A US Marine was found AWOL in Chapel Hill, on Saturday, when he was arrested for credit card fraud.
Nineteen-year-old Elijah Palmer, based out of Camp Lejeune, was arrested on felony credit card fraud charges and an outstanding order for his arrest on prior traffic charges.
Upon arrest, Palmer confessed to an additional crime.
“And then it looks like he told officers that he had deserted from Camp Lejeune,” Chapel Hill Police Lieutenant Josh Mecimore said.
He was then arrested for absence without official leave, better known as being AWOL. It’s not a crime Chapel Hill Police usually have to deal with.
“I don’t recall ever having arrested someone who was arrested for absence without leave,” Mecimore said.
Palmer was arrested after he used a stolen credit card number to purchase about $14 worth of Chinese food.
Palmer is being held at the Orange County Jail in Hillsborough without bond until he is transferred to military police. He will face charges in military court.
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