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.
Read more: Americans are ‘revenge saving’ to survive — but millions only get a measly 1% on their savings. Here’s how to quickly earn 280% more on your cash
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.
The NC Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Sunday, April 19, 2026 results for each game:
Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 19 drawing
Day: 6-2-0, Fireball: 6
Evening: 4-1-7, Fireball: 5
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 19 drawing
Day: 7-6-9-4, Fireball: 4
Evening: 8-1-5-6, Fireball: 6
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 5 numbers from April 19 drawing
02-21-32-35-37
Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Double Play numbers from April 19 drawing
18-26-27-31-42
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from April 19 drawing
32-42-52-53-55, Bonus: 05
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All North Carolina Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $599.
For prizes over $599, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at North Carolina Lottery Offices. By mail, send a prize claim form, your signed lottery ticket, copies of a government-issued photo ID and social security card to: North Carolina Education Lottery, P.O. Box 41606, Raleigh, NC 27629. Prize claims less than $600 do not require copies of photo ID or a social security card.
To submit in person, sign the back of your ticket, fill out a prize claim form and deliver the form, along with your signed lottery ticket and government-issued photo ID and social security card to any of these locations:
- Asheville Regional Office & Claim Center: 16-G Regent Park Blvd., Asheville, NC 28806, 877-625-6886 press #1. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
- Greensboro Regional Office & Claim Center: 20A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407, 877-625-6886 press #2. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
- Charlotte Regional Office & Claim Center: 5029-A West W. T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28269-1861, 877-625-6886 press #3. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
- NC Lottery Headquarters: Raleigh Claim Center & Regional Office, 2728 Capital Blvd., Suite 144, Raleigh, NC 27604, 877-625-6886 press #4. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes of any amount.
- Greenville Regional Office & Claim Center: 2790 Dickinson Avenue, Suite A, Greenville, NC 27834, 877-625-6886 press #5. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
- Wilmington Regional Office & Claim Center: 123 North Cardinal Drive Extension, Suite 140, Wilmington, NC 28405, 877-625-6886 press #6. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
Check previous winning numbers and payouts at https://nclottery.com/.
When are the North Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
- Pick 3, 4: 3:00 p.m. and 11:22 p.m. daily.
- Cash 5: 11:22 p.m. daily.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Carolina Connect editor. You can send feedback using this form.
The North Carolina Tar Heels will be a young program across the board next season, with well over two dozen freshmen and numerous additions from the transfer portal this offseason. Expectations for the 2026 season are lowered dramatically after a disastrous first season for head coach Bill Belichick, though those expectations could help the Tar Heels fly under the radar.
As the Tar Heels approach the end of spring ball, it is time to look at the veterans of the team—the ones who have the experience to lead, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Let’s look at three underrated seniors for the 2026 football season.
Ade Willie, Cornerback
Willie joins the Tar Heels program after four years with Michigan State, as the former 4-star player in the 2022 recruiting class gets an opportunity to not only provide depth to the secondary, but potentially start Week 0 against TCU.
Willie played in over 30 games with the Spartans and brings experience in the secondary at cornerback and safety, along with quality length and closing speed to the football. For a defense that needs players to step up, the redshirt senior from IMG Academy will be asked to do so.
Isaiah Johnson, Defensive Lineman
The defensive line is beginning to look like one of the Tar Heels’ strengths for the 2026 season. Johnson, a former transfer from Arizona, enters his redshirt senior year looking to add another year of production after 40 tackles and two sacks this past season.
North Carolina has an impressive group of starters with Malkart Abou-Jaoude, Leroy Jackson, and incoming transfer Jaylen Harvey. Johnson adds value to the group as a run defender with the ability to penetrate the pocket. While not discussed as a key player, Johnson’s name will be used plenty during the regular season as a potential standout for the program’s defensive front.
Coleman Bryson, Safety
Bryson was a reserve player for the Tar Heels’ secondary last season as a big nickel defender in the rotation. Heading into his redshirt senior year, the former Minnesota Gopher is looking to become a full-time starter in the secondary.
It wasn’t long ago when Bryson was making plays as the 2022 Pinstripe Bowl Defensive MVP. His special teams abilities were valuable for North Carolina last season, and he flashed at times in coverage against tight ends, including a pass breakup in the season-opener against TCU. The Waynesville, North Carolina, native could be a key defender on the back-seven in 2026.
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Friends and family members gathered in Washington state on Saturday, remembering former Miss North Carolina Carrie Everett, who died on Easter Sunday. Another memorial service is planned in North Carolina next month.
Web Editor : Sydney Ross
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