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Former fire chief accused of embezzling over $150K from volunteer fire department

Brian Edwards is accused of falsifying time cards over four years, embezzling over $150,000.

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. —  A former Caldwell County fire chief is accused of embezzling more than $155,000 from a volunteer fire department, North Carolina investigators say. 

Brian Jason Edwards, 49, was charged with embezzlement, common law forgery and six counts of obtaining property by false pretense, according to North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey. 

Edwards is a former chief at Grace Chapel Volunteer Fire Department in Granite Falls. Investigators allege he stole the money from the fire department by falsifying time sheets for hours he worked from 2019 until 2023. 

Edwards was arrested by the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office and given a $50,000 bond. 

“Volunteer firefighters are dedicated public servants who sacrifice a lot to protect their community,” Causey said. "While I understand that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, these volunteers and members of the community need to know that the fir department's money is being spent wisely. I commend our special agents and the deputies working on this case for their hard work bringing these charges."

Anyone who suspects fraud or any other white-collar crime is encouraged to report it anonymously by calling the North Carolina Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Divisions at 919-807-6840. 

Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.  

WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.

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