Two women charged with larceny in theft of lottery tickets from convenience store

BEAULAVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Two employees of a Speedy Mart in Buelaville were charged after law enforcement found they had stolen lottery tickets.

During the investigation, law enforcement found that Shameka Jones and Maryann Howard had stolen approximately 104 lottery tickets from the business. The combined value of the tickets was approximately $3,450. The employees also cashed in winning lottery tickets, totaling approximately $1,910 combined.

Jones was arrested on Sept. 6 and charged with:

• Five counts of larceny by an employee
• Five counts embezzlement
• Five counts obtaining property by false pretense
• Five counts conspiracy to commit a felony

Jones was jailed in the Duplin County Jail under a $20,000 unsecured bond. She has been released.

Howard was charged with:

• Larceny by an employee
• Embezzlement
• Obtaining property by false pretense
• Five counts conspiracy to commit a felony

Howard was jailed in the Duplin County Jail under a $10,000 unsecured bond. She has also been released.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.