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Couple arrested in theft of packages worth $50K

James Smith was employed by the local UPS office. Investigators said he took packages home that were supposed to be delivered to other common delivery carriers.

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Fayetteville couple arrested in theft of packages
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — A Fayetteville couple has been arrested in the theft of mail-order items worth tens of thousands of dollars, Cumberland County Sheriff Earl Butler said.

James Edward Smith Jr., 51, and his wife, Janet Grubb Smith, 50, both of 821 Wolflee Drive, were arrested Friday. James Smith was charged with felony embezzlement, and Janet Smith, with aiding and abetting a felony.

James Smith was employed by the local UPS office. Investigators said he took packages home that were supposed to be delivered to other common delivery carriers.

Items totaling more than $50,000 were confiscated from the Smith’s home, Butler said. The stolen items included swimming-pool supplies, computers, auto parts, tires, clothing and flashlight batteries and bulbs.

Both suspects have been released under separate $1,000 unsecured bonds. Their first court dates were set for Monday.

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