Deputies seeking to understand the motive behind theft of Union County foreclosure documents

MONROE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Deputies are investigating a brazen and bizarre theft from the Union County Courthouse where deputies say a woman took dozens of documents all linked to foreclosures and auctions of homes.

Deputies say the theft happened in a spot that’s off to the side of the downtown Monroe facility away from the view of security.

Detectives believe they know what happened last Friday afternoon inside the courthouse, but they don’t understand why.

“It’s pretty strange, pretty unique case for us here in Union County, the first case that I can remember of anything like this happening,” said Lt. James Maye of the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say a woman just strolled into the courthouse and one by one, snatched around 50 documents.

“This is in a publicly viewable place because it is publicly viewable information,” said Maye.

But the documents are not supposed to be taken. They’re notices of foreclosure and upcoming auctions on homes.

“Once these notices are posted, a lot of them have to stay in place for 30, 60, 90 days, and those documents being removed will basically interrupt that posting period,” Maye explained.

That could mean delays on foreclosures and auctions and means more work at the courthouse and for investigators.

“As you can imagine, researching 50-60 different processes, tax IDs, it’s going to take us awhile,” said Maye.

Deputies put the woman’s picture out to the public hoping to get answers from her soon.

“It’s important for us to find her and figure out the why behind this whole thing,” Maye said. “We’re trying to figure out quickly so that if it is a scam, we can stop it before it affects our residents.”

Deputies say right now the woman is not facing any charges but that could change as they learn more in their investigation.

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