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MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Two former employees of the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges alleging they participated in a years-long scheme that prosecutors say resulted in the theft of more than $3 million from taxpayer funds and conservatorship accounts.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia, Barbara Gail Gooden, 60, and Lisa Lee French, 48, both of Martinsburg, were charged in a five-count federal indictment alleging conspiracy to commit bank fraud and multiple counts of bank fraud.
Federal prosecutors allege the scheme operated between 2007 and 2024 and involved the misappropriation of funds collected and managed through the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the indictment, Gooden and French allegedly embezzled cash payments received by the Sheriff’s Office while also manipulating conservatorship and estate accounts that were administered through the office. Conservatorship accounts are typically established to manage the finances of individuals who are unable to handle their own financial affairs due to age, disability, incapacity, or other court-recognized circumstances.
Prosecutors allege the defendants used a variety of methods to carry out the scheme, including issuing fraudulent checks, forging signatures, misusing an official signature stamp, and diverting funds for personal benefit.
The indictment alleges that more than 700 fraudulent transactions were conducted during the course of the scheme. Federal authorities claim those transactions included more than 550 forged checks and involved withdrawals from at least 59 conservator bank accounts.
According to prosecutors, some of the allegedly fraudulent checks were made payable to the “Berkeley County Sheriff & Treasurer,” while others were directed to a private business. Authorities allege the transactions were designed to conceal the diversion of funds and facilitate personal enrichment.
Federal investigators estimate that the total losses associated with the alleged scheme exceed $3 million.
In addition to the criminal charges, the United States is seeking forfeiture of property allegedly derived from the offenses, including a potential monetary judgment if the defendants are convicted.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, and the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office. The Berkeley County Prosecutor’s Office and the Berkeley County Commission also assisted with the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar is prosecuting the case.
Bank fraud is a federal offense that can carry significant prison sentences, financial penalties, restitution orders, and asset forfeiture upon conviction. Cases involving public funds and court-administered financial accounts often receive heightened scrutiny because they can involve alleged breaches of public trust and the exploitation of individuals whose assets are being managed by others.
The charges against Gooden and French remain allegations. An indictment is merely an accusation, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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This is a sad case but I’m glad the theft was discovered. I can’t understand how people can steal from those who aren’t able to handle their own finances.
I am familiar with a situation like this. As you have written:
“Conservatorship accounts are typically established to manage the finances of individuals who are unable to handle their own financial affairs due to age, disability, incapacity, or other court-recognized circumstances.”
I have a family member who is mentally disabled to the point that his financials need to be handled by a legal guardian. My parents asked me to be that legal guardian years ago before they passed away. I was more than happy to help this family member who is living in a good place for someone with his condition. Interestingly, I have to make yearly financial statements of all incoming monies and outgoing expenses that he has. The report is done by a lawyer and sent to the local courthouse for record keeping. This is a yearly requirement and I don’t understand how this type of theft could slip by unless filing such paperwork becomes routine and is not checked properly.
I hope a fair trial is had in this case and I hope that a proper sentence is given if one or both of these people are found guilty.
I particularly liked this comment:
“In addition to the criminal charges, the United States is seeking forfeiture of property allegedly derived from the offenses, including a potential monetary judgment if the defendants are convicted.” I think that all cases like this should result in similar forfeitures.
Thank you for this report and for all of today’s reports. I hope you have a great evening, John.
You’re very welcome, Chris.
Thank you for sharing that. Your experience certainly gives you a unique perspective on a case like this. I had many of the same questions regarding the oversight and reporting requirements, especially considering the length of time the alleged scheme is said to have operated.
I also agree that the forfeiture aspect is noteworthy. If the allegations are ultimately proven in court, recovering assets believed to be connected to the alleged fraud would seem appropriate. The criminal penalties should match the criminal offenses.
Thank you again for reading and for taking the time to comment, Chris. I hope you have a great evening as well and a great day ahead. 😎
“The criminal penalties should match the criminal offenses.”
Amen to that, John. Thank you for your kind words and I hope you have a great evening and day ahead as well!