Asheville News

Four accused benny-stealing betties arrested in connection with Asheville City Hall fraud scandal

Jason Sandford March 30, 2010

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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ASHEVILLE – Asheville police detectives have today filed charges against four people in cases involving fraud at the city’s Human Resources Department.

Detectives carried out the investigation over the past four months in conjunction with the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office. Both agencies have received assistance from the State Bureau of Investigation.

Initial charges are listed. Additional charges may be brought at the May Grand Jury.

• Elizabeth Oldre, birth date 11/29/1959, of Leicester

• 1 Felony Count of Obtaining Property by False Pretenses

• Robin Nix, birth date 2/23/1961, of Weaverville

• 3 Felony Counts of Obtaining Property by False Pretenses

• Laura Masters, birth date 4/26/1970, of Leicester

• 5 Felony Counts of Forgery

• 6 Felony Counts of Obtaining Property by False Pretenses

• Lisa Roth, birth date 9/4/1964, of Tuckasgee

• 1 Felony Count of Obstruction of Justice

• 1 Misdemeanor Count of False Statement to the Retirement System

Ms. Oldre, Ms. Nix and Ms. Roth were released on a written promise to appear in court. Ms. Masters was given a $110,000 secured bond.

The first court date for all four suspects is tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m. in District Court 2.

To preserve the integrity of the case and of the judicial process, Asheville police will not make any further comment at this time.

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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5 Comments

Staffer April 1, 2010

All of them live outside the city like many of the department directors do, It’s city policy that department directors must live in the city because they are expected to be subject to the standards they are setting for city taxpayers and they should be paying city taxes themselves. Jackson has allowed most of them to ignore that policy requirement which has led to a bunch of sleazy activity carried out by department heads because they have no accountability or responsibility to the city taxpayers since they’re not one themselves.

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whoomah March 31, 2010

All old enough to know better. Is Masters the ringleader?

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bill March 31, 2010

huh, all of them live outside the city limits. I am sure the good citizens of those places will continue to claim that all bad things come from city residents.

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Ash March 30, 2010

theo, i don’t have a photo of Lauffer receiving an award for officer of the year. i’ll look to see what photos i have of him. i see that he is the target of a sex harassment lawsuit…

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theo March 30, 2010

Ash, While you are on the subject of city scandals, could you produce a photo of the APD’s Sgt. Eric Lauffer receiving his award for officer of the year,or any photo of him? This is not a comment,only a request.

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