Soldier deployed to Afghanistan lost almost everything to house sitter

NC police probe ID theft that targeted soldier

ERWIN, N.C. — A Harnett County soldier's decision to ask a friend to house-sit during his deployment to Afghanistan led to a massive betrayal of trust that included identity theft, the fraudulent sale of possessions and the friend's death, according to police in Erwin.

Police are probing the death earlier this month of Neil Phillips, who agreed in May to house-sit for Roberto Beharry during the latter's deployment in Afghanistan, according to The Daily Record of Dunn.

Everything appeared to be fine until Aug. 7, when police got a call saying Beharry was a victim of fraud. The soldier, who remains in Afghanistan but has been in contact with police, was notified that his home in Erwin had been put up for sale on the Internet.

After investigating, police discovered that Phillips had been selling dozens of items belonging to Beharry, including three cars, firearms and major appliances.
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