Duplin County [NC] man arrested for threats against local judge and sheriff, faces felony charges

A Duplin County man has been arrested after he was accused of threatening to kill a judge and the Duplin County Sheriff.

On Wednesday, State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) agents arrested 37-year-old Matthew Lane Tart. According to arrest warrants, Tart is accused of threatening to kill Sheriff Stratton Stokes and North Carolina 4A Judicial District Judge Henry L Stevens.

Agents said the threatening statements were made on social media accounts directed at Stevens, Stokes and staff at the sheriff’s office.

Tart faces three felony counts of threats against executive, legislative or court officers. He is being held without bond and is expected back in Duplin County Court on Thursday, Feb. 12, at 10 a.m.

Read more: WRAL