Beach community members weigh in on Caswell Beach mayor’s arrest

The Mayor of Caswell Beach Harry Simmons is accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from surrounding beach communities. And many people have expressed  how shocked and disappointed they are to hear these allegations.

Investigators said Simmons stole more than $673,000 from the Brunswick Beach Consortium, group he led to help the county’s beaches.

Simmons is charged with 18 felony counts including obtaining property by false pretenses and embezzlement.

Betty Hupp, who lives in one of the communities that are part of the beach consortium, said hearing these allegations is disheartening.

“He has misused his public trust and certainly what he has done with the funds that he has been entrusted to him is unbelievable, and unconscionable,” said Hupp.

Some of the Oak Island Town Council candidates also weighed-in on the allegations during a debate. They all agreed that this situation is an example of why there always has to be a constant eye on funds and amounts need to be double and tripled checked.

Simmons remains in jail.