CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The former Recorder for the Town of Cowen has been sentenced to jail time on forgery and embezzlement charges.
That’s according to a news release from the state Auditor’s Office, which investigated the case through its Public Integrity & Fraud Unit.
Tracy Bell, 50, appeared before Webster Circuit Judge Jack Alsop.
Bell was the recorder in Cowen from 2015 to 2018. She was accused of taking $46,552 of town funds for her own use.
Her plea resulted in two sentences of 1 to 10 years to be served consecutively. After that, she would serve an additional seven years probation.
In addition to the jail time, she has agreed to pay restitution that includes the $46,552, plus another $445 in interest and $860 in fees and costs.
She also agreed to pay $15,372 to the State Auditor’s Office for the cost of the investigation.
“It takes aggressive prosecution to ensure this conduct will not be tolerated any longer in the Mountain State,” Auditor J.B. McCuskey stated.
Cowen Mayor Paula Carpenter stated her thanks for the investigation.
“We look forward to being on sound financial footing from this point on in the town of Cowen,” Carpenter stated.