09/28/2026
SAMPSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAMPSON COUNTY, N.C. — An investigation by the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division has resulted in multiple felony charges against Richard Allen Gilbert following allegations of an extended scheme involving financial exploitation, fraud, and extortion.
The investigation began on September 17, 2026, after the Sheriff’s Office received information concerning the suspected financial exploitation of a 69-year-old disabled veteran. Investigators learned that the victim had reportedly met Gilbert through Facebook Dating and subsequently developed a relationship with him.
According to the investigation, Gilbert allegedly made numerous false representations concerning his involvement with government agencies, military or special operations, and other organizations. Investigators allege these representations were used, in part, to gain the victim’s trust and ultimately obtain access to her financial accounts and debit cards.
The victim reported that Gilbert told her certain individuals needed possession of her debit cards in order to monitor or track her financial activity. After surrendering the cards, the victim reported losing meaningful control over her finances and receiving only limited amounts of her own money for necessities. The victim estimated that approximately $120,000 may have been taken from her income over the course of the alleged scheme. The exact amount of loss remains under investigation.
Investigators reviewed financial records documenting numerous ATM withdrawals, debit-card purchases, fees, and other transactions. The investigation also developed surveillance footage and transaction records allegedly connecting Gilbert to the use of one of the victim’s debit cards.
As the investigation continued, detectives identified three additional women as victims of the same or substantially similar scheme allegedly carried out by Gilbert. Investigators learned that Gilbert allegedly developed relationships with women, gained their trust through false representations concerning his identity, employment, professional credentials, military or government affiliations, financial resources, or ability to provide assistance, and then obtained access to their money or financial accounts.
The additional victims reported circumstances consistent with the original investigation, including allegations that Gilbert obtained access to debit cards or money through deception, represented that he would provide financial assistance, and solicited money for purported legal or real-estate services. In one instance, Gilbert allegedly represented himself as an attorney and Special Forces member while requesting money for services he claimed he could provide. The identification of these additional victims has expanded the investigation beyond the original complaint and detectives are continuing to determine the full scope of the alleged scheme.
On September 17, 2026, the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office obtained warrants charging Gilbert with:
Felony Exploitation of an Older or Disabled Adult
Felony Obtaining Property by False Pretense
Felony Financial Card Fraud
Felony Extortion
The financial-card-fraud charge alleges unauthorized transactions involving the victim’s Navy Federal debit card on multiple dates between August 24 and September 15, 2026. The extortion charge alleges that threats involving government-related harm were used to obtain money and financial cards.
On September 22, 2026, Gilbert was located and arrested by the Pine Knoll Shores Police Department in Carteret County, where the outstanding Sampson County warrants were served.
Following Gilbert’s arrest, investigators obtained a search warrant for property and electronic devices associated with him. The investigation remains active, and detectives are continuing to examine financial records, electronic evidence, and information concerning additional potential victims.
“Cases like this are a reminder that financial exploitation does not always begin with a stranger asking for money. It can begin with someone building trust over weeks or months and gradually gaining control over a victim’s finances, property, or personal life. Our investigators will continue following the evidence wherever it leads, and we encourage anyone who believes they may have been victimized in a similar manner to come forward.” Said Sheriff Jimmy Thornton.
The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who has had financial dealings with Richard Allen Gilbert, or who believes they may have been victimized through a similar scheme, to contact the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.
At this time, investigators have identified three additional women as victims in addition to the original complainant. Detectives believe there may be other individuals who have not yet contacted law enforcement. The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be forthcoming as investigators review financial records, electronic evidence, and information obtained from the identified victims.
