Judge rules Elizabeth Craver can return to Clerk of Court office

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Pender County Clerk of Court Elizabeth Craver will be allowed to return to her office.

On Friday, Superior Court Judge Kent Harrell ruled that while some of Craver’s actions were questionable, they do not rise to willful misconduct.

Special council attorney Boyd Sturges said the decision came following a hearing to determine whether she should be removed from office.

“And under the statue, there is an all-or-nothing for a clerk.,” Sturges said. “There is no gradation of punishments. Either you’re in or you’re out. In other positions, like judges and stuff, there are gradations of punishment.”

The hearing began back on Wednesday.

During that hearing, Craver took the stand, answering questions about items she is accused of buying for personal use with county money. Among those items- an air conditioner, Apple laptop and a printer.

The investigation began in late 2023, when embezzlement allegations surfaced within the Pender County Clerk of Court’s office.

District Attorney Ben David requested the NC SBI investigate the allegations made against Craver and that a special prosecutor be assigned to advise the SBI and handle any criminal prosecution to avoid a potential conflict of interest.

A grand jury indicted Craver in February on 3 charges of felony obtaining property by false pretense and one count of misdemeanor willful failure to discharge duties.

While Craver can return to her position as Clerk of Court, she still faces a trial for the remaining charges.

A trial date for those remaining charges has not yet been set.

We will have more on Friday’s decision tonight on WWAY News.