Man Faces Felony Larceny Charge In Equipment Rental Case

CLAYTON, N.C. – A Clayton man has been arrested on a felony larceny charge after authorities allege he rented a towable compressor valued at more than $14,000 and failed to return it.

Rapha Antonio Rodriguez, 52, of Cooper Branch Road, was arrested Aug. 24 by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the sheriff’s office, Rodriguez rented the compressor from Herc Rentals, located at 7950 Clayton Boulevard, on Sept. 12, 2025.

The equipment was valued at $14,217 and was supposed to be returned in October 2025 under the rental agreement, authorities said.

A manager at Herc Rentals contacted law enforcement Dec. 4, 2025, after the compressor had not been returned.

Company officials reportedly told investigators the telephone number provided by Rodriguez had been disconnected and the credit card associated with the rental had been canceled. Authorities were also told no one would answer the door when attempts were made to contact Rodriguez at his residence.

Following an investigation, a warrant was obtained for Rodriguez in December 2025.

He remained wanted until Aug. 24, when deputies located and arrested him.

At last report, the towable compressor had not been recovered.