Ex-registrar charged in Albemarle County funds scandal
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A months-long probe into spending inside Albemarle County’s Office of the Registrar ended this week with felony charges against a former top official accused of misusing public money.
Investigators said an internal report in August triggered a case that found roughly $34,000 in purchases between January and August unrelated to county business. The former registrar surrendered on Thursday and was released on an unsecured bond.
Key Points
- Probe found about $34,000 in improper purchases from January to August
- A grand jury on Monday certified two embezzlement counts and one forgery count
- The former registrar turned herself in Thursday and was released on unsecured bond
Charges and timeline
Detectives obtained three charges that were certified by a grand jury on Monday: two counts of felony embezzlement and one count of felony forgery against Lauren E. Eddy, 45, of Charlottesville.
ACPD opened its investigation in August after a report of suspected financial misconduct tied to the registrar’s office, documenting purchases deemed private and unrelated to official duties.
Next steps and tips
Police said the case remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Carroll at 434-296-5807 or reach Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000.