SNOW HILL– Berlin’s former town administrator apologized in Worcester County District Court this week after pleading guilty to embezzlement.
Jeff Fleetwood, the Berlin town administrator who retired this spring and now holds a similar position in Delmar, pleaded guilty to embezzlement Tuesday. He paid full restitution to the town in the amount of $17,520 and Judge Gerald Purnell sentenced him to six months in jail with all but one month, which Fleetwood will serve in home detention, suspended. He was also ordered to complete 40 hours of community service.
“I’m truly sorry for being in this courtroom,” Fleetwood said.
Fleetwood, who served as Berlin’s town administrator from 2019 to the spring of 2022, was charged last month with six counts of forgery of private documents, theft $1,500 to under $25,000 and theft scheme $1,500 to under $25,000. The felony charges related to discrepancies in Fleetwood’s leave balances, which he was paid for when he left Berlin.
“Investigators were advised that during a recent audit, discrepancies were discovered involving Fleetwood’s leave balances,” Assistant State’s Attorney Erin Smith said. “Fleetwood had a special clause in his contract that allowed him to be paid out for accrued sick leave. Investigators were advised that an addition
“I’m truly sorry for being in this courtroom ….” I bet you are. I’m sure you would have preferred not to have gotten caught and had to be in that courtroom. Why didn’t you say you were truly sorry for what you had *done* instead off saying you were sorry for being on the courtroom? And this guy now has as similar position in Delmar? How stupid is whoever accepted him into that position? If he embezzles from you you’ve got nobody to blame but yourself.
Explains some of the shady stuff that happened at one of his former employers.
These small towns have so much theft, and corruption. The counties are no better. If you only knew. It’s a culture thing, and no accountability.
Why? Because he thought he could. This is an occasion to be thankful the system of checks and balances or quality control WORKED.
He got off very easy.
Lack of homework by Delmar. Reminds me of a city manager from FLA who came to OC. We were told he was fully vetted, checked out, etc. Welp that was a lie and another stain on the 10 mile island. Hell sometimes it happens over time too. Eh former council person Paddack?
Another day, another elected criminal. Sorry for being in the courtroom ut not sorry about the crime. Geez
Is Delmar crazy?????
wasnt he in charge of stopping theft at one of the local department stores many many years ago?
That’s where he got his practice, Delmar must be a dumb lot to hire somebody with a criminal record.
Probably crazy from the vaccine.
Delmar is going to the dogs.