On 14 July 2008 Monday at approx. 1251 hours Mr. Richard Freeman of The Tent Rental company 319 N. Main St., Burlington, NC reported the crime of obtaining property by false pretence. An event occurred at the Burlington Square Mall sponsored by the North Star Foundation on 28 June 2008 Sunday at 1200 hours. The suspect Karen Lynne Gillespie W/F/44, DOB 3/27/64, of 1047 Oak Blossom Way, Whitsett, NC rented the old Belk's location from the mall in order to house the event.

The North Star Foundation event was held to raise money and awareness for Sexually Abused Children. The event was dubbed Community Awareness Day of Alamance County. The Burlington Police Department, Burlington Fire Department, Alamance Rescue/ EMTs and the Air Ambulance from Baptist Hospital Winston Salem, NC all participated in the event.

The Tent Rental Company donated Tents in the amount of $3,000.00 charging Ms. Gillespie only $500.00 for their use. Burlington Square Mall charged Ms. Gillespie $2,500.00 for renting the old Belk's location.  During the event for the children door prizes, rides, clowns, games and educational information was available to visitors.

Checks issued by Ms. Gillespie in the name of the North Star Foundation proved worthless and the account had been closed.

Karen Lynne Gillespie was charged with three (3) counts Misd. Worthless checks and three (3) counts Obtaining Property by False Pretense. Ms. Gillespie was jailed under $10,000.00 bond. Ms. Gillespie is incarcerated in the Alamance County Jail.

Other victims in the investigations are as follows: Markell Printing C., Nicole Dayne Hair Salon. The investigation is continuing. Further charges may ensue as the investigation progresses.