Former Central Prison employee charged with embezzlement
Kevin Kuzminski, 26 March 2021
A former Central Prison employee is being charged with embezzlement.
Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman says Micheal Ragan was indicted with one count of embezzlement over $100,000, two counts of obtaining property by false pretense over $100,000 and three counts of obtaining property by false pretense under $100,000.
The alleged amount of total misappropriated funds was $266,557.22 over a close to 8-year period.
“The Department of Public Safety took swift action once this matter came to their attention to bring in law enforcement and to conduct an internal audit to identify any loss of funds to the State and to ensure appropriate steps were taken to prevent further loss and to seek justice on behalf of the State’s taxpayers,” Freeman said.
“I appreciate their cooperation and the work of the State Bureau of Investigation’s Financial Crime Unit. This is a first step in a process in which the defendant is entitled to a presumption of innocence. We will work diligently to ensure justice is achieved in this matter.”
Ragan’s attorney, Hart Miles, said, “Micheal cooperated with the investigation. That is all I can say at this point.”
The Department of Public Safety told WRAL News that they take all allegations of fraud, waste and abuse seriously and will not tolerate criminal activities.
