WARSAW — The Warsaw Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying three suspects involved in a series of coordinated thefts of lottery tickets and prepaid Visa gift cards across multiple jurisdictions in Eastern North Carolina.

On June 20, 2025, the suspects visited numerous businesses in Onslow and Duplin counties, including the Jacksonville and Beulaville areas. At each location, the individuals fraudulently acquired lottery tickets and Visa gift cards by presenting Cash App or YouTube cards that did not successfully render as payment. The cards became activated before the clerks realized the deception and the suspects grabbed the activated items from the counter and fled.

The suspects were seen fleeing in a white Volkswagen SUV with Florida license plates. Their method involved two individuals entering the business while a third waited in the vehicle to assist with a quick getaway. After each theft, they would proceed to another location and redeem the stolen lottery tickets.

On June 21, 2025, the suspects struck again at the Best Mart convenience store off I-40 in Warsaw. When the cashier noticed that the presented card was not processing, one suspect grabbed the activated lottery tickets from the counter. Both suspects then ran from the store and jumped into the back seat of the same white Volkswagen SUV.

The suspects appear to be tactful in avoiding surveillance, specifically positioning the vehicle to conceal the license plate. However, video footage from multiple locations captured clear images of all three individuals.

The suspects are described as:

• two black males, possibly in their 20s, both with braided or dreadlocked hair

• one black female, also appearing to be in her 20s

This is a multi-jurisdictional investigation involving Onslow County, Jacksonville Police Department, Beulaville Police Department, Warsaw Police Department, Clinton Police Department and Alcohol Law Enforcement. The last known activity by the suspects occurred at Walmart in Clinton, where they cashed out a significant amount of lottery tickets shortly after the Warsaw incident.

The Warsaw Police Department is working closely with partner agencies to identify the suspects and prevent further incidents. Anyone with information about the individuals or the vehicle involved is encouraged to contact the Warsaw Police Department at 910-293-7816 or submit a tip anonymously through the Jacksonville Police Department Crime Stoppers Line at 910-938-3273 (24 hour hotline) or text your tip, TIP4CSJAX + your tip to 274637.