Asheville Man Arrested on 25 Felony Warrants Involving Fraud
A 19-year-old Asheville man was arrested after police say they found him with a stolen firearm and served 25 open felony warrants, many tied to alleged fraud schemes. The arrest and ongoing investigation could affect local residents and businesses who may be potential victims; authorities ask anyone with information to contact the Asheville Police Department.
Masieuh Dewayne Morgan, 19, was arrested by the Asheville Police Department around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3 off Long Shoals Road after officers served 25 open felony warrants, many of which involve allegations of fraud. During the arrest, officers discovered a firearm reported stolen, which added a felony weapons charge to the list of accusations.
Morgan was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Center under a secured bond of $362,500 issued by a magistrate. The charges reported include one felony count of possessing a stolen firearm; eight felony counts of obtaining property by false pretense; five felony counts of accessing computers; five felony counts of conspiracy; two felony counts of fraud; three felony counts of uttering forged endorsement; one felony count of uttering a forged instrument; one felony count of forgery of an instrument; and three counts of driving while license revoked.
APD Public Information Officer Rick Rice described the matter as “super complicated.” Detectives continue to investigate and believe there may be additional victims connected to a variety of alleged fraud schemes. Authorities have asked anyone with information about the case or potential victims to contact the Asheville Police Department.
The scope and variety of charges in the arrest underscore potential community impact beyond an individual criminal case. Multiple counts alleging computer access, conspiracy and false pretenses indicate investigators are looking at schemes that can cross municipal and financial boundaries, affecting both residents and small businesses. Victims of fraud can face long-term consequences, including monetary loss and complications to credit records, and investigations of this nature can take time to uncover the full extent of alleged wrongdoing.
For Buncombe County residents, the arrest and continuing probe highlight the importance of vigilance in protecting personal and business financial information. Residents who believe they may have been targeted or who possess information relevant to the investigation are encouraged to contact the Asheville Police Department so detectives can identify victims and gather evidence.
The case remains active and will proceed through the local criminal justice system. Further updates will depend on investigative developments and any additional charges or filings by prosecutors.
Sources:
Know something we missed? Have a correction or additional information?
Submit a Tip
