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COLERAIN – The former mayor of Colerain is under investigation for allegedly embezzling money.

Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin said he has requested the North Carolina SBI to investigate allegations of embezzlement from the town by William Harrell.

Ruffin said that to his knowledge, Harrell has resigned as Colerain’s mayor.

“This case is only in the investigative stage and no charges have been filed against Mr. Harrell at this time,” Ruffin said.

Chad Flowers, Public Information Officer with the SBI, told the R-C News-Herald on Tuesday that the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office has requested the NC SBI investigate a case involving the Town of Colerain.

“Agents have been assigned to this case, and our investigation is in its early stages,” Flowers said. “Once the investigation is complete, our findings will be shared with the [local] District Attorney for their review. No additional information is currently available.”