Inmate released, then charged in new robbery attempt
By John Joyce
Published in News on October 8, 2015 1:46 PM
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Paul Lee Craig
A Goldsboro man released from the Wayne County Jail on Tuesday found himself right back in jail Wednesday after allegedly attempting to commit a robbery in front of the courthouse.
A Wayne County Sheriff's Office deputy who serves as a courtroom bailiff witnessed the crime while on his lunch break and jumped into action.
According to a press release, Paul Lee Craig, 22, was released on a misdemeanor larceny charge for which he is scheduled to return to court in November.
"He got out yesterday morning," Maj. Tom Effler said.
Once free, Craig must not have wandered too far from the Wayne County Courthouse and jail complex at 207 E. Chestnut St., Effler said.
"He was still out there this afternoon," he said.
The deputy, Keith Lofton, said he saw Craig at the corner of North William Street and East Walnut Street engaged in a struggle with another man, the press release said.
Craig was attempting to take a bag away from the victim, and had succeeded in doing so as Lofton approached. Craig tried to run but was caught outside the courthouse and taken into custody.
Lofton charged Craig with one count each of larceny from a person and resisting a public officer. He was placed back in the Wayne County Jail under an $8,000 secured bond.
Craig is scheduled to appear in Wayne County District Court this morning for a first appearance.
The property was returned to its owner.