Fort Gay mayor arrested on multiple financial crime charges, including embezzlement

WAYNE COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS)— The mayor of Fort Gay in Wayne County has been arrested and accused of a long list of alleged financial crimes.

Joetta Hatfield, 68, is charged with fraudulent schemes, embezzlement, falsifying accounts by a public employee, laundering more than $20,000 through financial transactions and conspiracy against the state.

West Virginia State Police also arrested Sheila Bowen, 53, in connection with the investigation. She is facing the exact charges as Hatfield.

Both women’s bonds were set at $25,000.

This is a developing story and will be updated as soon as more information is gathered.