SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. — A 42-year-old man from Southern Pines, Thomas McLaughlin, is accused of breaking into a vehicle and using a stolen credit card to purchase over $1,600 worth of merchandise.
On August 9, 2024, the Aberdeen Police Department received a report of credit card fraud linked to a vehicle break-in that occurred on August 8, 2024. Aberdeen Police Chief Brian Chavis stated that the investigation revealed the stolen credit cards were used to make significant purchases at various businesses in Aberdeen.
Following a review of video surveillance, investigators identified McLaughlin as a suspect. He was later apprehended in Cabarrus County, where a magistrate set his secured bond at $2,000.
McLaughlin faces two counts of felony identity theft and two counts of felony obtaining property by false pretenses. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.