Benson Man Accused Of Filing False Police Report

Alfred-Lee-Coats-Jr.-FIOn March 5th, a Benson man reported he had been assaulted and a firearm stolen.  Now the man who filed the report has been arrested.

Johnston County deputies now say that 40 year-old Alfred Lee Coats Jr. of the 4800 block of Highway 50 North, fabricated the story.

Investigators said they do not believe Coats was assaulted and during questioning he allegedly admitted the gun in question was never stolen.

Coats was charged Saturday with filing a false police report, a misdemeanor. He was released on an unsecured bond pending an appearance in Johnston County District Court.