Former Employee Accused Of Stealing Over $150,000 From Smithfield Business

SMITHFIELD – A Selma man has been arrested and charged in connection with the alleged theft of more than $150,000 from a local business over a two-year period.

Saul Antonio Acosta-Garcia, 36, of W. Waddell Street, is accused of stealing $152,203 from Eddie Jones Paint & Pressure Washing in Smithfield, where he was formerly employed. According to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and arrest warrants, the thefts took place between January 30, 2023, and June 9, 2025.

Investigators say Acosta-Garcia stole company checks, wrote them out to himself, and then cashed them. The fraud was reported to authorities on June 10, 2025, prompting a criminal investigation.

Acosta-Garcia was arrested on July 28 and charged with one felony count of obtaining property by false pretense and three felony counts of uttering a forged instrument. He was released from the Johnston County Detention Center on July 29 after a bail bondsman posted his $150,000 secured bond.

Court records show Acosta-Garcia has applied for a court-appointed attorney, citing indigency. In his affidavit, he reported being self-employed, supporting four dependents, and earning $2,000 per month.

His first court appearance is pending.