Well-known Lexington County Man Arrested and Charged with Embezzling from Two Groups
In a surprising turn of events, Craig Thomas Caldwell, a respected member of the Lexington County community, was taken into custody on charges relating to embezzlement and fraud. Caldwell held leadership positions in two organizations, from which he stands accused of stealing substantial sums of money.
Arrest following Detailed Investigation
The arrest followed an extensive investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Caldwell, aged 42, was formerly the chairman of the Lexington County Republican Party (LCRP) from 2016 to 2023. During this period, it is alleged that he embezzled $61,591 from the party funds. Investigators have revealed that these transfers occurred 147 times, between the years of 2018 and 2023, from the LCRP bank account to Caldwell’s personal account.
Contact with SLED agents revealed that Caldwell was able to accomplish this by generating and presenting fictional treasurer’s documents at the Party’s monthly business meetings. He successfully deceived the leadership and members, effectively covering up his embezzlement.
Second Case of Embezzlement
However, the LCRP was not the only victim of Caldwell’s fraudulent actions. During his tenure as treasurer of the Lexington County Rotary Club, an appointment that lasted less than a year, it is alleged that he stole an additional $52,300 from the club’s foundation.
Caldwell reportedly issued himself 11 checks from the club’s funds, bypassing detection by not recording these transactions in the club’s accounting software. This lack of oversight allowed him to deposit the checks into his personal account without immediate detection.
Charges and Consequences
Following his arrest, Caldwell faced two counts of breach of trust with fraudulent intent, with values topping $10,000. Incarcerated at the Lexington County Detention Center, he has since been released on bail after meeting the conditions of his bond.
The revelation of Caldwell’s alleged actions has sent shockwaves throughout the Lexington County community. His arrest underscores the importance of transparent and honest leadership, emphasizing the costly consequences of fraudulent activities to community organizations.
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