Man charged in smoke alarm scam
By Ethan Smith
Published in News on September 16, 2016 10:09 AM
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Billy Wayne Steen
A Kenly man was arrested Sept. 10 after Fremont residents began complaining that a man was telling them he was with the Summerville Fire Department and was collecting donations for inspecting smoke alarms.
Billy Wayne Steen, 41, of 586 Boswell Road, Kenly, is allegedly the individual who was pretending to represent the fire department and was reportedly wearing a Summerville Fire Department shirt while requesting donations for inspecting smoke alarms.
The victims of the scheme reportedly gave $10 to Steen and would make an appointment for Steen to come back and inspect their smoke alarm, but Steen would never return.
After authorities checked with the chief of the Summerville Fire Department, they learned no one with the department was conducting smoke alarm inspections.
A felony warrant for Steen's arrest was issued, and he was arrested and charged with felony obtaining property by false pretense.
He was given a $2,500 secured bond.