Clayton Man Convicted After String Of Residential Break-Ins

JOHNSTON COUNTY – A Clayton man arrested in 2024 following a string of residential break-ins has been sentenced to prison.

Danny Lamont Avery received two consecutive prison sentences of 103 to 136 months in connection with the break-ins that occurred in Clayton between October 2023 and February 2024.

The sentence was handed down on July 31 following a trial in front of the Superior Court Judge Thomas H. Lock.

Avery was convicted by a jury of seven felonies associated with the break-ins. Following the jury verdict, he admitted his status as a Habitual Felon.

The charges arose from a string of residential breaking and enterings in the area of Barber Mill Road beginning in the late fall of 2023 and extending into early 2024. During that time, Avery broke into properties belonging to at least four different homeowners. He left behind DNA and video evidence at the scenes.

The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office investigated the break-ins.

At both the trial and the sentencing hearing, the State of North Carolina was represented by Assistant District Attorney Kristin Terwey.

“A person’s home should be their safe place. A place where they can feel secure in their own physical wellbeing and confident that their property will be there when they return from being away. For years this defendant has taken that sense of security away from too many in our community. Not anymore,” said ADA Terwey.

“We want to thank the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office for their thoroughness in the investigation of this case. Our office takes break-ins, especially residential break-ins, very seriously and will continue to prosecute those who repeatedly violate the law to the fullest extent,” said Johnston County District Attorney Jason Waller.