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A former volunteer fire chief in North Carolina has been charged with embezzling almost $155,300 from his department by falsifying time sheets.

State Å˽ðÁ«´«Ã½Ó³»­ Commissioner Mike Causey said in a statement that Brian Jason Edwards, 49, of Granite Falls, was charged with embezzlement, forgery and obtaining property by false pretenses.

Edwards was fire chief at Grace Chapel Volunteer Fire Department, northwest of Charlotte. From 2019 to 2023, he allegedly padded his time sheets, collecting far more pay than he had earned, officials said. Department of Å˽ðÁ«´«Ã½Ó³»­ investigators worked with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office to bring the charges.

“Volunteer firefighters are dedicated public servants who sacrifice a lot to protect their community,” Causey said. “… these volunteers and members of the community need to know that the fire department’s money is being spent wisely.”

Edwards was arrested Monday and his bond was set at $50,000. He is scheduled for an initial court appearance today, Oct. 30.

A statement on the fire department’s Facebook page indicates Edwards resigned from the department in December 2023 and has not been affiliated since then.

“The board of directors and current administrative staff have worked with our local sheriff’s office and the North Carolina State Department of Å˽ðÁ«´«Ã½Ó³»­ throughout this investigation,” the statement notes. “We want to remind everyone that this (alleged embezzlement) in no way represents the fire department’s nor our community’s character and values. We have fully rebounded from the events of these charges and stand ready to provide superior protection to those whom we serve.”

Topics North Carolina