays

The N.C. Department of Transportation will temporarily close the outside lane on I-40 East between Exit 306 (US 70) and Exit 312 (NC 42) in Wake and Johnston counties from 4am until 10pm on Saturday, weather permitting. The temporary lane closure will also occur each night from 7pm until 10am, beginning Monday, April 2 through Wednesday, April 4, weather permitting. Motorists traveling on I-40 should expect heavy delays during the lane closures and are encouraged to use an alternate route if possible. The posted speed limit for this work zone is 60 mph and will be reduced to 55 mph during lane closures. The closures are necessary to perform paving operations as part of the U.S. 70 Clayton Bypass, currently under construction. The $123 million project was awarded to S.T. Wooten Corp. and is expected to be complete in June 2009. File photo by Carter Rabil

Trooper Jeff "JJ" Creech Retires From Patrol

Nearly 300 people attended retirement ceremonies Thursday night for State Trooper Jeff “JJ” Creech of Smithfield. Creech, 50, retired this week, ending a 25-year career with the NC Highway Patrol. Creech graduated from Smithfield-Selma High in 1975 and began work as a surveyor with the Department of Transportation, then at W.L. Smith Supply Company in Smithfield. But during that time, Creech said he wanted to become a trooper. Creech joined the Smithfield Police Department in 1979 and in 1982 was accepted to the Highway Patrol. “I was raised on a farm. When you saw a trooper go down the road you had respect for him. It was a prestigious outfit,” Creech told WMPM. The same year Creech joined the Highway Patrol, he married his wife, Angie. They now have two children, Allison Johnson and Justin Creech. “JJ” Creech was stationed in Harnett County until 1990. Creech said he loved the folks in Harnett County but Johnston County was home and he wanted to be closer to his family. He even turned down two promotions in order to return to Johnston County, serving the citizens with integrity and honesty. “I know what’s right. You have to stand on your own two feet. Popular may be better, but it’s not always right,” he said. Trooper Creech, who is a Field Training Officer, was named Johnston County Trooper of the Year twice and Instructor of the Year three times at Johnston and Sampson Community Colleges where he taught law enforcement classes.

Creech served ten years on the patrol's prestigious honor and color guards. Creech is thankful to have survived 25 years on the roads. “A lot of guys don’t make it,” referring to fellow Trooper and friend Ed Lowery who was gunned down on I-95 in Cumberland County in 1997. Creech said he has had several close calls but he says his faith has prevailed. “God is first, my family is second, and the patrol is third. That has never changed.” Creech is credited with pulling a man from an overturned burning car on Highway 301 near Micro eight years ago. The driver, suffering from diabetes, crashed as Creech tried to stop his vehicle. But Trooper Creech said his most rewarding work has been training 19 troopers, as a field training officer, and seeing them succeed. As for his plans after retirement, Creech says he still wants to remain active. “I’ll always work,” he said laughingly. Creech also plans to spend more time with his family, including his mother, Rosalie Creech. As for any advice he has to offer to others, Trooper Creech said, “Everything good starts with a seed of discipline.”

Driver Critically Hurt In Highway 42 Accident

A Raleigh man is in critical condition following a pickup truck accident on Highway 42 in western Johnston County. It happened at midnight Thursday. The N.C. Highway Patrol said 21-year-old Christopher G. Rogers was traveling westbound when he ran off the roadway, struck a ditch bank and overturned. Trooper P.K. Watkins estimated Rogers was traveling 65mph in a 45mph zone in his 1999 Chevy truck. Alcohol is not believed to have played a factor. The accident still remains under investigation by Trooper Watkins.


Trooper P.K. Watkins makes notes while investigating a serious single vehicle accident at 11:59pm Thursday on Highway 42 West near NC50. The driver of the overturned truck, Christopher G. Rogers of Raleigh, was critically injured. Photo by Carter Rabil

3 Injured, 1 Seriously In Smithfield Collision

A Four Oaks man was seriously injured in a two car accident Thursday afternoon on Brightleaf Boulevard. Witnesses told Smithfield Police that Linwood Earl Johnson of Four Oaks failed to stop for a stop sign on Pitchi Street and pulled onto Brightleaf Boulevard (US301) into the path of a minivan driven by Michelle Silvey of Fremont. Smithfield firefighters had to cut the door off Johnson’s car to remove him from the wreckage. A passenger in Johnson’s car, David Wayne Johnson, 55, was also injured, but not seriously. Silvey received minor injuries. Linwood Johnson was charged by Officer J.A. Calzaretta Jr. with failing to yield.

