Police suspect a former convenience store worker made off with 14 cartons of Marlboro cigarettes.
Kinston Department of Public Safety spokesman Woody Spencer said a loss prevention officer with The Pantry, which operates Kangaroo Express convenience stores, reported Michael Wayne Mayo Jr. was believed to have taken the cigarettes while an employee at a store location on U.S. 70 East.
The alleged theft was reported around 10:47 a.m. Friday.
Mayo, 40, is charged with felony larceny by employee.
The cigarettes were valued at $732.20, or $5.23 per pack.
Mayo is scheduled to be in Lenoir County District Court on Jan. 6 on the charge.
Wes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 and Wes.Wolfe@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @WolfeReports.