North Carolina
North Carolina neighbors report a noisy party — but instead of the owners, police found the ‘lawn guy’ hosting
A massive party at a $4.3 million mansion in Weddington, North Carolina — allegedly held without the owner’s permission — landed one man in jail. WSOC-TV reports that 37-year-old Michael Brown broke into a client’s home and held a graduation party for his son while the owners were away. Brown was charged with breaking and entering, property damage and obtaining property by false pretenses. He has since posted a $10,000 secured bond.
Brown, however, maintains his actions weren’t criminal. “I didn’t break the law, I just broke some rules, probably, with my owners…but I didn’t break the law,” he told WSOC-TV reporters.
Officers say they were called to the million-dollar mansion on Twelve Mile Creek Road last Saturday night after neighbors reported blocked roads, loud noise and a traffic hazard. When they arrived, they say Brown first claimed to be the homeowner, then the homeowner’s grandson, before finally admitting he was the landscaper.
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Landscaper defends actions, but family say he crossed the line
Brown claims the party was a graduation party for his son and his son’s friends. He told reporters that they were aiming to create a “positive environment” and generate a little income.
But deputies found far more than just a wholesome celebration. “It was mostly teenagers and young adults. We estimate anywhere from three to four hundred people were at the house, and a lot of underage drinking was going on,” Lieutenant James Maye stated.
Deputies also seized more than $3,000 in entrance fees, which Brown says was used to cover security costs. He strongly denied charging a cover fee or telling police he owned the home.
“I never spoke to them about anything, about who stayed there or who owned the place. It wasn’t my right to tell them that, because it’s private property,” Brown told reporters.
The homeowners’ son, Jante Burch, claims Brown has taken advantage of his parents’ generosity and insisted his parents didn’t know about the party, saying, “He’s a liar, number one; clearly he told multiple stories to the officers.”
While Brown insists he won’t lose the Burch family as a client, Burch disagrees.
“In fact, not only has he lost a client, he’s probably lost all of the other clients that he had gotten in that neighborhood,” Burch [told reporters}(https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/homeowners-son-speaks-out-after-massive-unauthorized-party-familys-mansion/LRDCKMMRZBBJJHAITWL3JKOSLU/).
Brown has since posted a $10,000 bond and faces charges of breaking and entering, property damage, and obtaining property by false pretenses. There’s no public record yet of any court appearance or scheduled hearing date; the case appears to still be in the pre-trial phase.
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How to vet in-home service providers
Incidents like this raise big legal and financial questions for homeowners. If a party is thrown at your home, who is responsible if something goes wrong? If a party is thrown on your property without your consent, you’re typically not liable for damages or illegal behavior that occurs, as long as you didn’t authorize it or turn a blind eye to it.
Still, proving that you didn’t know can be difficult, which is why vetting service providers is so important. And this situation highlights just how quickly trust can be abused when the wrong person gains access to your home. Here are a few ways to protect yourself when hiring someone to work in your home:
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Check references: Ask for references and search for online reviews. A legitimate business should have a visible online presence and a verifiable track record.
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Verify licenses and insurance: Landscapers and contractors are usually required to carry liability insurance and may need a license. Double-check the requirements in your state and verify they have the required documentation.
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Be cautious: Just because someone seems friendly and trustworthy doesn’t mean they are. Don’t provide more access than needed, and set up security cameras when you’re away.
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Watch for red flags: Avoid anyone who pressures you for cash payments, can’t provide references, doesn’t have a business name, or seems evasive when you ask about past clients.
Above all, trust your instincts. If something feels off, it likely is. Installing security cameras while you’re away and changing the locks after ending a relationship with a service provider can help limit your risk and ensure your property remains secure.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
(WLOS) — North Carolina has approved film and entertainment grants for two television series and an independent feature-length film.
According to a release from Gov. Josh Stein, this is expected to create nearly 5,000 jobs and spend more than $113 million during production.
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The productions include season two of “The Hunting Wives,” approved for an award of up to $15 million, filming around Lake Norman and Charlotte, and the new series “RJ Decker” in New Hanover County, which was approved for an award of up to $11.6 million.
The independent thriller “Widow,” which was approved for an award of up to $1.8 million, also recently completed filming in Davidson, Forsyth, Stokes, and Yadkin counties.
