Former leaders embezzled more than $1 million from town of Landis, SBI says

LANDIS, N.C. — Three elected officials have been arrested and charged with embezzling money from the town of Landis.

The State Bureau of Investigation confirmed the charges Thursday to Channel 9.

Former Town Manager Reed Linn, 61, former Town Finance Officer Ginger Gibson, 55, and former Parks & Recreation Director Andrew Evans Morgan, 35, were arrested by the SBI Financial Crimes Unit. All three turned themselves in.

The leaders are accused filing unauthorized payroll increases and personnel expenses, taking home more than $1 million over a six to nine year period of time, while passing the cost onto taxpayers.

Landis Mayor Mike Mahaley said he and members of the Board of Alderman asked the Landis Police Department to begin an investigation following allegations regarding the town’s finances.

Linn and Gibson resigned last year when police said they found “substantial evidence of possible criminal activity.”

Linn’s charges include:

• Six counts of embezzlement by a local or charitable officer or employee greater than $100,000
• Four counts of embezzlement by a local or charitable officer or employee
• One count of conspiracy to commit embezzlement

Linn was issued a $250,000 secured bond

Gibson’s charges include:

• Five counts of embezzlement by a local or charitable officer or employee greater than $100,000
• Five counts of embezzlement by a local or charitable officer or
• One count of conspiracy to commit embezzlement
• One count of conspiracy to commit embezzlement

Gibson was issued a $250,000 secured bond

Morgan’s charges include:

• Seven counts of embezzlement by a local or charitable officer or employee
• One count of conspiracy to commit Embezzlement

Morgan was issued a $50,000 secured bond.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

9 Investigates: Documents show reported salaries of Landis employees under SBI investigation 9 Investigates: Documents show reported salaries of Landis employees under SBI investigation

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