Former Columbus Co. Animal Control director charged with embezzlement

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — A former Columbus County Animal Control director was arrested after deputies say he created PayPal and GoFundMe accounts to embezzle money.

Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Unit arrested Joseph David Prince, 51, of Wright Road in Tabor City. Prince turned himself in to investigators Wednesday.

The arrest is the result of an investigation that began after Prince left the animal shelter on August 28.

Columbus County Sheriff’s Office was notified that a laptop containing financial information, along with other documents were missing from the Columbus County Animal Control office located at 288 Legion Drive in Whiteville.

During the investigation, investigators discovered that Prince created numerous PayPal and GoFundMe accounts to make it easier for nonprofit organizations to make donations and/or payments to Columbus County Animal Control.

Detectives subpoenaed bank records, PayPal account records, and GoFundMe account records for Prince and the Columbus County Animal Control.

Officials say Prince transferred the funds from the Columbus County Animal Control PayPal account to his own personal PayPal account for his personal use/gains.

Prince embezzled $1,599.12 from Columbus County Animal Control.

He has been charged with 3 felony counts of Obtaining Property by False Pretense and
1 felony count of Embezzlement. He is in jail under at $7,500 unsecured bond.

The investigation is still ongoing.