Deputies Charge Smithfield Man In Armed Robbery

SELMA, N.C. — A Smithfield man has been arrested in connection with the armed robbery of a Kenly man who investigators say was lured from a motel to a home outside Selma, where he was pistol-whipped and robbed of a large amount of cash.

Dexter Antwoine Sanders, 35, of the 7800 block of Brogden Road, Smithfield, was arrested July 18 by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.

Sanders has been charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon, discharging a weapon into occupied property, discharging a firearm to incite fear, felony conspiracy, possession of a firearm by a felon, and assault with a deadly weapon.

According to the sheriff’s office, the robbery occurred on July 6 at a residence on Old Beulah Road outside Selma.

Investigators said the 42-year-old victim was staying at a motel in Kenly when he met an unknown woman who claimed she could help him relocate to a nicer motel.

The victim agreed to ride with the woman. Instead of taking him to another motel, she allegedly drove him to the Old Beulah Road residence, where Sanders was waiting.

According to the incident report, Sanders allegedly produced a handgun and pointed it at the victim. The victim initially believed Sanders was joking until he was struck in the head with the firearm.

Investigators said Sanders then fired a round inside the residence before stealing a large, undisclosed amount of cash from the victim.

The victim suffered minor injuries during the robbery. He later told investigators the stolen cash had been money he had been saving for his children.

The incident was reported to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office on July 14, eight days after it allegedly occurred.

The investigation remains ongoing.