PITTSBORO - After a joint investigation by the Pittsboro Police Department and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, a former employee of Northwood High School located in Pittsboro was arrested by the Pittsboro Police Department.

The SBI charged Karen Burnette Cheek, 45, of 173 Lesters Way, Moncure, with six counts of embezzlement totaling $81,017. 

During late 2013, Chatham County School officials discovered funds were missing during a routine internal audit and notified the Pittsboro Police Department. The Pittsboro Police Department requested the SBI's assistance due to the extensive nature of the investigation and the matter involving public funds. Officials believe that more than $100,000 may have been embezzled from Northwood High School dating as far back as 2008. Cheek was the secretary/treasurer at Northwood High School during this time period.

Cheek was released on a $50,000 unsecured bond and her first court appearance is scheduled for May 18 at the Chatham County Justice Center in Pittsboro.

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Contact: Teresa West
Date: May 1, 2015
Phone: (919) 582-8511