Man Charged With Concealment Of Death

On July 12, 2022, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office and asked to assist with a missing person investigation involving Anthony Jaworsky, who had been reported missing to the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office on July 21, 2021. During the investigation, Catawba County investigators developed information indicating that Jaworsky may have last been seen in the Hildebran area of Burke County.

On July 12, 2022, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) assisted Catawba County investigators in executing a search warrant at 3584 Curley’s Fish Camp Road in Hildebran. During the search, suspected human remains were discovered.

Later that day, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office obtained warrants charging Mark Anthony Ortiz with Felony Concealment of Death. The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office also charged Ortiz with Felony Obstruction of Justice. That charge was later presented to a Catawba County Grand Jury, which returned an indictment on February 20, 2024.

Following a lengthy investigation involving local, state, and federal authorities, Ortiz was located in Naples, Florida, on June 18, 2026. On October 8, 2026, Ortiz was extradited to North Carolina and served with his outstanding warrants at the Catawba County Magistrate’s Office.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is currently consulting with the District Attorney’s Office regarding potential additional charges in this case. Further information may be released as it becomes available.

Ortiz is currently in custody under secured bonds totaling $751,000. His initial court appearances in Burke County is scheduled for October 22.