Ward, SC (WLTX) - The former town clerk of Ward in Saluda County is charged with embezzlement of public funds and breach of trust with fraudulent intent.
Ellen Pamela Long, 63, is also charged in connection to money missing from Ward Baptist Church where she served as treasurer.
SLED began investigating Ward at a request of the Saluda County Sheriff's Department.
According to an affidavit embezzled more than $10,000 from the town of Ward between January 1, 2003 and August 1, 2014 while she served as town clerk. Investigators say Long used the town's money to pay personal credit cards, and would write checks to her husband and herself.
The affidavit says during the time period, Long also took more than $10,000 from Ward Baptist Church for her personal use. Ward served as the church's treasurer and according to the affidavit was in charge of the church's bank account. Investigators say she used money from the church to pay credit card bills, pay personal and family expenses and also wrote checks to her husband and herself.
SLED investigators say Long gave both a written and verbal confession.
