Register of Deeds accused of embezzling more than $100K from Catawba County

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — Police have arrested the Catawba County Register of Deeds for embezzlement, Channel 9 learned on Tuesday.

Detectives said Donna Spencer stole more than $100,000 from the county.

Law enforcement sources said Spencer was arrested in the parking lot of the Justice Center after being served four indictments.

Channel 9′s Dave Faherty was the only local TV reporter there as Spencer was released from jail. She didn’t say a word after posting bond and walking out of the county jail with her attorney at her side.

Spencer has been charged with embezzlement, two counts of obtaining property by false pretenses and failing to discharge the duty of Register of Deeds.

According to the court documents, Spencer is accused of embezzling more than $100,000 from Catawba County. The indictments claim she fraudulently reported overtime and comp time hours while she was not working.

Spencer is also accused of purchasing office supplies and converting those funds and supplies for her own use.

According to the county’s website, Spencer has served as Register of Deeds since December 2004. Channel 9 checked on Wednesday, and Spencer was still employed by the county.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

(Watch the video below: Teachers, other school staff in Catawba County to get bonuses)

Teachers, other school staff in Catawba County to get bonuses

©2021 Cox Media Group