A 37-year-old Goldsboro woman was taken into custody in connection with a string of suspicious trashcan fires that broke out across the city over about a week. Laketta Shawntell Williams was taken into custody on Wednesday after officers responding to a trespassing complaint at 104 S. Center St. made contact with her.
According to Goldsboro Daily News, the investigation began after city-owned trashcans were set ablaze in the 100 block of Lionel Street and the 100 block of Patrick Street around September 15. The Goldsboro Police Department's Investigative Services Bureau and the Goldsboro Fire Department opened a joint probe, and by September 17, authorities had secured a warrant against Williams. Days later, on September 21, police and fire crews responded to another trashcan fire in the 500 block of East Ash Street, prompting investigators to obtain a second, additional warrant against her the same day.
The City of Goldsboro was identified as the victim in the case.
Where the Fires Broke Out
The fires were reported in the 100 blocks of Lionel Street and Patrick Street and the 500 block of East Ash Street.
Williams was located and arrested at 104 S. Center St. Officers had gone to that address on a trespassing complaint before making contact with her. She was taken into custody.
Bond
Williams was given a $3,000 secured bond following her arrest.
What the Charges Could Mean
Under North Carolina General Statute § 14-160, wantonly and willfully injuring personal property is classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor when damage totals less than $200, but the charge escalates to a Class 1 misdemeanor once damage totals $200 or more.
Goldsboro recorded 1,961 total property crimes in 2024, according to OpenCrime.
Williams' motive for the alleged fires has not been disclosed, and the total dollar value of damage to the city's trashcans has not been released. As with any pending case, the charges against her remain allegations that have yet to be resolved in court.
