A Wayne County grand jury has returned a nine-count indictment charging former Town of Fort Gay Mayor Joetta R. Hatfield and former Treasurer and Recorder Sheila K. Bowen with embezzlement, fraudulent schemes, conspiracy, falsifying accounts, and computer fraud.
The charges allege the pair illegally diverted more than $370,000 of public funds over an eight-year period. Based on an investigation by the Auditor’s Public Integrity & Fraud Unit, the indictment alleges that, from February 2017 through February 2025, Hatfield and Bowen used their positions to issue unauthorized vendor and payroll checks, overcompensate themselves for leave, withdraw cash, and adjust utility payments, all for personal benefit. Investigators estimate Hatfield embezzled approximately $245,000, while Bowen embezzled about $127,000.
West Virginia State Auditor Mark Hunt said the case began when the office’s Chief Inspector Division conducted a routine financial audit of the Town of Fort Gay. “These indictments demonstrate the importance of regular oversight when it comes to protecting taxpayer dollars,” said Auditor Hunt.
The charges further allege Hatfield and Bowen manipulated the town’s books and computer systems to hide their fraud and misrepresent the municipality’s financial condition. If convicted, they each face substantial prison time and restitution. An indictment is merely an accusation.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
