EAST SPENCER, N.C. — According to officials, the East Spencer assistant fire chief has been charged with felony embezzlement by a position of trust after they said he used the department's money for personal purchases.
[PAST COVERAGE: Town asks for investigation into its finances]
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation told Channel 9’s Allison Latos that Teon Robinson used a town credit card to make over $1,000 worth of unauthorized personal purchases.
Residents told Channel 9 the arrest doesn't come by surprise and the town doesn't have money to spare.
"They can't afford to lose any tax money at all because they're struggling enough to keep things afloat," said an East Spencer resident.
Channel 9 has covered issues with the East Spencer Fire Department for months.
Firefighters said their trucks needed serious maintenance, fire suits were outdated and that financial issues impacted their ability to respond to emergencies.
The town's new fire chief, Shawn McBride, told Channel 9's Blaine Tolison that he could not answer any of his questions about Robinson's case because it is an open investigation.
When Tolison asked McBride if he had anything to say to residents, he said the fire department has been serving the community since 1910 and that's what he'll continue to do.
[RELATED: East Spencer only working fire truck topic of discussion]
Channel 9 went to Robinson's home for answers, but no one answered the door.
SBI officials said they're still conducting a forensic audit and Robinson could face additional charges.
Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.
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