Kinston, North Carolina, February 4, 2026
Jonathon Hackett, a former employee of Little Caesars in Kinston, North Carolina, was arrested after breaking in twice, making and selling pizzas without authorization. He engaged in a physical altercation with staff during his second entry. Hackett faces multiple felony charges including breaking and entering and theft. The incidents raised concerns about business security and the risks posed by former employees.
Kinston, North Carolina
A former employee of a local Little Caesars restaurant in Kinston, North Carolina, was arrested and faces multiple felony charges after allegedly breaking into the establishment on two separate occasions last weekend, preparing and selling pizzas without authorization, and engaging in a physical altercation with employees during the second incident. The unusual series of events led to his apprehension by the Kinston Police Department.
Details of the Unauthorized Operations
The individual, identified as Jonathon Hackett, 41, unlawfully entered the pizza restaurant twice during the weekend of February 1st and 2nd, 2026. Police reports indicate that during his first unauthorized entry, which occurred on Sunday, February 1st, 2026, following a significant snowstorm that impacted the state, Hackett gained access to the premises after closing hours. Once inside, he proceeded to prepare pizzas, sell them to unsuspecting customers, and pocket the proceeds from these sales. The exact number of pizzas sold or the total amount of money taken during this initial incident has not been disclosed by investigators.
Second Incident and Arrest
The alleged illicit activities came to a halt during Hackett’s second attempt to unlawfully enter the business. This occurred while employees were present at the Little Caesars location. When employees tried to prevent him from entering, a physical altercation ensued. Hackett sustained injuries during the struggle and was subsequently transported to a hospital for treatment. Following his release from medical care, he was arrested by authorities.
Criminal Charges and Detention
Jonathon Hackett is now facing a range of serious charges in connection with these incidents. The charges include felony breaking and entering, felony obtaining property by false pretenses, felony larceny after breaking and entering, and misdemeanor breaking and entering. Additionally, he has been charged with violating a city curfew. After his arrest, Hackett was taken to the Lenoir County Jail, where he is currently being held.
Community Impact and Business Security
The events at the Kinston Little Caesars highlight the vulnerabilities faced by businesses, even from former employees. The nature of the crime, involving the unauthorized operation of a food service establishment, has drawn attention locally. Authorities have not yet released details on how Hackett managed to gain entry to the restaurant during his initial break-in or how long the unauthorized sales continued before the second incident led to his discovery and arrest. The incident serves as a reminder for establishments to review and reinforce their security protocols, particularly concerning access for former staff members.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened at the Little Caesars in Kinston, North Carolina?
A former employee, Jonathon Hackett, broke into the Little Caesars restaurant twice last weekend, prepared and sold pizzas without authorization, and was involved in a physical altercation with employees during the second incident.
Who was arrested in connection with the Little Caesars break-ins?
Jonathon Hackett, a 41-year-old former employee, was arrested by the Kinston Police Department.
When did these incidents occur?
The incidents occurred twice last weekend, with the first unauthorized entry on Sunday, February 1st, 2026, following a major snowstorm.
What charges is Jonathon Hackett facing?
Jonathon Hackett is facing charges of felony breaking and entering, felony obtaining property by false pretenses, felony larceny after breaking and entering, misdemeanor breaking and entering, and violating a city curfew.
Where is Jonathon Hackett currently being held?
Jonathon Hackett is currently being held at the Lenoir County Jail.
Key Features of the Kinston Little Caesars Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location of Incident | Kinston, North Carolina |
| Business Targeted | Little Caesars Restaurant |
| Suspect’s Name | Jonathon Hackett |
| Suspect’s Age | 41 |
| Suspect’s Affiliation | Former employee |
| Number of Incidents | Two separate occasions |
| Dates of Incidents | Last weekend (around February 1st and 2nd, 2026) |
| Actions During First Incident | Broke in, made and sold pizzas, kept proceeds |
| Actions During Second Incident | Broke in while employees were present, physical altercation ensued |
| Arresting Agency | Kinston Police Department |
| Location of Detention | Lenoir County Jail |
| Primary Charges | Felony breaking and entering, felony obtaining property by false pretenses, felony larceny after breaking and entering, misdemeanor breaking and entering, violating city curfew |
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Former Employee Charged with Break-ins at Kinston Pizza Joint
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