President of Lincoln County charity accused of embezzling over $300k for sports betting

By Connor Lomis for WBTV

LINCOLNTON, N.C. (WBTV) – The president of a Lincoln County charity was accused of spending over $300,000 in funds for sports betting.

The sheriff’s office announced on Monday, March 10 that the president, Kevin Turner, 49, was given a $10,000 secured bond and charged with one felony count of embezzlement (more than $100,000).

Additionally, the vice president, Melanie Turner, 50, was given a $5,000 secured bond and charged with one felony count of embezzlement (less than $100,000).

Deputies clarified that the two aren’t related even though they share the same last name.

The board members for the non-profit L-Town Charities filed a report with the sheriff’s office after “irregularities” were found in the charity’s bank records. The members also said volunteers and vendors complained about non-payments for fundraising events.

An investigation revealed that only the president and vice president controlled the non-profit’s finances.

Deputies said that a review of bank records showed Kevin Turner used the charity’s bank card for over $300,000 in online sports betting over six months.

Detectives also found purchases were made for vehicle maintenance on Melanie Turner’s car.

“At this point in the investigation, it does not appear that any other board members or anyone else associated with the charity was involved in the misuse of the finances other than the two people that have been charged”, said Jon Propst, a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office detective.

Both Turners were set to appear in court on Monday, March 10.

The investigation is considered open and ongoing, according to authorities.

Copyright 2025 WBTV. All rights reserved.

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