Smithfield paramedics and firemen assist Linwood Earl Johnson onto a stretcher after extricating him from his car Thursday afternoon on N. Brightleaf Blvd. in Smithfield.

North Johnston Middle Teacher Becomes STAR DEN Member

Elizabeth Gainey, EC teacher at North Johnston Middle School, has completed the process to become a STAR DEN member of the Discovery Educator Network. DEN members are committed to sharing technology ideas and resources within a global community of educators. She can now access thousands of shared resources such as PowerPoint presentations created by other teachers. As a member, Elizabeth will be required to share at least two resources she has created as well as facilitate workshops on integrating technology in the classroom. She presented at the 2004 NCETC and has led a united streaming workshop at NJMS every year since 2004. She was presented a plaque, flash drive, and pin from Discovery Education. Elizabeth said, “My students enjoy lessons that are integrated with technology. Technology is a challenge for me, so I am excited about learning from other teachers.”

Impaired Juveniles Charged In Rash Of Car Break-Ins

Wilson’s Mills Police have solved a rash of car break-ins with the arrest of three juveniles. The 14- and 15-year-old suspects reportedly told police they were so highly intoxicated on marijuana at the time they broke into seven cars on March 15, they vaguely remember the incidents. Police Chief Steve Little said the burglaries occurred on Powhatan and Harrison Roads, within a three block radius of where the suspects lived. “Basically they were breaking into their neighbors’ cars,” Chief Little told WMPM. The juveniles face a combined total of nearly 30 felony offenses. Police have recovered some of the stolen property. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in the investigation.

Convicted Sex Offender Added To Most Wanted List

On Friday, a Smithfield man was added to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office Most Wanted List. Linwood Curtis Blizzard, 34, is wanted for failing to register as a sex offender. Blizzard’s last known address in January was on Yellow Stone Lane . He was convicted in 1993 in Wake County on second-degree rape charges. After serving 5 years of a 15 year sentence, he was released. Blizzard has lived at locations in Johnston , Nash, and Wake counties since his release from prison. Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Linwood Curtis Blizzard is asked to contact the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office at 919-989-5000.

Hit & Run Driver Charged With Causing $10,000 Damage To Smithfield Business

Police have made an arrest in a hit and run accident that caused $10,000 in damages to a Smithfield business. Last Saturday, employees at Neuse Indoor Lumber discovered a seven foot by nine foot hole in the side of the building. Thursday night, 24-year-old Adam Clayton Stewart of Peach Orchard Road, Four Oaks was charged with reckless driving and hit and run. Stewart reportedly told police he was too drunk to remember what happened. Smithfield Police found his Ford truck heavily damaged on Sanders Street in Four Oaks hours after the crash. Stewart was jailed on a $5,000 bond.

$1 Million Bond Set For Man Caught With Large Quantity Of Cocaine

Drug agents with the Smithfield Police Department seized a large quantity of cocaine following an undercover investigation. Lawrence McNeill, 24, of N. Wilson Avenue, Dunn was arrested during a traffic stop on West Market Street Thursday night. Police said they confiscated 69 grams of crack cocaine and 8.5 grams of marijuana with a street value of nearly $7,000. Agents also impounded his 2007 Dodge Charger. McNeill, whose arrest report listed him as being unemployed, was charged with trafficking cocaine by possession and transportation, and possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana. Bail was set at $1 million.

22 Pounds Of Pot Seized

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and Goldsboro Drug Squad seized 22 pounds of marijuana Wednesday with an estimated street value of $20,000. Darrell Jemell Johnson, 26, of Cherew, SC and Davie Bernard McFarlin, 18, of Goldsboro are charged with trafficking by possession of marijuana. The suspects were arrested at a location off Highway 117, with the assistance of the Wayne County Sheriff’s SWAT Team. Both men remain jailed under a $65,000 bond each.

Princeton Students Complete Embryology Project

The first grade classes at Princeton School completed an embryology project. Over a period of 21 days, the children rotated the eggs, observed the hatching of the chicks, and are now caring for them. It has provided the opportunity for the enhancement of reading and writing for the Princeton first graders.

Cooper Students Complete Spring Cleaning

All of the Kindergarten classes went on a hike through Cooper Elementary School’s nature trail on Tuesday, March 20, to pick up any litter that had made its’ way onto the trail during the winter months. The students had lots of fun and were very proud of their accomplishments to rid the trail of trash. In total, the kindergarteners collected nine bags of garbage and just one bike tire.

