Deputies Recover Lost Laptop, Charge Princeton Man With Felony

PRINCETON, N.C. – An 18-year-old Johnston County man mistakenly drove away with his laptop sitting on top of his car.

Within hours, the computer had been recovered and a Princeton man was facing a felony larceny charge.

The incident began around 10 p.m. Aug. 26 on Crocker Road.

The 18-year-old told authorities he was leaving his driveway and had forgotten that his laptop was on top of his vehicle. Somewhere along Crocker Road, the computer fell off.

He realized what had happened and returned within minutes to look for it.

While searching, the man reportedly encountered Joseph Martin Anderson, 36, of Woodard Road, riding a bicycle. The victim told authorities he asked Anderson about the missing laptop.

The missing laptop was reported to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.

As part of their investigation, deputies went to Anderson’s residence a short time later. The sheriff’s office said the missing laptop, valued at approximately $1,500, was recovered there.

Anderson was arrested and charged with felony larceny. He was taken to the Johnston County Detention Center and held under a $15,000 secured bond.