What looked like routine roadwork in Davie County was anything but, according to investigators. Deputies say two men posing as Department of Transportation workers used traffic cones and high-pressure sales tactics to get onto properties, then walked off with a safe and family heirlooms. One man, 45-year-old Tommy Mack Small Jr. of Jacksonville, is now facing a stack of felony charges, while a second suspect is still on the loose.
According to the Davie County Sheriff’s Office, the men allegedly blocked driveways, demanded payment for bogus driveway work, and then helped themselves to valuables inside the homes. Small is scheduled to appear in Davie County court next Thursday on multiple felony counts tied to the alleged scheme.
The alleged scheme
Davie County detectives say the scam kicked off on Dec. 1, when two men showed up at homes, set out traffic cones, and claimed to be with the county DOT. Investigators say the pair pressured homeowners to pay for fake driveway repairs, then stole about $20,000 in cash and property, including a safe, identity documents, and family heirlooms, according to the Davie County Enterprise Record.
Sheriff's warning
In a statement posted by the Davie County Sheriff's Office, officials stressed that legitimate government agencies do not demand cash-only payments and will not ask anyone to pay through cryptocurrency ATMs or kiosks. Residents were urged to be skeptical of anyone claiming to be from a government agency who insists on immediate payment.
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information about the case or the unidentified second suspect to call 336-751-6238 or submit a tip online.
Charges and arrest
Detectives say they identified Small as directly involved in the driveway scam and obtained warrants for his arrest. He is charged with felony breaking and entering, felony conspiracy, two counts of exploiting a disabled or elderly person, felony obtaining property by false pretenses, felony safecracking, and felony larceny after breaking and entering.
According to investigators, Small was served with the Davie County warrants while already being held in the Randolph County detention center, where he received an additional $20,000 secured bond. Authorities say he also has pending cases in Onslow, Randolph, and Scotland counties and was arrested Jan. 23 in Mooresville on a meth possession charge and an Onslow County warrant, per the Davie County Enterprise Record.
Why this matters
Cases like this land squarely in a growing category of scams that target older or more vulnerable residents by impersonating government workers. The FBI notes that government-impersonation schemes often rely on urgency and fear, pushing victims to pay immediately and sometimes wiping out savings in the process.
For federal guidance on recognizing and reporting these scams, see the FBI, which urges victims and witnesses to report suspected fraud to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and local law enforcement.
How to protect yourself
The Davie County Sheriff’s Office recommends that residents always ask for official photo identification from anyone claiming to be with a government agency and independently verify scheduled work by calling the relevant county office. Officials also caution against paying in cash or with cryptocurrency for any supposed government service.
Anyone who recognizes the man shown in surveillance images connected to the case, or who has information on the whereabouts of the second suspect, is asked to contact the Davie County Sheriff’s Office at 336-751-6238.
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