Lynchburg employee charged with embezzling $13K from firefighter association

A Lynchburg employee has been charged with embezzlement and computer fraud for allegedly misappropriating funds.

Shaquita Ford has been placed on administrative leave.

“This employee has been placed on administrative leave while the case is adjudicated in the legal system,” said Gregory Wormser, Lynchburg fire chief. “We have no further comment at this time.”

The Lynchburg Police Department began its investigation on Nov. 15 after a report of potential embezzlement involving a city employee.

The LPD uncovered evidence supporting recurring embezzlement activities related to the Lynchburg Progressive Firefighters Association, a local non-profit organization.

According to the arrest warrant, Ford transferred more than $13,000 to her personal account over a three-year period. Ford was one of two people with access to the account.

No city funds are associated with LPFA.

The LPFA released a statement regarding this incident saying in part that while Ford’s action were inexcusable, the organization understands that poor socioeconomic status and poor decision-making are the catalysts behind the crime.

“The Lynchburg Progressive Firefighters Association has profound sadness surrounding the recent events within our organization regarding firefighter/paramedic Shaquita Ford. During this unfortunate event, our organization lost a member and a friend who displayed a promising future within both our organization and the Lynchburg Fire Department.

While Ms. Ford’s actions are inexcusable, we as an organization understand that poor socioeconomic status and poor decision-making are the catalysts behind the recent events.

Although the LPFA is seeking ways to recoup the lost funding to continue projects in the community, the organization did not file the charges against the accused secondary to recognition of someone in need of help, love and support from their peers and loved ones.

Due to the severity of the legal infraction, the legal system found the charges to be adequate and warranted.”

This is an ongoing investigation.