Barbershop Operator Accused Of Using Business To Sell Drugs

Stancil’s Barbershop, on Highway 222 West, sits yards away from two churches. At the business, the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office says, you could get more than just a haircut. Antonio Cyntel “AC” Stancil, 27, of Kenly is accused of selling cocaine and marijuana out of the barbershop. Sheriff’s Captain A.C. Fish said residents had been complaining for years about illegal activity at Stancil’s Barbershop on Highway 222 west of NC42, near Stancil’s Chapel. Drug agents were finally able to get enough evidence for a judge to sign a search warrant on Wednesday. Authorities said they found a pound of marijuana hidden behind the barbershop, and additional marijuana and cocaine concealed under brick pavers in front of the rural business. Inside, Captain Fish said agents found digital scales, money, a handgun and assault rifle. Several pit bull dogs were found at the property, including one animal that was dead. At least one of the dogs was showing signs of neglect, Captain Fish said. Stancil was charged with two counts of possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, and cruelty to animals. Bond was set at $103,500.

Groundbreaking Held For New East Carolina Farm Credit Office

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held Thursday afternoon for a new Smithfield branch office of East Carolina Farm Credit (ECFC). “The 4,606 square foot facility will serve our farmer-members in Johnston, Wayne and Wilson counties,” said Billy Parrish, a 34-year farm credit veteran and current Smithfield branch manager. East Carolina Farm Credit President Gene Charville said, “The $900,000 investment in this new facility is an effort to further address customer convenience, as well as better utilization of our real estate assets.” The new Smithfield office will be one of 12 branches serving farmers in 34 eastern NC counties. The building, on Highway 70 at Yelverton Grove Road , will replace the current Smithfield office on US70 West, and ECFC offices in Goldsboro . The facility should be completed in the fourth quarter of 2007. Jarman Construction Company of Kinston is the building contractor. East Carolina Farm Credit is a farmer-owned financial cooperative, and the leading provider of credit, $750 million in loans, to members in central and eastern North Carolina .


(L to R) Chris Coats, branch manager of the Goldsboro ECFC office, Billy Parrish, manager of the Smithfield ECFC office, ECFC President Gene Charville, Smithfield Mayor Norman Johnson, County Commissioner Cookie Pope, and ECFC board member Eldridge Westbrook, break ground on a new ECFC office on US70 East in Smithfield Thursday afternoon.

County Commissioners Planning Crackdown On Littering

Johnston County Commissioner Tony Braswell appeared on WMPM on Wednesday saying county commissioners are preparing to declare war on litterbugs. A Johnston County Litter Awareness program will be held April 17 at 7:30pm at the Johnston County Ag Center on Highway 210 near Smithfield . The public is invited to attend and to suggest ways the county can combat the growing problem of litter. Braswell said he wants to take a proactive approach to littering, which is an eyesore to local residents and those traveling through Johnston County .

5 Alarm Fire Destroys Kenly Home

Jancie Watkins, pictured in the green shirt, watches firefighters who extinguished a fire at her home Wednesday afternoon. Her home was a total loss.
It took crews from five departments to extinguish a fire Wednesday afternoon at a home on Hickory Crossroads Road outside of Kenly. Janice Watkins was waiting for a ride to go see her husband, Donnie, who was in the hospital. Watkins told firefighters she saw smoke in her living room, called 911, then ran outside the residence. Crews from Kenly, Micro, Princeton , Nahunta, and Poly Watson responded. Watkins said her home, built in 1940, was not insured. The home was a total loss. The Red Cross is assisting the Watkins family. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Johnston County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Fire Damages Selma Mobile Home

A fire heavily damaged a Selma mobile home on Wednesday. The occupant told Selma Police she had been cooking chicken on the stove and had left the residence only momentarily. When she returned her home, on Hunting Drive , was on fire. Selma fire responded and quickly extinguished the blaze.


Selma firefighters make entry into a mobile home on Hunting Drive in Selma that caught fire Wednesday. The fire appears to be accidental.

Four Oaks Middle 6th Grader Wins District Spelling Bee

Anna Mukamal, a sixth grade student at Four Oaks Middle, earned first place in this year's district Spelling Bee, held March 22 at Selma Elementary School . She was coached by Jennifer Arthur. Mukamal must have a major sponsor to advance to the national competition. Garnering second place was Wesley Gerstenkom , an eighth grader at McGee's Crossroads Middle. His coach was Kristen Blanda. Tyler Lindley, an eighth grader at Riverwood Middle, and coached by Harriet Baker finished in third place. Finalists were Cameron Jenkins from Cleveland Elementary, Roxanne Baker at Corinth Holders, Bailey Eckerle from East Clayton Elementary, Shane Hinton from Princeton, Zachary Boyles from West View, and Haley Creech from Wilson’s Mills Elementary.


