A former fire chief in Sampson County has been charged with embezzling money from the fire department he led, according to the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office.
Around May this year, the sheriff’s office received a complaint from the Turkey Fire Department about money that appeared to be missing or misused by former Chief Tommy Keith Smith, 51, of Salemburg, which is about 12 miles west of Clinton.
The funds exceeded $38,000 and the fire department asked law enforcement to investigate. The fire department was also able to provide documentation to help aid investigators, the sheriff’s office said.
Through multiple search warrants and with information provided by the fire department, it was determined money was embezzled and misappropriated by the former fire chief, the release stated.