The mayor of Fort Gay, West Virginia, Joetta Hatfield, and the town’s treasurer and recorder, Sheila Bowen, were arrested and charged with a series of financial crimes following a lengthy investigation by the West Virginia State Police.
Hatfield, 68, and Bowen, 53, face charges including fraudulent schemes, embezzlement, falsifying accounts by a public employee, laundering over $20,000 through financial transactions, and conspiracy against the state. The investigation, which began in late October 2024, revealed that the two women had used their positions as elected officials to embezzle funds from the town of Fort Gay between March 2019 and May 2024.
The investigation discovered that Hatfield and Bowen, both having access to town bank accounts, checkbooks, and debit cards, wrote unauthorized checks to themselves, disguising the payments in financial reports. In total, Hatfield allegedly wrote 107 checks totaling $96,425.20, while Bowen wrote 103 checks totaling $94,540.14. They are accused of altering financial records and concealing their actions from the Fort Gay Town Council.
Additionally, Bowen allegedly used the town’s Water account to pay her private power bills and used town funds to cover personal phone bills, resulting in thousands of dollars in personal expenses being paid with public money. Hatfield is also accused of using town accounts for her private bills, including payments to a furniture store owned by her husband.
Both women were arrested and later released after posting $25,000 bonds. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
This case highlights concerns about the misuse of public funds and serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability within local governments.
