LCSO: Identity Theft Investigation Leads to Arrest in Lenoir County

The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Johnston County woman following an investigation into an identity theft case involving a Lenoir County resident.

On November 12, 2025, deputies received a report of identity theft after a Lenoir County resident discovered that someone had used their personal information to open an energy account. The suspect accumulated approximately $3,000 in electricity charges before the service was eventually cut off. The victim later became aware of the fraudulent account months afterward when contacted by a debt collector regarding the outstanding balance.

Detectives with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office investigated the matter and obtained warrants for Tara Hamilton, 45. With assistance from the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, Hamilton was arrested on February 25, 2026.

Hamilton was charged with the following offenses:

Identity Theft

Obtaining Property by False Pretenses

Following her arrest, Hamilton was given a $5,000 secured bond and was confined at the Johnston County Jail.