RIEGELWOOD, N.C. — A former employee of West Fraser Paper Mill in Riegelwood has been arrested following a law enforcement investigation into alleged payroll manipulation and embezzlement.
According to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division launched a probe after receiving a report from the company on December 30, 2025. The report stemmed from an internal audit that uncovered irregularities in payroll records, prompting the business to refer the matter to law enforcement.
Investigators reviewed documentation provided by West Fraser, including payroll records, internal statements, and timelines. Detectives say they discovered evidence that job codes within the payroll system had been manually altered, resulting in improper payments.
Over the course of the investigation, detectives conducted interviews and examined additional records related to payroll procedures and internal controls. Based on the findings, the case was presented to a Columbus County magistrate, who issued a warrant for arrest on January 13.
On January 14, detectives arrested Sylvia Lathanda Allen, 49, in connection with the case. She was charged and released on a $100,000 unsecured bond, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
“This was a detailed investigation, and our Criminal Investigations Division did exactly what they’re trained to do—follow the evidence and do the job the right way,” said Sheriff Bill Rogers. “I’m proud of the work our detectives put into this case and the professionalism they showed from start to finish.”
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that all individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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