CHERRYVILLE, NC — Corruption that plagued the small North Carolina town of Cherryville is over for now.
A federal judge sentenced former Police Chief Woody Burgess to a year of probation, six months house arrest and a fine of more than $11,000.
He had nothing to say as he left the courtroom in Charlotte and headed back to his home Cherryville, a town woken by scandal.
“Now, we can’t hardly trust anybody,” said Sunday Craig.
She lives and works in the town where the former Police Chief admitted to embezzling more than $11,000 to buy guns or his personal collection.
Three of his officers, and a Gaston County Sheriff’s Deputy were convicted of taking bribes to escort stolen goods through the area.
Then, the former Cherryville Finance Director was sentenced for taking more than $435,000 taxpayer dollars. Former Utility Supervisor also charged with embezzling more than $92,000.
It was a string of corruption that caused H.L. Beam to run for Mayor.
“It’s devastating when you lose confidence in the people you put your trust in,” said Mayor Beam.
He says the city now has an audit committee to catch any wrongdoing.
So, will the former Chief’s punishment be enough to win trust back?
“I feel like the citizens have to pay for the mistakes that they made,” said Craig. “It’s horrific.”
“We don’t want this,” said Pam Harris. “This is a little town. We’re trying to grow and get industry back in the town.”
Burgess’ attorney, Melissa Owen, spoke after the sentencing.
“I think it was an appropriate sentence given the conduct in this matter and given all the good works that Mr. Burgess has been involved in his whole life,” said Owen.
For now, the quiet town is left watching.
“Because we are still alive,” said Craig. “We have to be successful at whatever we try to accomplish. We can’t look back on what people has done to taint the city.”