Far right: Anna Mukamal, a sixth grader at Four Oaks Middle, is the winner of this years Johnston County Schools Spelling Bee. Wesley Gerstenkom (center), from McGee's Crossroads Middle, finished in second place. Tyler Lindley, from Riverwood Middle, finished in third.

Johnston County Education Foundation Elects New Officers


The Johnston County Education Foundation Board of Directors recently elected officers for 2007. Pictured: back row, left to right: Ted Godwin, Past President & Ann Benson, Secretary front row, left to right: Betty Pope, President & Marty Clayton, Marketing Director Not pictured: Kyle McDermott, Treasurer. The Johnston County Education Foundation officers and directors serve as volunteers, promoting innovation, involvement, and excellence in the public schools through the prudent administration of privately-funded programs, grants, and scholarships.

Driving Costs To Average 49 Cents A Mile This Year

It is expected to cost North Carolina motorists 49 cents for every mile they drive their sedan in 2007, if the price of gasoline in the state maintains its current average price of $2.52 a gallon for self-serve, unleaded. Gasoline costs would total $1,335 for the year or 8.9 cents a mile driving 15,000 annual miles. The price of gasoline is the most volatile factor in predicting vehicle operating costs and is the most expensive component of operating a vehicle. Depreciation is the single most expensive component of owning a vehicle. “In today’s mobile society, driving a vehicle is essential for work, play and everyday living,” said David E. Parsons, president and CEO of AAA Carolinas. “Our annual driving cost analysis allows motorists to determine just how much it costs to own and operate a vehicle in the Tar Heel State.” Based on driving 15,000 miles a year, the owner of a car would, on average, spend a total of $7,530 for insurance, maintenance, gasoline, tires, taxes, registration, depreciation and finance charges. For the first time, a calculation was also done for sport utility vehicles, which would cost $9,615 a year to own and operate – $2,085 more than the average sedan.

Little River Bridge On Highway 39 Reopens

The detour signs have been taken down, and Highway 39 is once again open for motorists from Selma to Highway 42. The DOT closed a stretch of Highway 39 last September to replace the Buffalo Creek and Little River Bridges. The Buffalo Creek Bridge reopened in February. The Little River Bridge reopened a few days ago. The Little River Bridge was built in the 1920’s and was only 21 feet wide. The new bridge cost $850,000. The new Buffalo Creek Bridge cost $733,000 to replace.

Support Growing For Investigation In Aero Contractors

Support is growing among human rights groups calling for a state investigation into Aero Contractors based at the Johnston County Airport in Smithfield . The company has been accused of transporting terrorist suspects for the CIA to countries that allow torture during interrogations. Two dozen state lawmakers have joined the groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, who has asked Gov. Mike Easley to initiate an investigation. Aero Contractors also rents a hangar at the Global TransPark in Kinston for a Boeing Business Jet, which was too heavy to fly out of the Smithfield airport. However, there are no records of Aero Contractors making any payments to the state for the hangar they lease for the jet. So far, Gov. Easley and other state leaders have rejected requests for an investigation into Aero Contractors actions.

Money Being Raised To Pay For 188 Acres Of Land At Bentonville Battlefield

The Civil War Preservation Trust is trying to raise money to purchase an additional 188 acres at the Bentonville Battlefield in southern Johnston County . The trust needs to raise $80,000 to get a $720,000 matching grant from the state and federal government to finish paying for the property. Last year, the trust was able to secure 300 acres of land at Bentonville. Altogether, the battlefield site in March 1865 covered 6,000 acres.

Motorcycle Crash Seriously Injures Clayton Man

A Clayton man was seriously hurt in a motorcycle accident Tuesday afternoon on Buffalo Road outside of Selma . Andres Lopez, 42, of Fire Department Road , was riding his 2001 Suzuki southbound on Buffalo Road when he veered off the roadway, struck a concrete culvert and was ejected. Lopez suffered broken bones in the accident. Lopez had temporary tags on the motorcycle, and Trooper J.S. Partin said Lopez had gotten insurance on the motorcycle hours before the accident. Trooper Partin charged Lopez with exceeding a safe speed. Photo by Carter Rabil

Arrest Made In Stabbing Of Teenager

Selma Police have made an arrest in the weekend stabbing of a teenager. Brandon Green, 19, was stabbed in the face with a knife during a confrontation Sunday night on Hunting Drive . Following an investigation, police arrested 20-year-old Antoine Lamar Wallace of Pollock Street , Selma . Wallace is charged with assault with a deadly weapon, communicating threats, and trespassing. Bail was set at $26,000.

