Police: Benson Employee Linked To About $13,000 In Store Losses

BENSON, N.C. – A former employee of a downtown Benson hardware store has been arrested on felony charges after police allege he used fraudulent merchandise returns to take approximately $13,000 from the business.

Matthew Dylan Norris, 25, of Elton Lane, Benson, was arrested Aug. 19 by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office on warrants obtained by Benson Police charging him with five counts of larceny by employee.

Norris had worked at Medlin & Dorman Ace Hardware, 216 E. Main Street, from July 2025 until June 2026.

The investigation began in June after the business reported suspected employee theft to Benson Police.

Police said a review of store records and surveillance video identified more than 100 alleged fraudulent cash-register transactions during Norris’ employment.

Security video from Medlin & Dorman Ace Hardware allegedly shows Matthew Dylan Norris removing cash from a register and placing it in his pocket. The footage is one of more than 100 suspected fraudulent transactions linked to the 25-year-old former employee.

Investigators allege Norris would enter fraudulent merchandise returns into the register, then remove the corresponding amount of cash. In other instances, police say he took cash directly from the register while making change for customers.

Police estimate approximately $13,000 was taken during the period under investigation. The five felony charges currently filed against Norris, however, only involve approximately $700 in alleged cash thefts.

Norris was released after a bondsman posted his $20,000 secured bond. He is awaiting his next court appearance.