The North Carolina Department of State Treasurer Issues Statement on File Theft

(Raleigh, N.C.) – The North Carolina Department of State Treasurer (DST) issued the following statement:

Earlier this week, employees from the Financial Operations Division (FOD) at DST noticed a number of files were missing from a secure area at the division's facility on Atlantic Avenue. An internal investigation was immediately initiated resulting in findings that pointed to a high probability of criminal activity. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Wake County District Attorney's office were contacted and all findings from the internal investigation were turned over to law enforcement.

SBI's subsequent investigation confirmed internal findings of potential criminal activity and identified a person of interest in the case. After the SBI consulted with the Wake County District Attorney's office, a warrant was issued and an arrest was made last evening, less than 72 hours after the discovery of the missing files.

“I want to thank the SBI and Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman for their rapid response to this issue," said North Carolina State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA. “They quickly assessed the situation and made an arrest almost immediately."  Folwell also praised the internal team that discovered the missing files and began the preliminary investigation.

FOD is currently assessing the impact on operations due to the removal of the files. DST refers all questions on the case to the Wake County District Attorney's office.

FOD is charged with properly accounting for and reporting on all funds that are deposited, invested, and disbursed through the DST. FOD Accounting handles:  Departmental Accounting (functions for the Department), Investment and Banking Accounting, State Debt Accounting, State Health Plan Accounting, Retirement Accounting (Pension and Supplemental Retirement Plans) and Escheat Accounting.

FOD also performs the State Treasurer's role of serving as the State's Banker and ensures that efficient banking services are provided to all State agencies and institutions.