MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — A former Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services supervisor is facing federal charges, accused of using clients’ information to fill out fake requests and embezzle thousands of dollars.
A federal indictment obtained by Channel 9 says Paula Alane Thomas oversaw approval of requests for rent and utility funds, but between 2012 and 2013 she “created false and fraudulent requests” by unlawfully using current and former DSS clients’ “names, Social Security numbers and dates of birth.”
Court documents say the requests then went to the nonprofit Crisis Assistance Ministry which wrote the checks.
Prosecutors said Thomas used that money to funnel thousands to herself and others.
Commissioner Matthew Ridenhour didn’t know about the criminal charges until Channel 9 told him.
“She is accused of using peoples’ personal information to pad her own pocket. Does that make you angry?” anchor Allison Latos asked.
“It makes me happy she’s being brought to justice,” Ridenhour said. “There is a concern for me as a commissioner that that might break the public trust.”
Commissioner Pat Cotham said county leaders want answers.
“Makes me sick. Yeah, it made me sick,” Cotham said. “All of this will be investigated and throughout audit committee we’ll ask tough questions.”
Channel 9 sent the county a list of questions, but leaders wouldn’t answer all of them and declined a request for an on-camera interview.
The county sent us a security and confidentiality agreement all new employees must sign and current staffers sign every year.
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