Two ex-Carteret deputies plead guilty in embezzlement case

Greenville, N.C. — Two former Carteret County deputies pleaded guilty Thursday in an embezzlement case involving money designated for undercover drug buys.

Frank Galizia, 59, of Morehead City, and Boyce Floyd Jr., 48, of Cedar Point, each pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting embezzlement. They will be sentenced in November, when they each face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Defense attorney Joseph Cheshire, who represents Floyd, said former Carteret County Sheriff Ralph Thomas ordered his deputies to engage in a scheme that allowed him to take money.

Thomas and drug detective Christopher Cozart pleaded guilty in May to participating in the scheme.

Authorities say that at least $5,000 was withdrawn between 1997 and 2006 from official accounts maintained by the sheriff's office.

When drug detectives would complain that they were receiving less than the full amount requested for an undercover operation, Galizia would say “Daddy had to get his cut,” according to federal authorities.

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So was 5,000. worth losen your job for.

scubadug
July 29, 2010 6:01 p.m.

That would be "Thanks for giving the rest of us a bad name.

1 of many
July 29, 2010 5:45 p.m.

I would have done the same thing If I were them. What's 5000? chump change, in fact I would have taken lots more.

Bon Viveur
July 29, 2010 5:37 p.m.

Thanks for giving the rest of a bad name.

1 of many
July 29, 2010 5:36 p.m.

Apparently they just got cocky and thought they would not get caught. No better than the dealers/users who do drugs. Their livelihood, jobs gone. Greed kept them from thinking about the effect such bad behavior on their families. So sad.