A dispute over the possession of a utility trailer has led to a federal lawsuit alleging that local law enforcement officials wrongfully arrested and prosecuted a Washington County resident without probable cause. The complaint, filed by Tristan Spencer in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina on March 4, 2026, names Deputy Matthew Hasson, Sergeant Archie Quintana, and Sheriff Johnny Barnes as defendants.
According to court documents, Spencer asserts that he lawfully borrowed a utility trailer from his wife’s father. After the death of the owner, Denise Sutton requested its return. Spencer states that he asked for documentation confirming Sutton’s lawful authority before agreeing to surrender possession. Once proof was provided, he agreed that Sutton could retrieve the trailer.
The filing outlines several communications between Spencer and members of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office regarding the status of the trailer. On April 18, 2025, Spencer spoke with Deputy Hasson while out of town to arrange retrieval. The following Monday, Sergeant Quintana allegedly told him that failure to personally transport the trailer would result in arrest. Spencer reiterated that Sutton was authorized to retrieve it and stated he would not obstruct her efforts.
Spencer also contacted both the Sheriff’s Office and Magistrate’s Office multiple times seeking clarification about whether the dispute was civil or criminal in nature. He reports speaking directly with Magistrate Maurice Perry on several occasions and being informed repeatedly that “the matter appeared to be civil in nature rather than criminal.” Text messages provided by Plymouth’s Town Manager reportedly echoed this assessment.
Despite these representations, on April 21, 2025, Deputy Hasson sought and obtained a felony larceny warrant against Spencer. The complaint alleges that Hasson did not verify an independent valuation for the trailer—originally purchased for $829 but listed at $3,500 in charging documents—and failed to disclose exculpatory facts to the magistrate. These included Spencer’s authorization for retrieval and repeated contacts with authorities characterizing the matter as civil.
Spencer claims he did not conceal or damage the trailer nor refuse access; two weeks after issuance of the warrant, Sutton retrieved it without resistance. He further alleges that probable cause for felony larceny did not exist because there was no intent to permanently deprive anyone of property—a requirement under state law—and because material facts were omitted from warrant applications.
The lawsuit includes multiple claims: arrest without probable cause under the Fourth Amendment against Hasson and Quintana; malicious prosecution; judicial deception (Franks violation) against Hasson; official capacity liability against Sheriff Barnes based on alleged policies or customs regarding warrants; and state law claims for false arrest/false imprisonment against all defendants. It is alleged that “the Sheriff’s failure to intervene and subsequent ratification reflect deliberate indifference to clearly established constitutional rights,” including failing to require valuation verification or inclusion of exculpatory facts in warrant applications.
Spencer states he suffered loss of liberty, reputational harm, emotional distress, and other damages as a result of his arrest—which ultimately ended when “the District Attorney dismissed the charge in open court.” He seeks compensatory damages, punitive damages against individual defendants, attorney’s fees pursuant to federal statute, costs associated with bringing suit, trial by jury, and any other relief deemed just by the court.
The case is identified as Civil Action No. 2:26-cv-00014-M-KS. Tristan Spencer is representing himself according to contact information listed at 108 Bateman Street in Plymouth.
Source: 226cv00014_Spencer_v_Hasson_Complaint_Eastern_District_North_Carolina.pdf
