Man arrested after claiming to have COVID-19 during Facebook Live inside North Carolina Walmart

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Sunday, March 22, 2020
Man charged for claiming to have COVID-19 during FB Live inside Walmart
Man charged for claiming to have COVID-19 during FB Live inside Walmart

ALBEMARLE, N.C. -- A man has been charged with perpetrating a hoax after he walked around a North Carolina Walmart conducting a Facebook Live saying he tested positive for COVID-19.

Albemarle police said it happened March 18.

According to authorities, Justin Rhodes, 31, was conducting a Facebook Live video inside of the Walmart stating he tested positive for coronavirus.

Detectives with the Albemarle Police Department arrested Rhodes and charged him with felony perpetrating a hoax in a public building and disorderly conduct.

He received a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on March 30.