AHOSKIE – A worker of one of the area’s largest retail outlets has been charged with theft by his employer. Paul Lawrence Williams, 17, of Murfreesboro stands charged with three counts each of embezzlement, obtaining property by false pretense, and larceny by employee. According to a report filed Dec. 19 by Ahoskie Police Officer Melanie White, she responded to a call from Belk, located in the Ahoskie Commons Shopping Center, in reference to alleged theft by an employee. Her ensuing investigation revealed that Williams had stolen both US currency and a Belk gift card. The amount of money is undisclosed at this time. Williams was arrested and placed under a $9,000 secured bond before being transported to the Hertford County Jail pending trial.