Woman steals $200,000 from North Carolina's fire department

A woman from the Lower Currituck Volunteer Fire Department of North Carolina faces serious charges. Police investigators accused her of stealing over $200,000 from the organisation.

Amanda Christine Lamb, a 46-year-old resident of Shawboro in Currituck County, has been charged with embezzlement of funds by a public officer, according to the announcement by North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey.

Investigators from the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division allege that Lamb siphoned off $205,305.85 from the volunteer department between July 2020 and November 2022.

Following her indictment by a grand jury in Currituck County on March 25, Lamb was arrested the next day. She was later released on bail against a $97,000 secured bond. She will appear before Currituck County Superior Court on April 22.

Causey said that it was disheartening that the fire department's funds were misused for personal gain.

“Volunteer firefighters dedicate so much of their time and effort to keeping their communities safe,” Causey said. “It’s disheartening to learn that money intended to protect life and property may have been siphoned off for personal use.”

He stressed the need for transparency and accountability in financial management within fire departments.

Causey said that his office would ensure that donations to fire departments are used appropriately. He also urged fire departments and rescue squads in North Carolina to maintain proper accounting checks and balances to prevent such incidents.