Cary Town Manager's Car Linked to Suspected Drug House in 2016

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to review how 2016 case was handled

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation will review a 2016 investigation after the Wake County District Attorney's Office requested an assessment of how the case was handled involving former Cary town manager Sean Stegall. Police documents show Stegall's vehicle was seen at a motel where officers believed drug sales were happening, but he was never charged.

Why it matters

The revelations about Stegall's involvement in the 2016 incident raise questions about his tenure as Cary's town manager, especially after he resigned in 2025 amid questions about his spending of town funds. The SBI review could shed light on how the 2016 case was handled and whether there were any improprieties.

The details

In 2016, Cary police documented seeing a vehicle belonging to then-town manager Sean Stegall outside the Harrison Motel, where officers believed drug sales were occurring. Police connected the car to Stegall after running the license plate, and then followed the car to Stegall's home in Cary. However, the report does not definitively state that Stegall was the driver, and he was never charged.

  • In 2016, Cary police documented seeing Stegall's vehicle at the Harrison Motel.
  • In December 2025, Stegall resigned as Cary's town manager amid questions about his spending of town funds.

The players

Sean Stegall

Former town manager of Cary, North Carolina, who resigned in 2025 amid questions about his spending of town funds.

Terry Sult

Cary Police Chief, who released law enforcement documents related to the 2016 incident involving Stegall's vehicle.

Harold Weinbrecht

Mayor of Cary, who released a statement expressing concerns about the newly released records related to Stegall's tenure as town manager.

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What they’re saying

“After finding records that involved the former Town Manager, I recommended to the Interim Town Manager, Town Attorney and Cary Town Council that these records be shared with the general public.”

— Terry Sult, Cary Police Chief (WRAL)

“These documents are concerning and raise many questions, questions for which we don't have answers, and we won't speculate on what happened nearly 10 years ago in the absence of facts and further evidence.”

— Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor of Cary (WRAL)

What’s next

The SBI will review the 2016 investigation to assess how the case was handled. The Wake County District Attorney's Office requested the review.

The takeaway

The revelations about Stegall's involvement in the 2016 incident raise serious questions about his tenure as Cary's town manager and the town's oversight of its top officials. The SBI review could provide much-needed clarity and accountability on this matter.