Former Zebulon Officer Accused Of Taking Money To Deal With Financial Problems

Gary Driver, 40, is accused of taking more than $15,000 out of the department's evidence room. Driver was also accused of writing several bad check to businesses around town.

The 20-year officer went before a Wake County magistrate Thursday morning. He was later released on his own signature until he makes his next court appearance.

Zebulon Police Chief Tim Hayworth said Driver took the money because of personal financial problems.

"He is a good man that made some bad mistakes and bad choices," Hayworth said.

Driver was fired from the Zebulon Police Department in November 2003 as the State Bureau of Investigation conducted a criminal investigation. He had been second-in-charge of the police department for nine years.