On Feb. 24, 2022, officers from Goldsboro Police Department’s “A” Shift responded to the Goldsboro Fire Department in reference to a privately owned vehicle having the catalytic converter cut from underneath it. Travis Sauls reported to Police that unknown subject(s) cut the catalytic converter from his vehicle. The Criminal Investigations Bureau followed up on the matter and developed Emmanuel Lee McGriff as a suspect in this case.

On Feb. 24, at approximately 11:10 a.m., investigators from Goldsboro Police Department’s Investigations Unit observed Oscar Nieto leaving the residence of Emmanuel McGriff. A traffic stop was initiated in the 700 block of West Grantham Street. Oscar Nieto was found to be in possession of several catalytic converters, one of which belonged to Mr. Sauls, and was cited for Failure to Register a Vehicle in NC, and Displaying Fictitious Plate. Mr. Nieto also was charged with one count of Felony Receiving Stolen Property/Goods. Nieto was taken before the magistrate and was given a $2,500 secured bond. His first appearance was set for Feb. 25 in Wayne County District Court.

On Feb. 28, warrants were secured for Emmanuel McGriff for one count each of the following: Felony Larceny of Auto Parts, Felony Possession of Stolen Property/Goods, and Misdemeanor Injury to Personal Property to Obtain Non-Ferrous Metals. On March 1, at approximately 10:44 p.m., McGriff was arrested without incident on E. Hooks River Road by deputies with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office. He was taken before the magistrate who set his bond at $61,000 secured. His first appearance was set for March 2 in District Court.