BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. — A Goose Creek woman serving as treasurer of a local recovery home has been arrested following an investigation into financial misconduct, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say Brenda Carol Byrd, 63, is facing felony charges of breach of trust and forgery after investigators uncovered what they describe as a scheme involving forged checks at an Oxford House in Goose Creek.
📣 STAY IN THE LOOP 📣
📰 Sign Up for Berkeley County, SC Newsletter ⬅️
The investigation began March 17 when deputies were called to the recovery residence to look into reports of missing checks and check stubs. Detectives say their inquiry revealed that Byrd, who lived at the home and was participating in a recovery program, had access to the organization’s checkbook as part of her role as treasurer.
According to investigators, Byrd allegedly forged nine checks made payable to herself and then cashed them. The checks were reportedly taken from a checkbook stored in a locked filing cabinet within the home.
Authorities estimate that $2,800.72 was withdrawn from the Oxford House over a period spanning February to March.
Oxford House Goose Creek is a sober living residence designed to support individuals recovering from addiction. The home provides a stable, substance-free environment where residents live together, share responsibilities and hold one another accountable as they work to maintain sobriety and rebuild their lives.
Following the investigation, deputies obtained two felony warrants charging Byrd with breach of trust with fraudulent intent and forgery. She was subsequently taken into custody.
The sheriff’s office said its detectives who specialize in white-collar crimes continue to focus on protecting local organizations from fraud and financial exploitation.
