Sheriff’s Office investigation leads to arrest of multi-county fraud suspect

Staff Reports | Cleveland County Sheriff's Office

Jackson

CRIME — Investigators with the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by patrol deputies, located and arrested a suspect wanted in connection with multiple felony fraud offenses.

On Sept. 1, 2026, investigators received information that a vehicle associated with John Clay Jackson had returned to Cleveland County. Jackson was previously identified as a suspect in multiple incidents involving an individual representing a business known as “Appliance Repair Center.”

The investigation began in February 2026 after a Cleveland County resident reported that an individual had come to their home to inspect a washing machine. The individual advised the victim that the washing machine needed to be replaced and requested payment of $1,668.95 through Cash App. After receiving payment, the individual and company failed to provide the promised appliance or services. Numerous attempts to contact the company were unsuccessful, and the victim ultimately went weeks and months without receiving a response.

Cleveland County investigators conducted an investigation that ultimately identified John Clay Jackson as the suspect. A felony warrant for Obtaining Property by False Pretenses was obtained, and Jackson was entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as wanted.

In August 2026, the Sheriff’s Office received a second report involving the “Appliance Repair Center”. In that incident, a representative went to a victim’s residence and recommended that new parts be ordered for several appliances. The representative received a $878 check, which was cashed later that same day. The victim subsequently attempted to contact the company but discovered the telephone number had been disconnected and never received the promised parts or services.

Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the second incident and confirmed Jackson’s identity again. The investigation also provided investigators with a description of the SUV he was operating. An additional felony warrant for Obtaining Property by False Pretenses was subsequently obtained.

(Fraud arrest continued below...)

On Sept. 1, investigators received information indicating that Jackson’s vehicle had returned to Cleveland County. Based on the ongoing investigation and Jackson’s previous activity, investigators believed he could potentially be in the area to commit another fraudulent offense. Patrol deputies responded, located the vehicle, and conducted a traffic stop. Jackson was arrested on the outstanding Cleveland County warrants.

The investigation remains ongoing as investigators work to determine the full extent of Jackson’s activities and identify any additional victims in our community.

This arrest is another example of the value of combining good investigative work with technology available to law enforcement. The Sheriff’s Office believes Jackson may have a broader pattern of similar criminal activity. At the time of his arrest on the Cleveland County warrants, Jackson was also served with active warrants for similar offenses from Caldwell, Mecklenburg, Randolph, Rowan, Surry, and Yadkin counties.

Jackson is being held in the Cleveland County Detention Center under no bond. 

Sheriff Norman would like to remind residents to use caution when dealing with individuals or businesses requesting large upfront payments and independently verify the identity and

legitimacy before making payments.

POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL VICTIMS

The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office believes there may be additional victims who have not yet reported their incidents. If you believe you have been victimized by John Clay

Jackson or “Appliance Repair Center,” please contact the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office at (704) 484-4822.

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This is a press release of The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office. 

The Shelby Independent