Ex-Police Chief Faces Embezzlement Charges

Kenly, N.C. — A former police chief in the small Johnston County town of Kenly was arrested Wednesday morning on embezzlement charges, authorities said.

State Bureau of Investigation agents charged David Mangum with four counts of embezzlement of property received by virtue of office or employment. Mangum was released on a $20,000 unsecured bond.

The arrest followed an SBI investigation that began last October at the request of former Johnston County District Attorney Tom Lock.

Mangum, who had served as Kenly's police chief for five years, was suspected of using his town credit card for personal spending.

David Mangum, who had served as police chief for five years, was fired Sept. 30 after Kenly Town Council members learned of charges for a Carnival cruise, stays in two different Outer Banks hotels and clothing purchases on his town-issued credit card.

Kenly Town Manager Scott Shelton said he began an internal investigation into the credit charges in August before turning it over to authorities.

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I agree that there are two sides to every story but I would LOVE to hear this guy's side of the story. First of all he can't plead ignorance of the law, HE WAS A COP and I'm sure he has arrested people for this type of crime before. I'm willing to bet anyone that the excuse he's giving is one he heard hundreds of times from people he's arrested. Probably some like 'they knew I would pay them back.' That's what they all say. The local paper said he drove a police car from North Carolina to Florida to board a cruise ship with his kids. It even said a private investigator has pictures of him driving the car in Florida with his kids. What possible explanation is there for that? Why didn't he drive his own personal car? There's no way he say that he didn't know that was wrong. The TV people are not saying too much about the car but I think that says a lot about the guy's character.

bigdoglives
February 23, 2007 4:44 p.m.

You people are sad, feeding off of negative stories. Why don't you wait for the whole story until you sentence this man to the death penelty. Remember there are always two sides and sometimes three sides to every story.

runningfrombluelights
February 22, 2007 1:25 p.m.

Hey Kris, where was your wife last year on your birthday?

runningfrombluelights
February 22, 2007 1:18 p.m.

I HOPE THAT HE GETS WHATS COMEING TO HIM. PEOPLE LIKE THAT DON'T THINK THAT THEY CAN DO NO WRONG, SO THEY LOOK DOWN ON EVERYBODY ELSE FOR DO THE SAME THING. SO SEND HIM TO PRESON FOR 30 - 40 YEARS

joyceknox707
February 22, 2007 2:36 a.m.

Something like this is about to happen in Taylortown in Moore County . The Mayor has for years done as he pleased with the towm's finances !

georgewilson11
February 22, 2007 1:48 a.m.