A Georgia resident, Roderick Michael Bates, pleaded guilty on Mar. 24 to charges of identity theft and wire fraud after stealing from a farm machinery and equipment business in Salemburg, North Carolina.
The case highlights concerns about financial crimes affecting local businesses and the lengths perpetrators will go to commit such offenses across state lines.
According to court documents, Bates used stolen identities along with fake driver’s licenses to obtain financing for expensive farm equipment from a Sampson County business. He purchased items worth more than $65,000—including a zero-turn mower, an Evolution D5 Ranger golf cart, and dump trailers—and arranged for them to be shipped out of North Carolina.
Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton said, “I would like to thank our federal partners that helped bring this individual to justice. The citizens of Sampson County should know that our offices will work tirelessly to protect the property and livelihoods of every citizen. Regardless of distance, we will find them.”
Bates could face between two years minimum and up to 42 years in prison when sentenced later this year. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced the plea after it was accepted by U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers II. The FBI and the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case while Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Petracca is prosecuting.
Further information on this case can be found on the websites of both the Department of Justice and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or through PACER by searching Case No. 7:25-CR-00117-D-BM.
The outcome may serve as a warning about identity-related crimes targeting businesses in rural communities.
