Elected Official Indicted by Grand Jury for Felony ID Theft Against Credit Union

Charged with Two Felony Counts and One of Identity Theft

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Edenton, NC – May 27, 2026 – As if you can’t trust politicians enough as it is, an elected town official in eastern North Carolina is facing felony fraud and identity theft charges after investigators alleged he used another individual’s personal and online banking information to secure loans from a credit union.

According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Edenton Town Council member Aaron Coston, 34, was arrested Tuesday following a Chowan County grand jury indictment tied to alleged activity occurring between November 2023 and March 2024. Authorities charged Coston with two felony counts of obtaining property by false pretenses and one felony count of identity theft.

Investigators allege Coston used the name, date of birth, and online banking credentials of another individual, identified in the indictment as Kyrese Phelps, to obtain two loans totaling approximately $12,000 from State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU).

While investigators have not publicly detailed how the online banking credentials were allegedly obtained or accessed, the case underscores a growing concern for financial institutions: fraud involving compromised digital account access rather than traditional in-person loan application schemes.

The SBI said the investigation began in January 2025 after the alleged offenses were reported. Officials have not indicated whether additional individuals, accounts, or financial institutions may be involved, and the agency described the investigation as ongoing.

Coston was elected to Edenton’s Town Council in 2025 to represent Ward 3, with a term reportedly extending through 2029. Public records and candidate profiles indicate he previously described himself as a longtime technology industry professional and active community volunteer in the Edenton area.

Court records show he initially received a $35,000 secured bond before later being released on a reduced $10,000 bond.

At this stage, the allegations remain accusations, and no conviction has been reported. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the loan application process, authentication methods allegedly used, or whether the purported victim had any prior relationship with the suspect.

Source: WITN

Elected Official Indicted by Grand Jury for Felony ID Theft Against Credit Union – Elected Official Indicted by Grand Jury for Felony ID Theft Against Credit Union – Elected Official Indicted by Grand Jury for Felony ID Theft Against Credit Union

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