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“We are excited to have these new productions in North Carolina creating 4,900 jobs for our state’s crew and film-friendly businesses,” Stein said in the release. “North Carolina remains a top state for film, and these grants enable us to continue our strong tradition of TV and film production excellence.”
Additionally, the romantic comedy film “Merv,” which was filmed in New Hanover County and received a North Carolina Film grant, released on Amazon’s Prime Video on Dec. 10.
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Other productions that were recently filmed in North Carolina include the films “Christy” and “Roofman,” as well as the popular series “The Summer I Turned Pretty.”
“These productions bring direct economic benefits and also raise the state’s visibility among audiences, leading to increased tourist activity and visitor spending over time,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley.
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick has fired offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens and special-teams coordinator Mike Priefer.
“We want to thank Coach Kitchens and Coach Priefer for their commitment and many contributions to our program and student-athletes,” Belichick said in a statement, per ESPN. “We wish them both nothing but the best in their future endeavors.”
Kitchens, the former Alabama quarterback and head coach of the Browns in 2019, was the Tar Heels’ interim coach in 2024.
Belichick brought Priefer to UNC after two decades in the NFL, and two years out of football.
Under Kitchens, North Carolina’s offense ranked 119th in scoring (19.3 PPG) and 129th in total offense (288.8 YPG).
The Tar Heels finished 4-8 overall and 2-6 in the ACC.
Kitchens won Alabama’s Mr. Football honor in 1992 as the quarterback at Etowah High School.
Kitchens shared the quarterback duties at Alabama with Brian Burgdorf in 1995 before taking over full-time under center for the Crimson Tide in the 1996 and 1997 seasons.
After three more college stops, Kitchens entered the NFL as the Dallas Cowboys’ tight-ends coach in 2006 and stayed in the league for the next 17 seasons, including as Cleveland’s head coach in 2019, when the Browns went 6-10.
North Carolina
Ex-senator’s wife, 75, found escaped inmate cowering in the backseat of her car: ‘I was shaking like a leaf’
The 75-year-old wife of a former Republican North Carolina senator had a frightening start to her week when she discovered an escaped inmate hiding in the backseat of her car, according to local reports.
Marie Steinburg, married to ex-State Senator Bob Steinberg, left her Edenton home for work around 7:30 a.m. Monday when she unlocked her Honda Civic and found 23-year-old accused thief Charles Babb cowering in the backseat, with a blanket wrapped around his orange prison jumpsuit.
“I headed out the door, and I clicked the unlock, and it must have scared the guy, because the next thing I know, I saw something moving in my backseat,” the startled senior said, WTKR reported.
“I kept backing up little by little by little because I thought, I don’t know what this man is going to do.”
Babb — who police said escaped from the Chowan County Detention Center Sunday night — then jumped out the car.
While residents were urged to lock their doors and windows, stay inside, and avoid interacting with the armed and dangerous fugitive, Steinburg said she remained calm and began talking to him.
“I figured if I was nice to him, he’d be nice to me,” she said, WAVY reported.
“I just figured that was the thing to do because I didn’t know if he was really dangerous,” Steinburg explained, adding that “he kept saying, ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’m so cold.’ And, you know, I was startled and I know he was too. And I said, “Well, hey, let me go in and get you a coat.’”
Steinburg said Babb then turned and raced down the driveway — reportedly leaving behind his prison sandals and a face mask — as she ran inside, called out to her husband, and dialed 911.
“I got in as fast as I could,” she recalled, according to WTKR.
“I was shaking like a leaf, and I could barely get the key in the lock, but I did.”
The Edenton Police Department apprehended the convict nearby shortly thereafter.
Police did not give details on how Babb escaped jail, other than to say he used a make-shift edged weapon. He was being held on felony breaking and entering and larceny charges before his breakout, according to the Daily Advance.
Her husband, who advocated for prison reform during his 10 years in office, praised his wife for how she handled the terrifying situation, believing a higher power was looking out for them.
The couple added that they will never forget to lock their car doors again.
“Oh let me tell you, if I don’t, [my husband] is gonna,” a relieved Steinberg said.
“It’s one of those things that we learned.”
The Chowan County Sheriff’s Office has since launched an investigation into Babb’s jailbreak.
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