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3:59 p.m. • 5-23-12

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Second Wake deputy investigated in embezzlement


Balinda Manley, Wake deputy charged with embezzlement
Balinda Manley, Wake deputy charged with embezzlement
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A second Wake County deputy is being investigated in the theft of evidence from the department, according to search warrants released Monday.

Balinda Manley, 34, of 8401 Falcon Crest Circle in Angier, was charged last month with two counts of embezzlement and one count of possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana.

Irregularities were uncovered during a routine evidence audit, and Sheriff Donnie Harrison asked the State Bureau of Investigation to look into the situation.

The evidence – narcotics and $6,435 in cash – was seized on Feb. 19, 2010, according to search warrants. Manley signed out the evidence twice last June but didn't return it the second time, warrants state.

She was instructed to return the evidence in March because prosecutors needed it for trial, and she returned the narcotics on March 24, warrants state. Five days later, she returned a package that she said contained the cash, but an investigator noticed irregularities in the packaging, according to warrants.

Investigators later opened the package and found a stack of blank paper sandwiched between two $1 bills, according to warrants.

Manley was fired after her arrest.

Investigators searched her financial records and those of a second deputy, Chad Hines. They also found a deposit slip for $1,800 in Manley's car and a deposit slip for $940 in Hines' patrol car, according to warrants.

Hines, who left the Wake County Sheriff's Office on April 27, hasn't been charged in the investigation.

In an e-mail to WRAL News on Tuesday, he said he was part of the drugs and vice unit with Manley, and the whole unit would process evidence after a case.

"I had nothing to do with any criminal activity," he said in the e-mail.

Wake County District Attorney Colon Willoughby said he doesn't know whether anyone else will be charged in the case. Harrison said the investigation is ongoing and declined to comment.

RELATED TOPICS: Wake County, Falcon


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With the example set by our elected officials it's no wonder some of the lower folks turn to stealing, after all look at our former leaders in NC.

Where are the people saying it is a conspiracy where the cops are planting evidence and the suspect is innocent. Or the innocent until proven guilty people. Oh, only for certain criminals. I am not defending this person that used to be a LEO. I hate all LEO that break the law while on the job. It makes my job that much harder.

No, it's not about "us" and shafting everyone else. We can't help you if we're dead or dying, so we protect ourselves first. The VAST majority of us care more about the average person than you or anyone else will. If you really have an issue with cops, go be proactive, get in your community, learn who your neighbors are and start organizing yourselves to protect yourselves, instead of hiding inside and calling the cops every time there is "suspicious activity".

"Most" think that they have a BADGE, A GUN and power to do whatever they want to do....the "Laws" do NOT apply to law enforcement....they are in there own world just like the Attorneys are....the good ole boys and girls cover each other backs...while the law officers do the same...I think someone calls it testilying....where they all figure out the "story" that they are going to tell...and they stick together...that way..no one person goes down for "it"....this is what is WRONG with our entire country....

Cops nowadays are a bunch of egotistical criminals. What a shame. What ever happened to protecting and serving?

Nowadays is it all about them and shafting everyone else.

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