On June 17th, 2015, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a Fraud at a business on NC 33 Hwy E. in Blounts Creek. Deputies learned a suspect entered the store on June 15th & 16th and cashed two counterfeit paychecks from business in New Bern. The Sheriff’s Office began an investigation, collected evidence, and conducted interviews.
Additionally on June 17th, 2015, the Sheriff’s Office received a call from another business on NC 33 Hwy E. in Blounts Creek in reference to a suspect attempting to cash a counterfeit check. Deputies from the Patrol Division responded and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle leaving the scene.
As a result of information and evidence gathered during the investigation, Investigator Jonathan Fowler applied for and obtained warrants charging Mr. William Hugh Arnold, age 38, of 139 Sawyer Rd, Bayboro with two (2) counts of Felony Obtaining Property by False Pretense. Deputies with the Patrol Division also charged Arnold with one (1) count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and one (1) count of Carrying Concealed Weapons.
On June 17th, 2015, Mr. Arnold was arrested by Deputies with the Patrol Division and was held in the Beaufort County Detention Center on a $50,000.00 secure bond set by Magistrate E. Holmes. While in custody, Mr. Arnold was also served with several outstanding warrants from Craven County.
On June 24th, 2015 Investigator Fowler applied for and obtained additional warrants charging Mr. Arnold with, nine (9) counts of Felony Forgery of an Instrument, two (2) counts of Felony Uttering a Forged Instrument, one (1) count of Felony Possession of Stolen Property, one (1) count of Felony Possession of Greater than Five Counterfeit Instruments. Mr. Arnold was placed under an additional $75,000.00 secure bond by Magistrate D. Curtis.
On June 26th, 2015 as a result of further investigation, Investigator Fowler applied for and obtained additional warrants charging Mr. Arnold with three (3) counts of Habitual Felon, and one (1) count of Felony Attempted Obtaining Property by False Pretense. Mr. Arnold was held in the Beaufort County Detention Center under an additional $20,000 secure bond by Magistrate D. Sadler.
