When Greg Vernelson, owner of the Franklin Auction House skipped town, he left behind a just under 100 victims. Vernelson’s victims ranged from payouts as little as $6 and up to $5,800 and totaled 90 individuals who were expecting payment from past auctions.
According to Franklin Police Department Sergeant Detective Mark Foster, the total amount owed to victims by Vernelson is about $50,000.
Vernelson disappeared from Macon County just under a year ago, leaving behind nothing more than a notice of eviction on the front door of the auction house. Vernelson voluntarily surrendered his North Carolina Auctioneer License on July 30, 2019, and no one has seen or heard from him since.
Today, the North Carolina Auctioneers Licensing Board heard the case to consider providing financial compensation to some of his 90 victims who filed complaints with the board.
While some victims may receive financial compensation from the auction board’s verdict, which will be paid by the auction board, legal ramifications for Vernelson are still pending.
Vernelson was indicted by a Macon County Grand Jury on charges stemming from the Franklin Auction House, however, there is currently no court date. Vernelson has yet to be arrested on the charges, which include Obtaining Property By False Pretenses because law enforcement agencies have been unable to locate him since being indicted.
Once Vernelson is served with the outstanding warrants and arrested, he will receive a court date to appear in Macon County Court and will have to face his victims for the first time since disappearing in 2019.
If anyone has any information regarding Vernelson’s whereabouts, please contact the Franklin Police Department.
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