May 19, 2009
-
News: Fraudulent CC Activity Closes Library
Residents of Cherokee, Alabama found themselves locked out of their local library a few weeks ago without warning. Any interesting reading was not to be found in the library, but rather in the local newspaper. Library patrons learned that their librarian had been terminated due to allegations that she fraudulently used a library’s credit card. Cherokee’s Mayor Chuck Lansdell stated that Page McWilliams was terminated on May 4th because she failed to appear in court for a due-process hearing in connection with the fraudulent charges. McWilliams had been an employee of the library for the past two years. Lansdell indicated that an investigation into the fraudulent activities began after the library board was notified of a delinquent credit card payment on a $16,000 credit card balance. Immediately following the notification, the library board and city authorities agreed to close the library for 10 days while an investigation was being conducted. The library board suspended McWilliams for the ten days which in turn she asked for a due-process hearing. A hearing was scheduled; however, Ms. McWilliams failed to appear. A second hearing was scheduled and once again the two year library veteran failed to appear. The town and library board then agreed it would be in the best interest of library to terminate her position.
The credit card account in question was supposedly thought to be closed some time ago. It is not known why or how the account remained open. The fraudulent activities involve several jurisdictions, therefore the town and library board thought it best to solicit the assistance of several other agencies including local and state authorities. Lansdell also indicated that they have ordered a forensic audit to determine the full extent of fraudulent charges on the credit card account.
Meanwhile, as the investigation continues, the library has been reopened on a limited basis three days a week for four hours each day. Volunteers are manning the library while officials are in the process of interviewing potential candidates for a full-time librarian. The library will re-open full-time once a new librarian has been hired. Mayor Lansdell says the city has full intention on prosecuting to the full extent of the law any criminal credit card activities.