The former treasurer of the Institute Volunteer Fire Dept. has pleaded guilty to embezzlement charges.
Ethel Andrews, 74, admitted in Kanawha County Circuit Court Monday that she stole a total of $58,000 from the fire department and the West Virginia State University Alumni Association’s Kanawha Valley chapter.
Andrews pleaded guilty to two counts of felony embezzlement. She stole $25,000 from the VFD and approximately $33,000 from the alumni group.
Andrews told the court she took the money because she was caught up in an overseas scam.
Kanawha County Commission President Kent Caper praised county Sheriff Johnny Rutherford and county Prosecutor Mark Plants for their work on the case. Carper first brought it to their attention.
Carper says the embezzlement was an isolated incident and should not reflect negatively on volunteer firefighters in the county.
Andrews is scheduled to be sentenced by Circuit Judge Carrie Webster March 21.