BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. — Authorities have arrested a Massachusetts woman in connection with an alleged large-scale fraud scheme that targeted a resident of Ocean Isle Beach.
The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) announced that Sabrina Johnson was taken into custody for her suspected role in a financial scam involving false claims from individuals posing as representatives of Publisher’s Clearing House.
Investigators say the victim was contacted in early 2025 and informed he had won $4 million and a Mercedes-Benz. To receive the prize, the victim was told to pay various IRS and FDIC fees.
According to BCSO, the victim ultimately lost his retirement and investment savings, totaling nearly $500,000. The losses included mailed checks and gift cards sent to out-of-state entities, including BTW Enterprises LLC.
During the investigation, authorities determined that BTW Enterprises LLC received approximately $214,800 from the victim and had ties to suspicious financial activity linked to fraud cases in other states.
Based on the findings, investigators established probable cause for two counts of obtaining property by false pretenses. An arrest warrant for Johnson was issued on Dec. 22.
Johnson was arrested on Dec. 31 in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and is currently awaiting extradition to North Carolina.
