Charges against a suspended official of the Rockingham Housing Authority were dropped Friday.
The trial of former RHA Public Housing Specialist Mildred McSween was set for Monday, but charges were dismissed by the district attorney’s office.
“The investigation into other officials from the Rockingham Housing Authority is still on-going,” North Carolina Prosecutorial District 20A District Attorney Michael Parker said. “The prosecution of this case at this time could potentially prejudice that on-going investigation.”
Parker said he was unaware of the progress of the on-going investigation, because it is being conducted by federal officials.
Rockingham Police Chief Robert Voorhees has been instrumental in opening the investigation into the RHA.
“I concur with the findings of the district attorney,” he said Friday. “The investigation is on-going at this time.”
McSween’s attorney Duane Bryant of High Point explained the procedural wrangling that led to the dismissal.
“We entered a speedy trial motion in an effort to move this trial along,” Bryant said. “There were repeated claims of further investigations by law enforcement officials, which simply didn’t pan out.”
He painted a picture of an upstanding citizen who has been falsely accused of a crime.
“They arrested a very good woman, and a very good citizen of Richmond County without valid reason,” Bryant continued. “She has lost her career, her child has faced ridicule at school, she had to hire a lawyer. Here’s a citizen I don’t believe has ever crossed the street the wrong way.”
Bryant pointed to holes in the prosecution, saying this is a federal offense that was being tried in a state court, she was charged with obtaining property by false pretense without receiving anything and she was arrested for conspiracy without the arrest of alleged co-conspirators.
McSween was arrested on June 15 and charged with four felonies relating to the falsification of a public housing application.
She was then put on unpaid leave by the agency, which was extended in September.
Former RHA Executive Director Grace Ingram was named as a co-conspirator in the case, but never charged.
Ingram’s attorney could not be reached for comment at press time.
Staff Writer Philip D. Brown can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 32, or by e-mail at pbrown@yourdailyjournal.com.
I know I said 2 comments, but as I said my memory is fading. But, where are those laptops?? I can't sleep at night because of those laptops!!heeeheeeheeeheee!
Didn't Parker KNOW that the State can't try a Federal case? He must not have. Says a lot, huh?
The city of Rockingham should take inventory too, lawsuit settlements and bad deals should be made more public.