Treasurer Allegedly Stole $34K From N.C. Department

MORGANTON, N.C. -- A fire department's former treasurer was indicted Wednesday on allegations she took more than $30,000 from the department's funds.

Sheila Paulette Barrier, 55, of 9158 N.C. 181, Jonas Ridge turned herself in at Burke County Sheriff's Office and was charged with two counts of embezzlement, two counts of obtaining property by false pretenses and one count of common law forgery and uttering, according to a sheriff's office press release. She was released on a written promise to appear for a Feb. 20 court date.

Detective Mike Ollis said Barrier took about $34,000 from the Jonas Ridge Volunteer Fire Department from 2007 to 2011, depositing it in an unauthorized account that bore the department's name and using it for personal expenses.

He declined to specify how Barrier spent the money.

Board members for the fire department discovered the thefts in February 2011 when they saw money was missing from the budget, according to the release. Members of the board reported their suspicions of embezzlement to the sheriff's office on Feb. 24, 2011.

Ollis said Barrier has taken responsibility for her wrongdoing.

"She's been more than cooperative," Ollis said, saying she confessed to the crime and wants to pay back the $34,000.

Ollis said he'd know Barrier for years and when allegations first surfaced, he was stunned.

"It was a surprise to all of us," he said.

Winfield Abee, president of the Burke County Firefighter's Association, said this isn't the first time allegations surfaced that someone was stealing from firemen.

He recalled another incident more than 25 years ago where a small amount of money was taken from the firefighter's association. That led to annual audits and stricter checks and balances for the organization's funds.

"Fire departments are no more immune than anyone else," Abee said.

He didn't know specifics about this case, but said it was "unfortunate."

"It sounds like bad decisions were made, but hopefully there won't be any more," Abee said.

He said this can be a learning experience for local agencies on oversight.

Abee added that thefts like this "always show up."

McClatchy-Tribune News Service