Former Chocowinity Town Clerk Indicted On Embezzlement Charges

BEAUFORT COUNTY – A former Chocowinity town clerk has been indicted on three felony embezzlement charges following an investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation.

Lauren Ashley Hoggard is charged with three counts of embezzlement by a public officer, each a Class F felony.

According to the SBI, the charges stem from allegations that between 2022 and 2024, Hoggard voided utility bills for her own residences rather than paying them.

Investigators also allege Hoggard overpaid herself through the town payroll and took cash that should have been deposited into the Town of Chocowinity’s bank account.

The SBI did not disclose the total amount of money allegedly involved.

Hoggard was arrested and booked into the Pitt County jail under a $135,000 secured bond.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and Pitt County Sheriff’s Office assisted the SBI with the investigation and arrest.