NC Motivational Speaker & Ordained Minister Arrested For Elder Exploitation, Identity Theft, and Fraud

Shirbartis Jones-Alston Charged With Elder Exploitation

A woman once known for her community involvement and inspirational speaking is now in jail, facing a laundry list of serious felony charges involving the neglect and financial exploitation of two elderly adults.

48-year-old Shirbartis Jones-Alston, of Louisburg, who some may recognize from her past role as a spokesperson during a fatal missing child case in Franklinton, North Carolina, is now accused of abusing her position of trust to steal thousands of dollars and neglect the medical care of disabled adults.

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER TURNED INMATE

Alston—also known in her professional circles as a motivational speaker, life coach, ordained minister, and radio personality—was arrested on August 15, 2025, and remains in custody at the Franklin County Detention Center as of this publication.

Court records accuse her of intentionally targeting vulnerable individuals and using her access to commit financial crimes and neglect.

Alston is charged with misusing her position to gain access to and convert funds and assets belonging to an elderly couple, according to warrants. The warrants also state that she failed to provide proper hygienic and medical care, which led to injury; stole debit cards issued to the victims; used the cards between November 2022 and April 2023; and racked up over $500 in unauthorized purchases.

Additionally, Alston is accused of using a male victim’s personal information, including account and PIN numbers, to carry out transactions totaling more than $19,000. She is also accused of forging and cashing a check made out to herself by signing the victim’s name without authorization.

Her charges include:

• Felony Neglect of a Disabled/Elder with Injury

• Felony Exploitation of Elder Trust

• Felony Neglect of a Disabled/Elder with Injury 

• Felony Financial Card Theft

• Felony Financial Card Fraud

• Felony Identity Theft 

• Felony Forgery of Instrument 

Originally booked under an $800,000 secured bond, a  judge reduced Alston’s bond to $75,000, split into $37,500 per victim.

As of now, she remains in custody.