BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 30, 2023) – Kentucky State Police (KSP), Post 1 received a call from the board members of the Fairdealing-Olive Volunteer Fire Department in Marshall County on December 1, 2022 regarding suspicions of theft within the department.

KSP Post 1 detectives began an investigation into the reported theft. The investigation revealed that Stacey C. Cornwell was hired by the fire department in August 2018 to serve as bookkeeper, responsible for managing the department’s finances. In her capacity as bookkeeper, Cornwell had access to the department’s checking and savings accounts, and possessed a department-issued credit card. Soon after being hired, Cornwell began using funds from the checking and savings accounts for personal use. It was also discovered that Cornwell utilized the department credit card to make purchases not related to the day-to-day operations of the department. The total amount of misappropriated funds attributed to Cornwell is still undetermined at this time. It is believed the misappropriation occurred throughout the majority of her four years of employment with the department. Cornwell was removed from her position as bookkeeper in November 2022.

After an indictment by a Marshall County Grand Jury, Stacey C. Cornwell, 48 years old of Benton, KY, was arrested and charged by KSP with one count of Theft by Unlawful Taking $10,000 < $1,000,000 and one count of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card <$10,000.

The investigation is ongoing by Detective Adam Jones.

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