Thu, November 13, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Former mayor Joetta Hatfield and former treasurer and recorder Sheila Bowen will serve 1-to-10 years in prison after pleading guilty to felony embezzlement in September, .
Mason County prosecutor Seth Gaskins, who served as a special prosecutor in the case, said remaining charges – including fraudulent schemes, conspiracy, falsifying records and computer fraud – were dismissed. According to Gaskins, Hatfield has been ordered to pay $245,000 in restitution while Bowen will pay $127,000.
Prosecutors said the women used their positions within the town to issue unauthorized checks, overcompensate themselves for leave, withdraw cash and adjust utility payments. Records were later manipulated to hide the fraudulent activity.
Several community members had noted the lifestyles of both Hatfield and Bowen did not seem to match their incomes including cars and other large items. But Hatfield has been a well liked mayor who hasn’t had competition for her position in recent years.
She announced a new water project for Ft. Gay two years ago saying the funding was in place but nothing else has been heard about such a project.
One item of note is the town’s police and fire chief is the husband of Mrs. Bowen.
Prosecutors noted the state agreed to recommend probation for Mrs. Bowen in exchange for her cooperation early in the investigation, but the judge denied a motion for alternative sentencing meaning the two were immediately taken to jail.
Both will be eligible for parole in one year.
The new Mayor of Fort Gay is Bob Sword, elected in June 2025, and the Town Council members are Wilt Salmons, Greg Cavins, Jamie Frasher, Payton Rowe, and Bobby Daniels. This follows the appointments made in late 2024, when Ralph Dent was appointed Mayor and Wade Cyrus was appointed Recorder, after the previous officials resigned.
