DSS employee accused of embezzling $8,600

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A New Hanover County Department of Social Services employee is on leave after an arrest on embezzlement charges.

According to County Spokeswoman Ruth Smith, Angelina Bernard was arrested yesterday and charged with 11 counts of embezzlement. Smith said Bernard is currently on investigatory leave, which is paid.

Smith said according to the investigation, Bernard created a fake company providing tutoring and mentoring services to students and took money from her office to that company. According to arrest warrants, the offenses date back to as far as January 2013 up to the most recent allegations this month. The total amount taken from the county is estimated at $8,600, according to warrants.