Georgia Thief Pleaded Guilty to Identity Theft and Wire Fraud for Stealing from Sampson County

RALEIGH, N.C. - A Georgia man, Roderick Michael Bates, 55, pleaded guilty to identity theft and wire fraud for stealing from a local farm machinery and equipment business in Salemburg.

According to court documents, Bates used stolen identities with fake driver's licenses to secure financing for farm machinery and equipment from a local Sampson County business. Using these identities, he fraudulently purchased high-value items totaling more than $65,000, including a zero-turn mower, an Evolution D5 Ranger golf cart, and 12-foot and 16-foot dump trailers. He then had the business ship the items to him hundreds of miles away, outside the state of North Carolina.

"Criminals need to think twice before stealing from the good and hardworking people in Eastern NC." said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. "Our office will prosecute you and stick you behind prison bars. Cheaters.Never.Win."

"I would like to thank our federal partners that helped bring this individual to justice. The citizens of Sampson County should know that our offices will work tirelessly to protect the property and livelihoods of every citizen. Regardless of distance, we will find them." said Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton.

Bates faces a mandatory minimum of 2 years and a maximum penalty of 42 years in prison when sentenced in a few months.

Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers, II accepted the plea. The FBI and the Sampson County Sheriff's Office are investigating the case, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Petracca is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North CarolinaLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. or on PACERLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. by searching for Case No. 7:25-CR-00117-D-BM