All tagged lawsuit
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 5 approved a budget ordinance amendment related to the settlement of a lawsuit stemming from the renovation of the county administration building, with county officials repeatedly emphasizing that taxpayer dollars were not used.
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners opened its first meeting of 2026 on Jan. 5 by honoring the late Commissioner Roland Best before approving a series of economic development, budget, and administrative actions, including financing for a new industrial shell building and additional legal support for the Department of Social Services.
Lenoir County says an external cybersecurity breach led to the $1.34 million payment error and has asked the FBI to investigate after an internal review confirmed its systems were secure. According to the statement, the County is negotiating in good faith with the contractor to resolve the dispute without burdening taxpayers.
Berry Building Group is suing Lenoir County and several county officials for more than $1.3 million, alleging a sophisticated email scam rerouted government payments to criminals. The lawsuit, filed July 3 and file-stamped July 17, arrives as the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, with FBI assistance, investigates the fraud. County leaders say the probe remains “very active” and have no further comment.
The City of Kinston must pay $850,000 toward a $1,850,000 settlement to Howard Dudley who was indicted in 1992 on charges of first-degree sexual offense and taking indecent liberties with a minor. He was convicted after a two-day trial. The $850,000 settlement has been paid out of the General Fund. According to the FY 2021-2022 City of Kinston budget, one penny on the tax rate equates to $136,350 in the General Fund. The City of Kinston raised property taxes by $0.04 per $100 of valuation in the 2021/2022 budget.
Local news delivered to your inbox every day at 7am. Free, always.
