HAMPTON, Va. — A former Senior Benefits Administrator with the City of Hampton was arrested for embezzling money from a non-profit in a incident six years ago.
Terrence Shelton, 39, was arrested this past November and is accused of using an organization credit card in 2013 to steal more than $3300 from the Arc of the Virginia Peninsula, now known as Versability Resources. The non-profit helps employ adults with intellectual disabilities. Shelton was serving as a benefits coordinator.
The man’s arrest comes after 13News Now found a search warrant that details a current investigation started this Fall into Shelton’s time with the City of Hampton. An affidavit says a fellow employee reported him for creating fraudulent benefit member accounts and adding his name to them.
Shelton has not been charged in this recent case, but denies any charges that he was arrested on, which led to his incarceration at the Hampton Roads Regional Jail.
"It's a lie and it’s preposterous," said Shelton.
A criminal complaint alleges that in July 2013, Shelton spent about $900 on hotels and airfare for a personal vacation to Florida. It also says he racked up more than $2500 on a rental car. When the non-profit asked for the money back, he gave a fraudulent money order, documents say.
“That trip was for a benefits and retirement conference that I had attended on behalf of The Arc of the Virginia Peninsula. It was not for any type of personal gain,” said Shelton.
Shelton faces another financial crime charge out of Virginia Beach which dates back to April 2018. An arrest warrant says that accusation surrounds intent to defraud International Auto Wholesaler out of a 2013 Lincoln MKZ.
He's being held behind bars for a probation violation out of Georgia. Documents say he was arrested back in 2007 in Gwinnett County for Financial Identity Fraud. Shelton told 13News Now he made an agreement to pay back the money and was put on probation, claiming he thought everything was worked out before moving home to Hampton.
"I knew where the money came from and I just agreed to take the fault for it to make sure it got back to where it needed to be,” said Shelton.
Shelton will be back in Virginia Beach and Hampton court at the end of January. The Hampton Commonwealth’s Attorney office did not respond to 13News Now’s request for comment on the investigation.