Former Spring Lake director of finance arrested for embezzling nearly half a million dollars in taxpayer money

Officials told WRAL News 63-year-old Gay Cameron Tucker stole more than $500,000 from the Town of Spring Lake.

The misuse of funds dates back to 2016.

State Treasurer Dale Folwell says it all took place during Tucker's tenure as finance director and accounting technician for the town.

“The state not only found half a million worth of missing money, but also potentially 35 vehicles that are unaccounted for,” said Folwell.

State auditor: Former Spring Lake employee used $430,000 from town for personal use

She used fraudulent checks containing forged signatures of the mayor and town manager.

Folwell said the money came from property taxes paid in Spring Lake, and people have every right to be upset.

“The fact is that someone has been slighted either with having to pay higher property taxes, which is extremely horrible in this inflation environment, or they did not receive proper essential services they thought they were paying for,” said Folwell.

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Tucker is charged with one count of embezzlement, four counts of bank fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft.

The maximum punishment for embezzlement is 10 years in prison. The maximum punishment for bank fraud is 30 years in prison.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is also investigating the case

The first committee hearing will be next week.