Former North Carolina Fire Chief Charged with Embezzlement

The former fire chief in Bryson City and his wife have been indicted on embezzlement charges.

The Asheville Citizen-Times reported that the charges filed by state Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin announced against 44-year-old Joseph Winford Hughes inlcude embezzlement, making false statements, forgery, and conspiracy.

Forty-four-year-old Cylena Taylor Hughes is charged with larceny, forgery, embezzlement and conspiracy.

Investigators said the money was taken from the Bryson City Fire Department Local Firemen’s Relief Fund and the East Swain Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization.

It was not clear if the couple has attorneys.

Police began investigating in September after discrepancies were found in the fire department finances. The fire station was temporarily shut down, and officials conducted an audit of the department’s assets. Hughes was relieved of duty Sept. 23.