Jack Walker Published

Former Berkeley County Deputy Clerk Pleads Guilty To Felony Forgery, Embezzlement

A gavel rests on a wooden block. In the background is a scale representing checks and balances.
Between 2019 and 2021, then-Berkeley County Deputy Clerk Melissa Joanna Beavers stole more than $270,000 from the county government.
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A former deputy clerk for Berkeley County has pleaded guilty to seven felony charges connected to her work in county government.

Melissa Joanna Beavers forged checks from the county clerk’s office to her roof repair business, according to a Sept. 5 press release from State Auditor J.B. McCuskey. She stole more than $270,000 between 2019 and 2021.

Beavers also altered records to steal portions of cash deposits, and forged documents relating to her divorce.

Beavers was charged with 41 separate counts last fall. On Tuesday, she pleaded guilty to seven of those charges, including felony embezzlement and forgery.

Circuit Court Judge R. Steven Redding accepted the plea. Beavers could face up to 70 years in prison, and must pay restitution.