North Carolina investigators reviewing state treasurer’s use of government vehicles

RALEIGH. N.C. (AP) — North Carolina law enforcement officials are investigating the potential improper use of state vehicles by North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell, according to a local prosecutor and records.

State investigators launched a probe in March after a spot check conducted by the Department of Administration’s Motor Fleet Management division of some 2022 trips in at least three state vehicles operated by Folwell, WRAL-TV reported Wednesday.

Those vehicles traveled to medical offices, a country club, fast-food offices, the Biltmore Estate in Asheville and Republican Party offices, the station reported, citing a search warrant application filed last week in Wake County.

Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman said she asked the State Bureau of Investigation to probe Folwell’s use of state vehicles.

“There is currently an investigation going on based on a report that we’re supposed to receive following a routine audit” by the administration department, Freeman said. She declined to comment further.

Folwell, a Republican who has served as treasurer since 2017, has not been charged with any crimes. State vehicles are only supposed to be used for state business or approved commuting.

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