Currituck fire department employee allegedly stole over $200K in embezzlement scandal

Amanda Christine Lamb, a 46-year-old employee of the Lower Currituck County Volunteer Fire Department in North Carolina, has been accused of embezzling over $200,000 from the organization. The charges were announced by North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, following an investigation by special agents from the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division. Lamb was indicted by a Currituck County Grand Jury and arrested the following day for embezzlement of funds by a public officer.

Commissioner Causey expressed disappointment over the situation, stating that volunteer firefighters who dedicate their time and effort to community safety should not have funds intended for protecting life and property misused for personal gain. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that money donated to fire departments is well spent and that appropriate accounting checks and balances are in place to prevent such incidents in the future. Approximately $205,305 in fire department funds was reported to have been stolen by Lamb from July 1, 2020, to Nov. 1, 2022, according to Causey.

While Causey did not provide specific details about the case, he urged the public to report any suspected crimes by contacting the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in handling fire department funds to guarantee that donations are put to good use. The investigation into the embezzlement case serves as a reminder of the importance of establishing financial safeguards within fire departments and rescue squads to prevent fraud and ensure responsible stewardship of donated funds.

The arrest of Amanda Christine Lamb raises concerns about the misuse of funds within volunteer fire departments and highlights the potential risks associated with financial oversight in such organizations. The alleged embezzlement of over $200,000 from the Lower Currituck County Volunteer Fire Department underscores the necessity of implementing robust accounting procedures and monitoring mechanisms to safeguard against fraud and theft. Commissioner Causey’s statement underscores the commitment to holding accountable those who misuse public funds and reinforces the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency in managing donations intended for community safety.

This case serves as a cautionary tale for fire departments and rescue squads across North Carolina, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stringent financial controls to prevent embezzlement and fraud. The impact of such criminal activities not only jeopardizes the trust and goodwill of donors but also undermines the vital services provided by first responders. By ensuring that appropriate checks and balances are in place, fire departments can mitigate the risk of financial misconduct and prioritize the responsible allocation of resources to fulfill their mission of safeguarding life and property within their communities. It is imperative for all fire departments to adhere to best practices in financial management to uphold their integrity and deliver on their commitment to public service.