MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. — Eric Buzzard, the assessor for Marshall County, has admitted to embezzling money from the county.
Buzzard, 42, pleaded guilty Wednesday to embezzlement and conspiracy. He admitted to court to using Marshall County purchase cards for his own personal use.
Buzzard further admitted to conspiring with a local car dealer in a kickback scheme that involved the county’s money. That local car dealer admitted to buying vehicles at the request of Buzzard and then selling them back to the county at marked-up prices.
Officials say Buzzard gained approximately $117,841.23 for his personal benefit. They say the money was used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, vehicles, and pay for restaurants and lodging. The money was originally intended for county projects.
Buzzard is lodged in the Northern Regional Jail.