St. George DMV Employee Charged with Embezzlement

"DMV employee at desk"

St. George DMV Employee Charged with Embezzlement

In a surprising twist right here in St. George, South Carolina, a local DMV employee has found herself in a heap of trouble after being charged with embezzling funds from the public. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) recently unveiled the details, and it’s certainly raising eyebrows.

The Story Unfolds

It all started when a customer decided to speak up about some shady practices at the St. George DMV office, located in Dorchester County. According to an affidavit, Shayla Singleton-Drayton, 44, who worked as a customer service representative, allegedly overcharged a customer for a vehicle title. Instead of the standard fee of $585, the customer was slapped with a $600 charge. Now, that’s one way to provoke customers!

But that was just the beginning. The quick-moving SLED got wind of the complaint and kicked off an investigation. Turns out, they discovered that out of the cash collected, only a measly $85 made it into the cash drawer. Now that’s a pretty big red flag!

Digging Deeper

The inquiry didn’t stop there. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) decided to take a closer look at Singleton-Drayton’s transactions over a specific period — from December 1, 2022, to March 7, 2024. What did they find? A staggering total of $19,451 gone missing, all tied to her operations. The figures were shocking. Just think about how many customers were affected.

During her questioning, Singleton-Drayton reportedly admitted to SLED agents that she was in dire financial straits. She confessed that she had pocketed the cash to cover her personal bills and expenses. It’s unfortunate to see someone struggle financially, but stealing from the public treasury? That’s crossing a line!

The Charges and Next Steps

As a result of her actions, Singleton-Drayton was charged on Wednesday with embezzlement of public funds totaling more than $10,000. She’s now sitting in the Dorchester County Detention Center, facing some serious repercussions. The 1st Circuit Solicitor’s Office is set to take charge of the prosecution, ensuring that justice is served.

This situation serves as a stark reminder of how trust plays a crucial role in public service positions. It also raises questions about the internal controls at the DMV—how could someone slip through the cracks like this?

A Watchful Eye

As the story develops, there’s plenty of room for updates. In a breaking news situation, it’s not unusual for details to paint a clearer picture as time goes on. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for additional information as it surfaces—this is a local issue that affects everyone in the community.

If you’re in St. George, it’s worth remembering that each penny counts. Embezzlement not only affects government funds but ultimately the services we rely on the most. As this case unfolds, let’s hope it serves as a wake-up call for all public officials about the importance of integrity and transparency.

Stay Informed

For anyone living in the area, make sure you’re staying connected and informed about this and other local happenings. The more we know, the better equipped we are to foster accountability in our community. Keep checking back for updates on this unfolding story—it’s sure to be one that the people of St. George talk about for a long time.