On May 29, detectives of the Pinehurst Police Department opened a fraud investigation after receiving information that a resident was the victim of a scam. It was reported that the suspect had fraudulently acquired a large sum of money from the person over time.
Through an exhaustive investigation, detectives discovered the suspect was a contract mail carrier for the United States Postal Service and used that position of trust to allegedly obtain over a half-million dollars from the person, according to the Pinehurst Police Department in a press release.
On Aug. 9, Pinehurst Police Detectives arrested Latanya Verbal, 53, of Carthage, on charges of one count of exploitation of an elder and 31 counts of obtaining property by false pretenses. Verbal was placed at the Moore County Detention Center under a $25,000 secured bond.
“Our detectives are relentless in their pursuit of those who would take advantage of our seniors,” said Police Chief Glen Webb. “I am proud of the challenging work they do.”
This is an ongoing investigation, and more charges may be forthcoming. If you have any information on this case, please contact the Pinehurst Police Department at 910-295-3141 or the anonymous tip line at 910-420-1654.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Photo via Pinehurst Police Department.
