Cary Police Arrest Fugitive Wanted in Alabama for Serial Social Media Scams

Cary police arrested 56-year-old Brenton Fillers on Jan. 16 after Spanish Fort, Alabama, authorities alerted regional partners that a tip placed him in Wake County. Fillers, described by investigators in Alabama as a serial con artist who targeted women using social media platforms including TikTok, was taken into custody at an apartment in Cary and initially held on a $15,000 bond.

Authorities say Fillers used more than 30 known aliases and has an extensive arrest history spanning multiple states. The Wake County case is being handled as an out-of-state fugitive and felony larceny matter while Alabama authorities pursue related allegations. Local court records show Fillers has a Wake County court date scheduled in February, and later reporting indicates prosecutors sought and a judge ordered an increased bond during a related hearing.

The arrest underscores how social media-based scams can reach into suburban communities here. Investigators in Alabama allege a pattern of deception that exploited online platforms to build trust with victims before engaging in financial fraud. Those dynamics mean that a suspect can move quickly across state lines, prompting coordination between municipal and regional law enforcement to locate and arrest fugitives.

For residents of Cary and Wake County, the case is a reminder that social-media interactions can carry real-world risks. Romance and impersonation scams often rely on polished profiles and persuasive messaging to target emotional vulnerabilities. Local law enforcement emphasizes reporting suspicious messages or financial requests, and that coordinated tips from the public helped lead to this arrest.

The arrest also highlights practical challenges for prosecutors and courts when crimes cross jurisdictions. Wake County officials are processing the out-of-state fugitive matter while Alabama law enforcement continues to develop charges tied to alleged social media scams. Extradition and inter-state legal procedures frequently follow arrests like this, and the February court date will likely clarify next steps in Wake County before any Alabama proceedings proceed.

Cary residents should take basic precautions: tighten privacy settings, verify identities before sharing personal information, and report possible fraud to police. Community safety depends on both vigilance and the timely sharing of tips with law enforcement. As this case moves through the local court system, investigators say it could yield more information about victims and the scope of the alleged scheme, and residents can expect updates from Cary and regional authorities as those developments occur.