CAPE CHARLES, Va. — Frustration is growing among residents as the Town of Cape Charles continues to withhold details surrounding the alleged embezzlement and firing of a former town employee, despite months of inquiries from the Cape Charles Mirror.
Since fall of last year, the Mirror has repeatedly attempted to confirm the facts behind persistent rumors that a town employee was terminated over financial misconduct. While the town acknowledges an ongoing investigation, officials have provided little in the way of concrete answers.
“We understand that these cases are sensitive,” the Mirror editorial team wrote this week. “But how long does an investigation take? If nothing happened, then say so. If something did, the citizens deserve to know.”
Emails from readers continue to pour in, many accusing the Mirror of participating in a cover-up. One recent message, milder in tone than most, asks: “Why don’t you cover the many local scandals of prominent families that get preferential treatment? Town employee… fired by CC for embezzlement… now working in Eastville.”
The town’s response to a recent public query echoed previous statements. When asked directly whether theft occurred, whether the employee was dismissed, whether a criminal investigation took place, or whether charges were filed, the reply was vague:
“I can certainly understand the impatience of those wanting to know what, if anything, happened. But these things just take a great deal of time to come to resolution due to the limited resources of external agencies. I am therefore still not at liberty to provide any details, other than to say a formal investigation is still ongoing.” – Town Manager John Hozey
The lack of transparency has only intensified speculation, with residents questioning why the town has remained silent for so long.
While the Mirror continues to pursue official documentation and clarity on the matter, public trust in the town’s willingness to self-police appears to be eroding.
“If a crime was committed involving public funds, and if someone was fired as a result,” one resident told the Mirror, “then why hasn’t the public been told? If it’s all just a misunderstanding, why let rumors drag on?”
The Mirror has pledged to continue investigating and will publish any verified information as soon as it becomes available.
In a small town where everyone seems to know someone involved, silence may speak louder than words.
Was this a documented or undocumented embezzlement? If documented, are the documents on file somewhere. Does FOIA cover this?
If they are documented, perhaps they’re in the same file as documented golf cart interactions.
If so we will never know what the heck is going on…
I am glad to see that the Mirror is actively seeking information on this case. It is INDEED odd that the town administration has remained so close-mouthed about it. It is no surprise that this has prompted citizens to believe that there is some kind of special treatment being given to the presumed guilty party(s). The Mirror is correct in its stance that if it’s all just a rumor, then town officials need to SAY SO. Otherwise, speculation will continue. The town needs to put on its big boy pants and get transparent here. Meanwhile, said suspect continues to be employed by Eastville in a similar position as she held in Cape Charles, with access to that town funds- which everyone knows is quite substantial ( thanks to traffic tickets)……
A topic for the Commonwealth Attorney General or the FBI to investigate?
If the former Cape Charles alleged embezzler’s working in Eastville now then they must be innocent.
As Everyone knows, there is absolutely no, NO corrupt or unethical people in Eastville, not a one, none, zero, zilch, nada.
Every cent is accounted for and the Police Department is respected around the world for their bravery, work ethic, honor and crime fighting ability. Other Shore police agencies depend on Eastville for their help and leadership in protecting us against damgerous criminals.
Remember: Considered innocent until Proven guilty in a Court of Law.
Bet this person is not the only one involved. Better look at the rest of the family working for the town of Cape Charles. Either in the town office and/or police department. I’ve been saying for years certain employees have been embezzling and/or taking kickbacks. I remember when the town accused Smitty Dize of stealing something like 30 thousand dollars. But that didn’t happen because when it started coming back on the accusers all of a sudden that money magically appeared.
I say shut down the entire Cape charles town government and police department and bring in the sheriff’s department and county to run things for awhile. It’s collusion I tell you. Let’s Make Cape Charles Great Again! COLLUSION!!!
where there is smoke, there is fire
When the VA State Police come knocking there’s definitely some smoke. Citizens deserve transparency especially since their tax dollars are part of the town’s budget. Since this has been an alleged crime for several months and zero disclosure of the individual and forced resignation/termination how does this affect Eastville’s position in their hiring? Was the individual forthcoming?
Forthcoming?
Perhaps it’s just the qualification Eastville is looking for.
The police chief who was fired with a $50,000 severance payment….and a non disclosure agreement….im sure nothing was fishy about that.
So… the Cape Charles emp gets canned from their job, and is under investigation. I guess the Chief didn’t know what was happening just like the wife of the Rayfields employee didn’t know their spouse had light fingers and a spending habit. Power corrupts. Disband the entire CCPD, start fresh with new hires to serve in a position in the town. Better yet, any town. Eastville is a sinking ship anyway. They can have former employee. The interim chief canned for racial slurs, etc etc. The Shore takes care of their own as far as supplying them with cake jobs, and in short order fires them for gross negligence, incompetence, or criminal activity. How many times do we have to be embarrassed by corrupt civil servants?
Vive la résistance!
Or maybe the employee was a scape goat. Eastville is rebuilding Administrative side for sure. Skip on down at speak with the new Administrator if you have any doubts. Let us know how that goes.
Too much Big Money is involved. Town ” Leaders ” get on the $$$ Bandwagon. Small town, big thirst for as much as they can graft..
Much money to be stolen from travelers..
Or embarrassed by ignorant people that are clueless about the situation commenting.
Who is clueless, and about what?
I suspect she’s referring to herself Andy.
Embarra$$ing ignorance..