SBI investigates use of state vehicles by NC Treasurer Dale Folwell

State authorities are investigating Treasurer Dale Folwell’s use of state-owned vehicles, according to Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman.

Freeman confirmed to The News & Observer on Wednesday that the State Bureau of Investigation is conducting an investigation into Folwell’s use of state vehicles at her request.

In a statement, Freeman said state law requires that “evidence uncovered during a routine inspection that may indicate misuse of state property must be reported to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.”

“When this happens, it is important that the SBI conducts due diligence to determine whether there has indeed been an embezzlement of government funds,” Freeman said.

“As is customary upon receipt of this information from an agency, the State Bureau of Investigation is conducting an investigation into the State Treasurer’s use of state vehicles at my request,” she said. “As with all cases involving public officials, it is important that the public have confidence that such matters will be properly investigated. We are at the beginning of a standard review.”

The investigation into Folwell’s use of state vehicles was first reported by WRAL on Wednesday evening.

N&O was not immediately able to reach Folwell by phone.

Folwell has served as treasurer since 2017, a statewide elected office in which he serves as the state’s chief financial officer and heads a department responsible for state employee pension and health insurance plans and state investments.

Folwell, a former state representative, decided not to seek re-election this year and instead ran for the Republican nomination for governor, but lost to Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson.

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