Stanly County man facing charges after perpetrating hoax about having coronavirus

A Stanly County man was arrested and is facing charges after conducting a Facebook Live at an Albemarle Walmart where he said he had coronavirus.

The video was circulating on social media on Friday and had many who contacted us worried as to where this was recorded and if it was real. Officials with the Albemarle Police Department confirmed Justin M. Rhodes was the man recording the video. He did the recording on Wednesday and was arrested on Friday.

Officials said the incident was a hoax and that Rhodes does not have coronavirus.

Rhodes is facing charges of felony perpetrating hoax in a public building and disorderly conduct. He received a $10,000 secured bond. His first court date is March 30 at 9 a.m. in Albemarle.