BOTETOURT – Two now former Troutville Rescue Squad volunteers were indicted for unrelated counts of embezzlement by a Botetourt grand jury Monday; and a Troutville woman was indicted in a “child shaking” incident, according the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office.
Former rescue squad President Stacy Tanaka, 33, was indicted on two counts of embezzlement for allegedly taking about $10,000 in squad funds between January 2008 and May 2009, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Jill Deegan said.
Former squad Treasurer Elizabeth Falls, 28, was indicted on four counts of embezzlement for allegedly taking about $30,000 from the squad between September 2006 and July 2009.
Deegan said the exact amounts are still being finalized, but it could amount to as much as $50,000 between the two individuals.
Troutville Rescue Squad issued a prepared statement Tuesday morning about the indictments.
“After noticing possible embezzlement from our funds, an internal investigation was immediately initiated by rescue squad personnel,” Troutville Rescue Squad Captain Kenny Ball said. “Further study warranted notification of the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office and Botetourt County Administration. The case was subsequently turned over to the State Police for official investigation.”
The news release said both members immediately resigned from the squad. Ball also stated that the Troutville Volunteer Fire Department funds are completely separate and fire department personnel were not involved in any manner.
Ball said that both individuals have been cooperative during the investigation and full restitution is being sought.
Angela Hughes of Troutville was indicted on two counts that involve allegedly shaking and injuring a 22-month old child in October. Commonwealth’s Attorney Joel Branscom said Hughes was indicted on a charge of aggravated malicious wounding, which implies severe and permanent physical injuries, and reckless endangerment of a child with injuries.
Among the other indictments returned Monday were two more against Gladmyr Balisage of Roanoke over an alleged attempt to extort money from his former employer, JTEKT.
Balisage was indicted in August for attempting to obtain money by false pretense and attempted extortion from the manufacturing company that is located in Botetourt Center at Greenfield. Balisage claimed he was being discriminated against.
A March trial date is set for the first two charges.
