Crime & Public Safety
Charlotte-Mecklenburg employee charged with embezzlement after internal review
An employee assigned to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Passenger Vehicle for Hire unit was charged with embezzlement in Charlotte. Authorities charged Wilson Rivera Espinosa with one count of embezzlement on Thursday, and arrest and employment actions followed that same day.
According to the agency, a routine review on Sept. 17 uncovered inconsistencies in payment receipt documentation submitted by Espinosa. The department’s financial crimes unit opened a criminal investigation on Sept. 22, and Espinosa was charged on Sept. 24. Officials said he was a non-sworn safety specialist assigned to the Passenger Vehicle for Hire unit and was performing non-public-facing duties during the review.
Agency actions since the discovery include starting termination proceedings and placing Espinosa on administrative leave without pay after his arrest. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police stated the Passenger Vehicle for Hire unit’s program was not affected and no customer was denied services; the unit continues to regulate licensing, inspection, and operation of passenger vehicles for hire within Charlotte city limits.
What is documented by police: the dates of the review and investigation, the criminal charge of one count of embezzlement, and the employment and administrative steps taken by the department. Authorities have not disclosed further specifics about the alleged inconsistencies in documentation or any additional charges.
All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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All individuals mentioned in criminal allegations are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.