SBI Investigating NC Treasurer Dale Folwell’s Use of State Vehicles

State authorities are investigating Treasurer Dale Folwell’s use of state vehicles, according to Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman.

Freeman confirmed to The News & Observer on Wednesday that the State Bureau of Investigation is conducting, at his request, an investigation into Folwell’s use of state vehicles.

In a statement, Freeman said state law requires that “evidence discovered during a routine audit that may amount to misuse of state property be reported to the North Carolina State Department of Investigation.”

“When this occurs, it is important for the SBI to exercise due diligence to determine whether there has in fact been misappropriation of state resources,” Freeman said.

“As is customary upon receipt of this information from an agency, the State Bureau of Investigation is conducting, at my request, an investigation into the use of State vehicles by the State Treasurer,” she said. “As with all cases involving public officials, it is important that the public can trust that these types of matters will be properly examined. We are at the beginning of what is a standard review.”

The investigation into Folwell’s use of state vehicles was first reported Wednesday night by WRAL.

The N&O was unable to immediately reach Folwell by phone.

Folwell has served since 2017 as treasurer, a statewide elected position in which he serves as the state’s chief financial officer, and heads a department responsible for state pension and health plans for public employees and state investments.

A former state lawmaker, Folwell declined to run for re-election this year, opting to run for the Republican nomination for governor and losing to Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson.

Under the dome

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