Smithfield, NC — A former Republican candidate for the North Carolina Senate now faces criminal charges after Johnston County authorities accused her of repeatedly harassing and stalking another person, allegations that include following the individual while he was at the beach and posting information about his whereabouts online.
Court records show Caitlin Sara Nicole Marsh, 25, of Smithfield, was charged May 29 with misdemeanor stalking and harassing phone calls. The charges stem from allegations involving a male victim and conduct investigators say occurred on or about May 29, 2026.
The case has drawn attention because Marsh recently sought public office, running as a Republican candidate for North Carolina Senate District 10 during the 2026 election cycle.
Allegations Detail Repeated Contact and Online Posts
According to warrants issued by Johnston County magistrates, Marsh allegedly made a telephone call to the victim and failed to disconnect the call with the intent of disrupting the person’s telephone service.
The stalking charge alleges Marsh engaged in conduct directed toward the victim on more than one occasion and did so “without legal purpose,” according to court documents.
Authorities further allege the conduct included following the victim while he was at the beach and posting his license plate number and other information on social media. Investigators claim those posts revealed the victim’s whereabouts and contributed to behavior that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of their immediate family.
The warrants were issued on May 29 in Johnston County.
Key Points
• Former North Carolina Senate candidate Caitlin Marsh faces misdemeanor stalking and harassing phone call charges.
• Court documents allege she followed a man at the beach and posted information about him on social media.
• Marsh is scheduled to appear in Johnston County District Court on July 27, 2026.
Political Campaign Followed by Criminal Charges
The charges come just months after Marsh’s unsuccessful bid for a seat in the North Carolina Senate.
According to Ballotpedia election records, Marsh ran as a Republican candidate in the race for Senate District 10 during the 2026 election cycle. She lost in the Republican primary election held on March 3, 2026.
While her political campaign placed her name before voters earlier this year, the current criminal case centers entirely on the allegations outlined in the Johnston County warrants.
The charging documents do not indicate any connection between the alleged victim and Marsh’s political activities.
Additional Court Records Show Recent Traffic Citations
Separate court filings show Marsh also received traffic citations earlier this year in Person County.
According to those records, the Roxboro Police Department cited Marsh following an April 13, 2026, traffic stop. The citations allege she operated a vehicle with an expired registration plate and drove without a current inspection authorization.
Those traffic matters are separate from the Johnston County stalking and harassment case and are not related to the allegations outlined in the criminal warrants issued on May 29.
Court records do not indicate that the traffic citations resulted in criminal charges beyond the alleged motor vehicle violations.
What Happens Next
The Johnston County case now moves to District Court, where Marsh is scheduled to appear on July 27, 2026.
At that hearing, the court will begin addressing the misdemeanor charges filed against her. The stalking allegation and the harassing phone call allegation each remain pending.
The warrants represent accusations by law enforcement and findings sufficient for charges to be filed, but they do not constitute a determination of guilt.
As the case proceeds through the court system, prosecutors will bear the burden of proving the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt if the matter advances to trial.
Marsh remains presumed innocent under the law unless and until a court finds her guilty. The stalking and harassing phone call charges remain active in Johnston County, with her next scheduled court appearance set for July 27, 2026.