LORIS, S.C. (WBTW) -- A former interim city clerk and former Horry County police officer has been arrested and is accused of stealing nearly $70,000 from a nonprofit in Loris while he was treasurer, according to documents obtained by News13.
Todd Keith Massey was charged with embezzlement of public funds of $10,000 or more, forgery with no dollar amount involved and six counts of forgery valued less than $10,000. He was given a $80,000 bond.
An arrest warrant obtained by News13 from Loris police shows that on June 7, Massey was appointed treasurer of the nonprofit Giving Hope Gardens, located in Loris. Massey allegedly forged the foundation chairman's signature on a check worth $4,400.
On six occasions between June 7 and Oct. 4, Massey allegedly forged the chairman's signature for checks worth anywhere from about $721 to $28,000, arrest warrants show. The investigation showed he transferred the funds to accounts owned by him, and in one case, used a check to purchase personal items.
Loris police responded to Giving Hope Gardens on Oct. 18 for a report of breach of trust/forgery, according to an incident report. Officers learned that Massey took office as treasurer and were advised that there should have been nearly $70,000 in the account, but there was only about $1,500. Massey is accused of stealing $68,794.36.
Giving Hope Gardens issued a news release after Massey's arrest, calling it a "challenging moment."
"This situation has profoundly impacted our small nonprofit and our South Carolina community," the release reads. "However, our mission at Giving Hope Gardens remains unwavering; to provide young adults with disabilities the opportunities to develop essential life and work skills, empowering them to thrive and make a positive difference in their communities."
Board member Lori Suggs said she was devastated when she found out Massey had allegedly been stealing from them. Suggs has a 26-year-old daughter with autism and a mild intellectual disability. She said the garden does a lot more than teach her daughter how to garden, but that it also gives them a deeper sense of self-purpose that could now possibly be lost.
"He stole from adults who depended on us to provide a safe place to come and work," Suggs said. "A place, a community, a place of acceptance, a place of love, a place for potential. He's robbed them of this. We are struggling to keep our doors open."
Massey, 38, has had two stints with Horry County police and most recently worked with Loris police, according to training records from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. He worked with Horry County police from October 2007 until January 2014.
A brief stint with Nichols police from January 2014 until May 2015 was sandwiched in between before returning to Horry County police in January 2016 and working there until April 2018. Records show he worked with Loris police from February 2019 until January 2023.
"To know that someone of his caliber could come in and just devastate it in four months and steal from these people who have no voice," Suggs said. "It's gut-wrenching. I mean, it takes a heartless person to take from people who can't stand up for themselves."
Giving Hope Gardens said it's more determined to rebuild and strengthen its organization.
"We deeply appreciate the unwavering support of our community during this time and are committed to ensuring that our mission endures," the release reads. "We welcome your prayers and support as we strive to revitalize our program and continue the vital work we have achieved for the past 8 years."
To help Giving Hope Gardens grow opportunities for adults with disabilities, click here.