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Nov. 18--A former president of the Scotland County Fireman's Association was indicted this week on fraud charges.
James Rupard, 50, of 12460 Angus Drive, Laurinburg, is accused of stealing more than $300,000 from the Stewartsville Volunteer Fire Department, the Scotland County Firefighters Association and various individuals.
Rupard, an insurance agent, was indicted on Tuesday by a Scotland County grand jury on three felony Class C counts of obtaining property by false pretense and corporate malfeasance.
Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that Rupard defrauded individuals and the organizations that he helped lead of more than $304,000 in grant funds, general operating funds, monies intended for annuities that were never written and other investments.
Rupard was originally arrested in September 2009 and charged by Department of Insurance criminal investigators with multiple counts of embezzlement by an insurance agent and obtaining property by false pretense. As the result of a continued investigation, additional evidence was presented to a grand jury and a true bill of indictment was issued, prompting an order for Rupard's arrest, officials said.
Rupard was served with the indictments on Nov. 15 and placed in the Scotland County Jail under a $300,000 secured bond.
Sheriff Shep Jones asked the State Bureau of Investigation to launch a probe in August of 2008 into allegations surrounding Rupard's involvement with the Scotland County Firefighter's Association and the Stewartsville Fire Department.
Rupard could no be reached for comment, but he denied the allegations to The Laurinburg Exchange in August of 2008.
"I am not aware of any intentional wrongdoing, either by myself or anyone else. I will be glad to answer any questions asked, and will cooperate fully if contacted."
