Officer Noelle Talley Indicted for Fraud

A Sharpsburg police officer was indicted by a grand jury Thursday on a fraud charge.

Noelle Talley, a spokeswoman for the N.C. Attorney General’s Office, said Sgt. Frank Richard Griffin Jr., 38, was arrested by agents from the State Bureau of Investigation for obtaining property by false pretense after a grand jury indictment.

Talley said SBI agents launched an investigation at the request of the District Attorney’s Office.

Griffin was placed in Nash County jail on a $10,000 secured bond.

He posted bail and was released, Talley said.

Sharpsburg Town Administrator Robert Masters said Friday that town officials are concerned about the charge against Griffin.

“He’s one of our most experienced officers,” Masters said, adding Griffin has been a long-term member of the department. “Sgt. Griffin has been a valuable asset to the Sharpsburg Police Department.”

Masters said the charge “possibly” involves a few hundred dollars relating to Griffin’s compensation.

“I’m really kind of surprised we are spending this much time and money with the SBI investigation,” Masters said.

Griffin will remain an active member of the department, he added.

“He’s only been charged, and he’s got a right like anyone else to be innocent until proven guilty,” Masters said. “It’s serious, and we’re going to keep an eye on it.”