Former Police Chief Woody Burgess Charged With Embezzlement

Cherryville PDCHERRYVILLE, N.C. – Cherryville’s former police chief Woodrow “Woody” Paul Burgess, 60, of Cherryville has been charged with embezzling over $11,000.

Burgess has agreed to plead guilty to the charge, according to the U.S. District Attorney’s Office.

Burgess embezzled $11,048 during his tenure as police chief. According to records from the U.S. District  Court, Burgess made Bonny Alexander, Cherryville’s financial director, make checks to “The Great Outdoors, Inc.” to buy firearms for Burgess’ personal use.

Burgess told Alexander the checks were being used as “cash-out” for “compensatory time.”

Crime in Charlotte .com reported earlier this year that federal agents searched Burgess’ home on April 26.  They took several guns, boxes and bags were taken.

The charge comes on top of six arrests after an undercover sting operation that ended in October.  Cherryville police officers David Paul Mauney III and Casey Justin Crawford, along with former Cherryville narcotics detective Frankie Dellinger, were among the six charged.

Cherryville men Wesley Clayton Golden, John Ashley Hendricks, Mark Ray Hoyle and the three former officers have all pleaded guilty to conspiracy and extortion. They are awaiting sentencing.

The men were a part of a scheme to transport stolen property across Gaston County.

Burgess’ charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. Burgess’ initial appearance and plea hearing have been set for 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Burgess has also agreed to pay full restitution, the amount of which will be determined by the Court at sentencing, according to the U.S. District Attorney’s office.

Alexander pleaded guilty to embezzlement charges in January.

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