FT. GAY, W.VA. — A fraud and theft case involving former Fort Gay Mayor Joetta Hatfield and town recorder Sheila Bowen is moving forward in the court system.
Both Hatfield and Bowen waived their preliminary hearing this morning meaning the case will be reviewed by a grand jury, likely in March. The names of attorneys representing the accused in the case is not known at post time.
In the meantime both are free on bond.
Both Hatfield and Bowen are charged with a variety of financial crimes. Investigators said the pair are accused of working together to falsify more than 200 checks worth nearly $200,000.
The pair are also accused of using town money to pay their personal bills on multiple occasions.
Prosecutors said their investigation isn’t over just yet.
Special prosecutor Seth Gaskins of Mason County, the West Virginia State Police and the Fraud Unit of the West Virginia Auditor’s Office have joined forces to prosecute the case.
