Man Accused Of Using Deceased Mother’s Bank Cards For Purchases

CLAYTON — A Garner man is facing felony charges after allegedly using his deceased mother’s financial cards to make unauthorized purchases at local businesses.

Joseph William Tolson, 32, of Royalty Lane in Garner, was arrested on August 8 following an investigation by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said in May 2025, Tolson lawfully retrieved his 52-year-old mother’s personal belongings — including her purse — from Johnston Medical Center in Clayton, shortly after her passing.

Inside the purse were two Mastercard financial cards. Investigators allege Tolson later used the cards to make approximately $600 in purchases at Walmart and Sheetz.

According to a warrant for his arrest, Tolson “…unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did knowingly possess [and] use identifying information… of another person (deceased)… with the intent to fraudulently represent that the defendant was the other person” by making transactions using her financial cards.

Tolson was booked into the Johnston County Detention Center in Smithfield on August 8 and is being held under a $40,000 secured bond.