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By KAREN THIEL For the Washington Daily News

CHOCOWINITY— Long-time town clerk Joy McRoy has been fired and is under investigation for possible criminal charges, according to city officials who spoke with the Washington Daily News this week.

McRoy’s employment was terminated Aug. 3, two days after she was put on unpaid administrative leave for “failure in performance of duties and failure in personal conduct.” An emergency meeting of town leaders was then held, which resulted in McRoy’s firing, as well as the appointment of deputy town clerk Lauren Hoggard as interim town clerk.

McRoy has worked for the town of Chocowinity for more than 23 years. She was being paid $70,720 per year at the time her job was terminated.

The information that led to McRoy’s termination came to light about a week before she was put on administrative leave, according to sources who also confirmed that an “active investigation” by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department has been in process “for about a week” through its Criminal Investigations Unit. Lieutenant Jim VanLandingham, who leads the unit, could not be reached for comment before press time.