Local News

Two More Suspects Indicted In Wake Schools Fraud Case

Posted Updated

RALEIGH, N.C. — Two more former employees were indicted Tuesday in a multi-million dollar fraud investigation involving the Wake County Public School System's transportation department, just weeks after three other suspects in the case pleaded guilty to related charges.

Angela Malloy-Sanders and Pamela Stewart were charged with accessory after the fact in the suspected scheme to funnel millions of taxpayers' dollars. According to the indictments, they lied to investigators to cover up the fraud. Investigators said the two women began cooperating in the investigation months ago and have agreed to pay back the money they are accused of taking.

Malloy-Sanders had already turned over nearly $10,000 in furniture and agreed to pay back $40,000; Stewart agreed to pay back $40,000 as well.

Investigators believe a fake parts scheme allowed former school transportation employees and managers from a Wilson-based automotive parts store, Barnes Motors & Parts, to siphon money from the school system. WRAL obtained invoices for personal purchases that are under investigation -- some of which were for appliance and electronics deliveries to Stewart's house.

Stewart and Malloy-Sanders join five other suspects already charged in the case, including the school's former transportation director, Vern Hatley, and Carol Finch, who worked in the transportation department as a budget analyst. Hatley, as well as two Barnes employees -- Connie Capps and Bobby Browder -- pleaded guilty in October and entered into agreements that include prison time.

Malloy-Sanders' attorney said he expects his client to enter a plea agreement and that she is doing what she can to right the wrongs.

 Credits 

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.