By Jessie Burchette
Salisbury Post
The attorney for a county employee put on administrative leave during an embezzlement investigation said she is cooperating and expects to be cleared of any wrongdoing.
James Davis, a Salisbury attorney, is representing Kathy Hudgins, the secretary to Sheriff George Wilhelm. Hudgins, whose former married name was Burnett, was placed on paid administrative leave March 25. She has worked for the county since 1996.
The State Bureau of Investigation is conducting a criminal investigation at the request of the county and District Attorney Bill Kenerly.
Wilhelm said earlier this week that he noticed discrepancies in department funds. Results of an audit by the county finance department were suspicious enough to go to the SBI, Wilhelm said.
No one has directly linked Hudgins with the the embezzlement.
Her attorney issued a statement on Wednesday.
“Kathy will cooperate in every way with the law enforcement investigation. She has been a loyal, faithful and diligent employee,” Davis wrote.
“We are confident that the final analysis will absolve her of any wrongdoing,” he wrote.
Efforts to contact Hudgins on Monday prior to the publication of the initial story were unsuccessful.
County officials have said the investigation may take several weeks.