LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. (News Release) — On April 8, 2026, Hope R. Corley was arrested in connection with an embezzlement investigation involving Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, located in Iron Station.
Hope R. Corley
On March 4, 2026, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received a report regarding a significant amount of money missing from the church’s bank account. Detectives initiated an investigation, which revealed that Corley, who was serving as the church’s treasurer, embezzled the funds for personal use.
According to investigators, between June 2025 and February 2026, Corley is accused of misappropriating approximately $80,000 from the church.
On April 8, 2026, Corley, of Lincolnton, was arrested and charged with embezzlement.
She was issued a $50,000 secured bond and is currently being held at the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center.
