KINSTON, NC – The Kinston Police Department (KPD) has been actively investigating a fraud case involving stolen and forged checks from Blizzard Walls Inc., leading to multiple arrests.
Suspects Identified and Arrested
On March 7, 2025, KPD arrested Montaris Johnson, 26, of Snow Hill, on multiple charges related to the case. Further investigations led detectives to issue warrants for Paul Hardy III, 29, and Shenika Hardy, 33, both of Kinston.
On March 25, 2025, officers from KPD’s C-Squad apprehended Paul Hardy III during a traffic stop, taking him into custody without incident. He faces several felony charges, including:
Obtain Property by False Pretense
Identity Theft
Forgery
Aid and Abet Forgery
Uttering a Forged Instrument
Accessing Computers to Commit a Felony
Aiding and Abetting a Felony (3 counts)
Hardy was transported to Lenoir County Jail and placed under a secured bond.
Shenika Hardy Turns Herself In
Later the same day, Shenika Hardy voluntarily surrendered to KPD detectives. She was served with multiple charges, including:
Obtain Property by False Pretense
Identity Theft (2 counts)
Forgery of an Instrument
Possession of a Counterfeit Instrument
Accessing Computers to Commit a Felony
Felony Conspiracy (2 counts)
Misdemeanor Conspiracy (2 counts)
Aiding and Abetting a Felony (3 counts)
Shenika Hardy was also booked into Lenoir County Jail under a secured bond.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue their investigation into the forged check scheme, and additional arrests or charges may follow. KPD encourages anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement.
