JOHNSTON COUNTY – A man wanted by authorities in Johnston County has been located and arrested in Wilson County. Robert Ward Evans Jr., age 57, of Wilson, also of Kinston, NC, is charged with two felony counts of obtaining property by false pretense.
Evans, who allegedly operates Cornerstone Enterprise, met with an 83 year-old Johnston County man in May 2023. Evans promised to build a 14 by 40 foot tiny home and have it delivered for $29,000. The elderly man paid Evans the money.
In June 2022, Evans reportedly called the man again, this time asking for an additional $5,000 to install the HVAC system. The victim immediately paid the money.
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Offices said Evans never delivered the tiny home as promised. He also failed to return multiple phone calls and messages left by the victim.
The victim reached out to the sheriff’s office on July 25. After a month-long investigation, warrants were obtained. Evans was located August 30 by the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and arrested. Evans was released on a secured bond pending a court appearance in Johnston County.
(A Wilson County Sheriff’s Office mugshot for Robert Ward Evans Jr. was not available at press time.)
At least he didn’t pay in Amazon gift cards!
Never pay up front.