The Wilmington Morning Star

Embezzlement Hearing Slated Monday Morning

Preliminary hearing for L. T. Truett, middle-aged white man arraigned in Recorder's court Monday morning to answer charges of embezzlement and obtaining money under false pretenses probably will be held next Monday morning.

Sheriff C. David Jones said the man was arrested after officers discovered he had set up an office in Wilmington and, posing as a representative of the Federal Housing authority, obtained money from several persons in the pretext of obtaining loans for them.

He has committed similar offenses.

Although warrants have not been made, 20 or more such charges will be presented against the man if and when he is called before the grand jury, Sheriff Jones said.

The preliminary hearing was continued when called in recorder's court. The only function of the hearing will be to determine probable cause and to bind the man to superior court for trial-embezzlement being a felony.

Truett is charged with having obtained under false pretenses, but the local warrant alleges he embezzled $165.

After closing his office in Wilmington, according to the sheriff, Truett went to South Carolina and operated the same type of business in Conway and Georgetown.

He fought extradition to North Carolina for trial but was returned here Saturday night.

No evidence was introduced Monday morning as the hearing was continued, It will probably be called in about one week.

Bond was set at $500 in each of the three cases.

Addison Hewlett, Jr., is assisting in preparation of the state's case.