Rutherford Detention Sergeant Charged with Embezzling Money From Inmate

Court records identify Kristie Allison Bedrin as a detention sergeant at the time of the alleged offense; a $10,000 secured bond was set after her Sept. 30 arrest.

A woman identified in an arrest warrant as a Rutherford County detention sergeant has been charged with felony embezzlement involving $396 belonging to an inmate, according to court records reviewed by WCAB News.

Kristie Allison Bedrin, 40, of Forest City, was arrested Sept. 30 on one count of embezzlement by a public officer or trustee. The case, 26CR419517-800, is pending in Rutherford District Court.

The warrant alleges that Bedrin embezzled and improperly used $396 belonging to Justin Carl Rippy, identified in the charging document as an inmate at the Rutherford County Detention Center. The alleged offense occurred on or about Aug. 14.

“At the time, the defendant held the position of Detention Sergeant,” the warrant states. It alleges that Bedrin had been entrusted with the money in that capacity.

The charging document does not explain how the money allegedly was taken or used, how the suspected loss was discovered, or whether the money was recovered. It also does not establish Bedrin’s current employment status.

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is listed as the investigating agency, with Detective Paul Mitchell identified as the complainant.

Court entries show the arrest warrant was issued Sept. 30 at 2:22 p.m. and recorded as served at 4:53 p.m. A release order was entered at 4:56 p.m.

Bedrin’s bond was set at $10,000 secured. The release order names the Polk County Detention facility and was issued in Polk County on behalf of Rutherford County.

Her next scheduled court appearance is Oct. 2 at the Rutherford County Courthouse.

The charge was filed under North Carolina General Statute 14-92, which covers embezzlement and misuse of money or property entrusted to public officers and certain other employees or trustees. The statute includes property a public officer holds in trust for another person. An offense involving less than $100,000 is classified as a Class F felony.

The warrant contains allegations, not findings of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.