Relay for Life volunteers accused of embezzling

Wendell, N.C. — American Cancer Society Relay for Life volunteers have been accused by the organization of embezzling money.

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Relay for Life volunteers at center of police probe

David Mangum and Dianna Scoggins, who have not been charged, are the co-chairpersons of the East Wake Relay for Life, which includes Knightdale, Wendell and Zebulon.

The organization's regional executive coordinator filed a complaint with the Wendell Police Department accusing Mangum and Scoggins, who reside at 419 Fowlkes St. in Wendell, of fraudulent activity.

According to a search warrant, the American Cancer Society uncovered an "elaborate embezzlement scheme," involving Mangum and Scoggins, that had been operating for a "long period of time."

The coordinator told police that money was collected by the co-chairs at meetings held at Wendell Baptist Church at 3615 Wendell Blvd. The money was supposed to be deposited for the American Cancer Society.

"Some deposits were made late, and some may not have been made at all,” said Sam Foster, with the Wendell Police Department.

Foster also said some of the invoices the co-chairs submitted following the Relay for Life event may be counterfeits.

"I've checked into some invoices and one in particular, the business does not exist,” Foster said.

Investigators searched the Fowlkes Street home looking for evidence Friday. Police seized a computer, flash drives, bank statements and an American Cancer Society donation box.

The American Cancer Society coordinator did not cite how much money is missing. The investigation is ongoing, Foster said.