WAYNE, W.Va. — Two former leaders in the town of Fort Gay have pleaded guilty to taking public money.
Former Fort Gay Mayor Joetta Hatfield and former Recorder Sheila Bowen pleaded guilty Friday to a single charge of felony embezzlement.
The two had been indicted on charges of embezzlement, fraudulent schemes, conspiracy, falsifying accounts, and computer fraud. Under terms of the plea agreement, the additional charges were dismissed.
Investigators discovered the two had been redirecting public money over an eight year period between February 2017 through February 2025. Together they made off with more than $370,000. Under terms of the agreement, Hatfield will have to repay just over $245,000 and Bowen will owe just over $127,000 in restitution.
Both could face 1 to 10 years in prison, but the state recommended 3 to 5 years of supervised release for Bowen. Hatfield could get home confinement for her sentence. Sentencing is set for November 6.