Whiteville NC – A Whiteville man was arrested Tuesday afternoon on a series of felony fraud‑related charges following an investigation into counterfeit trademark activity and multiple false‑pretense transactions.
John Phillip McPherson III, 41, of East Smith Street, Whiteville — Listed in North Carolina Secretary of State business records as the owner of North State Armory LLC, a firearms retail business registered in Columbus County since 2021 — was booked at 3:17 PM on the following charges:
- Counterfeit trademark
- Obtain property by false pretense (multiple counts)
- Attempt to obtain property by false pretense (multiple counts)
According to state trademark‑enforcement records, the investigation centers on the alleged sale of counterfeit firearm‑related products, including fake branded gunsights, firearm optics, knives, and other weapons‑related accessories bearing counterfeit trademarks such as Sig Sauer, EOTech, Aimpoint, Leupold, and Microtech. The seized counterfeit goods were valued at more than $7,000 based on the retail price of genuine items.
McPherson received a $5,000 secured bond on the initial charge, with the remaining charges listed as “included in other.” One charge is marked “awaiting sentencing,” indicating a prior conviction in the same case series.
False‑pretense cases typically involve obtaining goods, services, or money using deception, according to state law.
All individuals listed are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Charges and case statuses may change as investigations and court proceedings continue.
This remains an active and developing case. Additional filings, court actions, or investigative updates may be added as new information becomes available through official state or judicial records.
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