BENSON POLICE DEPARTMENT
303 EAST CHURCH STREET
BENSON, NC 27504
TELEPHONE 919-894-3616 FAX 919-207-1993
- - -PRESS RELEASE- - -
July 12, 2005
In August of 2004, a report concerning the possible Embezzlement of Funds from Banner Machinery Corporation of Benson was filed with the Benson Police Department.
After an extensive investigation into the allegations, it was determined that approximately $47,000 had been taken from the company, through unauthorized credit card charges, unauthorized writing of company checks, and other unauthorized purchases using company funds. In addition, it was determined that computer files related to the thefts had been deleted from a company computer. On July 11th, 2005, an arrest was made in the case, and 45 Felony charges, and 6 Misdemeanor charges were filed by Det. Sarah Harris. The person arrested, Anne Marie Kelly, is a former employee of Banner Machinery, and had been employed there since 2001. She was placed in the Johnston County Jail under a $250,000 Secured Bond.
Chief Edwards states that, "This investigation took a great deal of time to complete, due to the numerous unauthorized transactions that took place. I would like to commend Det. Harris for her perseverance, and her determination to obtain justice for the victims of this crime."
Mrs. Kelly's Felony charges were 33 counts of Obtaining Property by False Pretenses, 11 counts of Financial Card Fraud, and 1 count of Larceny by Employee. Her Misdemeanor charges were 5 counts of Financial Card Fraud, and 1 count of Computer Trespass.
Chief Edwards further said, "In the past week, investigators of this department, particularly Det. Sarah Harris and Lt. Greg Percy, have made two arrests in Embezzlement related cases, involving an approximate total of $88,000, and 67 total criminal charges. Financial crimes are extremely difficult to investigate, and to document, due to their complex nature, but our department has the knowledge and expertise needed to handle these types of crimes. The citizens of Benson should be proud of these officers, and their Police Department."
A photograph of Mrs. Kelly is available from the Johnston County Jail. For any additional information regarding this incident, please contact Chief Kenneth Edwards at 919-894-3616.