SBI arrests Princeville mayor for embezzlement

PRINCEVILLE, N.C. (AP) – The mayor of a North Carolina town that was one of the first communities in the country established by freed slaves faces charges she spent the town’s money while shopping and dining out.

An agency spokeswoman says State Bureau of Investigation agents on Wednesday arrested Princeville Mayor Priscilla Everette-Oates, who was indicted earlier this week with 17 counts of embezzlement related to questioned purchases made with the town’s credit card.

State Auditor Beth Woods’ office said in April that Everette-Oates ran up more than $8,000 in questionable charges over two years including hotels, nearly two dozen visits to a seafood restaurant, and two trips to Bed Bath & Beyond.

Her attorney, Malvern King Jr. of Durham, did not return a call Wednesday seeking comment.

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