Two Charged After Stolen Pickup Allegedly Taken to Salvage Yard

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — A months-long investigation into the theft of a pickup truck has resulted in felony charges against two Johnston County residents.

The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office said a black 1997 Ford F-150 was reported stolen from a residence on Braswell Road in mid-February. Detectives later identified two suspects they believe were involved in the theft and subsequent possession of the vehicle.

Authorities have charged Randy Lynn Hill, 30, of Melvin Court, Smithfield, and Samantha Kay Pate, 33, of Parkertown Road, Four Oaks with three felony offenses each: larceny of a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, and conspiracy.

According to sheriff’s investigators, Hill and Pate allegedly stole the pickup truck and later attempted to sell it to a salvage yard in Goldsboro.

Additional charges have not been ruled out.