Ex-Central Prison employee spent state money on gift cards and jewelry, indictment says
A former Central Prison employee has been indicted for allegedly buying more than $260,000 in gift cards, clothing, appliances, boat-trailer accessories, Christmas decorations and other items using state credit cards.
Micheal Scott Ragan was indicted by a grand jury Tuesday on one count of embezzlement over $100,000, two counts of obtaining property by false pretense over $100,000 and three counts of obtaining property by false pretense under $100,000, according to Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman.
The indictment alleges Ragan embezzled a total of $266,557.22 using procurement credit cards (p-cards) from the state from Sept. 24, 2012, until March 10, 2020. It states he held the position of N.C. Department of Public Safety Central Prison business manager.
“The Department of Public Safety took swift action once this matter came to their attention to bring in law enforcement and to conduct an internal audit to identify any loss of funds to the state and to ensure appropriate steps were taken to prevent further loss and to seek justice on behalf of the state’s taxpayers,” Freeman said Friday.
Ragan used his state-issued procurement card to purchase $153,015 worth of gift cards, clothing, appliances, electronics, food, furniture, Christmas decorations and other items, according to the indictment.
The indictment goes on to say he used the procurement cards of two other state employees to purchase more than $107,076 worth of electronics, pet supplies, toys, jewelry and other items.
“The Department of Public Safety takes all allegations of fraud, waste and abuse seriously; and will not tolerate criminal activities,” Department of Public Safety spokesman John Bull said Friday.
“The department is reviewing the use of p-cards and will take appropriate action to help ensure the misappropriation of state tax dollars does not recur,” he continued. “DPS will determine additional corrective actions related to this investigation to include appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal for any employee misconduct.”
Ragan was hired as a correction officer in 1994 and worked in a variety of positions. He “separated” from the state on April 17, 2020, with a salary of $57,958, records show.
Ragan’s attorney, Hart Miles, said Ragan is cooperating with the investigation.
This story was originally published March 26, 2021 at 6:07 PM with the headline "Ex-Central Prison employee spent state money on gift cards and jewelry, indictment says."