3 Robbed Outside Convenience Store

The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the armed robbery of three people outside a convenience store. The victim’s had stopped to use a payphone outside Dean’s Grocery on Highway 39 when three men approached, one armed with a shotgun, and demanded their money. Another vehicle pulled in the parking lot during the robbery and the suspect armed with the weapon pointed it at the driver of the car and demanded he leave. The suspects fled moments later in a gray passenger car with chrome rims. None of the victims were injured.

Middle School Student, Acquaintance Arrested On Felony Drug Charges

A Smithfield Middle School student was arrested Tuesday on felony cocaine possession charges. Brandon Stanley, 16, of Smithfield was reportedly caught with a small quantity of cocaine in a vehicle stopped on Highway 301 near Four Oaks. Another person in the vehicle, James Leonard Parker, 40, of Four Oaks was also arrested on felony cocaine possession charges by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.

One Person Injured In Two Car Collision

One person received minor injuries in a two car collision Wednesday at the intersection of North Street and Seventh Street in Smithfield . A Cadillac and mini-SUV collided at the intersection. Smithfield Police, Fire, and EMS responded to the scene. EMS crews transported one of the drivers to Johnston Memorial for minor injuries.

Teens Charged In String Of Convenience Store Robberies

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office, Garner Police, and Raleigh Police jointly solved a string of convenience store robberies that occurred Monday. The robberies occurred at the Garner BP Family Fare Store on US70, the Circle K on Fayetteville Road , and the BP Gas Station on Olympia Drive in Raleigh . All the crimes were committed in less than six hours. Matthew Tyler Lee, 17, and Jamie Truette Smith, 18, both of Raleigh are charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon. They were placed in the Wake County Jail under a $1 million bond each.

Eight Fires In 5 Days Blamed On Arsonist -

Local and state authorities are working to catch a fire bug believed to be responsible for as many as eight grass and woods fires in 5 days. All the fires have been intentionally set within a few miles of each other in the Blackmon’s Crossroads area. Johnston County Fire Marshal Harold Henrich said the fires started last Thursday, and there has been a fire every day except Sunday. Blackmon’s Crossroads firemen have been dispatched to 4 of the fires, but while responding to the area or putting out the first fire, have found the others. On Monday, firefighters were putting out a fire on Hockaday Road when they discovered another blaze had been extinguished by a concrete truck driver on Blackmon Road . Henrich said the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and NC Forestry Service are assisting with the search for the arsonist. This is not the first time a fire bug has set fires in the rural area outside of Four Oaks. Between April and July 2004, five suspicious fires were set within a one mile radius, including two the same night. Three of the fires were set in hay fields, including one blaze on July 20, 2004 that burned 13 bales on hay on a farm owned by C.P. Thompson on Strickland’s Crossroads Road . According to statistics, most arsonists are white males under age 30, from low to middle class families, have a subnormal IQ, and are seen by their peers as a social misfit. Most arsonists have a criminal history. Arson is the nation’s fastest growing crime, according to a report from NC Wesleyan College.

PHOTO: Two Blackmon's Crossroads volunteer firemen spray water on a woods fire Monday on Hockaday Road. Eight fires in five days, all in the same area, are believed to have been intentionally set.

Rest Home Patient Critical Burned

A patient at the Oasis Rest Home in Four Oaks remains in critical condition Tuesday at the UNC Burn Center in Chapel Hill after accidentally setting himself on fire. David Medlin was in a smoking area at the facility when employees heard a commotion. They found the 61-year-old wheelchair bound man on fire from the waist up. A worker extinguished the fire but not before Medlin was badly burned. Officials suspect Medlin may have mistakenly placed a lit cigarette in his pocket. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Social Services are investigating.

Driver Seriously Hurt After Truck Strikes Tree -

A Four Oaks woman underwent emergency surgery at Duke Medical Center Tuesday after being seriously hurt in a single vehicle crash Tuesday morning on Devil’s Racetrack Road . The Highway Patrol said 29-year-old Betsy Carol Hunnings was a short distance from her home when she veered off the roadway in a curve and struck a tree. Troopers estimate Hunnings was traveling 75mph in a 55mph zone, in a 1990 Ford pickup, at the time of the 1:15am accident. The accident remains under investigation by Trooper C.E. Butler.

Construction Company Owner Facing Fraud Charges

The owner of a construction company is facing charges of defrauding a Johnston County homeowner in 2005. Charles Reinert, with Charles Reinert Construction, is accused of accepting $10,000 to do work at the home of Trixie Brooks in the Cleveland community two years ago but never did any work. The victim told authorities Reinert said he couldn’t do the job without being paid upfront. Reinert, who lives in Cary , was charged with obtaining property by false pretenses, a felony offense.