Pike County Fire Treasurer Facing Theft Charges
By: Eric Deabill
Updated: November 26, 2012
Mill Rift, Pike County - People in Pike County are shocked and angry over the arrest of a fire department treasurer on theft charges.
Massiel Edwards was charged earlier this month for allegedly stealing more than $10,000 from the Mill Rift Fire Department.
Police say Edwards used the money for herself.
Court papers indicate she paid her real estate taxes and personal bills with the money and then falsified her treasurer reports to cover her tracks.
"I think it's disgraceful. She's put in a trusting position and she just simply did not do what she was supposed to do," Camille LoRe of Milford said.
Around the community, many people who knew Edwards didn't want to speak on camera. Those that did not know Edwards were shocked by the allegations.
"Lets face it, we're becoming a society where everything is given to us and if they can't have it given to them, they take it," Alan Dolge of Dingmans Ferry said.
No one answered the door at the Edwards home Monday.
According to court papers, the 38-year-old took the money to pay her real estate taxes, cable bills and phone bills.
Police say Edwards got the money by making ATM cash withdrawls between March and October.
Other fire department officials discovered the missing money.
If convicted, people in Pike County hope Edwards is held accountable by a judge.
"I think it's like firemen who set fires or policemen who take bribes, I think she's in a position of trust and you have to be penalized for it. If everybody gets a slap on the wrist, everybody will keep doing it," LoRe said.
Edwards is expected back in court next month.
