Clayton Storage Break-In Investigation Leads To Arrest

CLAYTON, N.C. — A Clayton woman has been charged after investigators say she sold a cellphone stolen during a break-in at a rental storage unit.

The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office said the case began Jan. 28 when a 27-year-old Clayton man reported his storage unit on Loop Road had been forcibly entered. About $2,080 in property was taken, including tools, automotive parts and a cellphone.

During the investigation, deputies learned the stolen phone had been sold Feb. 5 through an EcoATM kiosk located at Walmart in Clayton.

Authorities identified the person who completed the transaction as Amber Nicole Strickland, 33, of Fox Ridge Drive.

Strickland turned herself in to deputies on March 9 and was served with warrants charging her with felony obtaining property by false pretense and misdemeanor possession of stolen property.

Investigators said the probe into the storage unit break-in remains ongoing and additional charges are possible.