MARTIN COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) – A former county leader is accused of using the Martin County Council on Aging’s credit card for personal use.

Charmaine Hardison, the former director of Martin County Social Services, is facing 14 counts of obtaining property by false pretense.

The 14-count indictment says Hardison used Martin County Council on Aging’s credit card to buy everything from life insurance benefits and cigars to a Crest teeth whitening kit from Amazon.

According to the indictment, the purchases were made between July 2016 and September 2019.

Hardison became the director of the Martin County Department of Social Services in June 2020 and was dismissed from the county in October 2020, according to the county’s interim manager Benjamin Eisner.

Hardison is also the former director of Martin County Adult & Aging Services. While in the role, she was awarded Martin County Citizen of the Year in March 2019.

Martin County Council on Aging is its own nonprofit which is separate from the county. However, it is run by the Martin County Adult and Aging Services Director.

Paul Roberson, who has been vocal about concerns regarding Martin County government officials had this to say, “This indictment was much needed to expose the wrongdoing at the Council on Aging. The citizens of Martin County are grateful to you and your staff for bringing justice to this matter.”

Even so, Roberson says more needs to be done.

”I am also aware of the SBI investigation regarding the raises received by the former Martin County Manager, which were signed off on by Commissioner and former Chairman Ronnie Smith,” he said. “After filing public records requests, I am convinced that our local county government was riddled with corruption and misuse of government funds during this period. The citizens of Martin County seek justice in these matters as well.”