MOUNT HOPE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A payroll fraud investigation in Mount Hope has led to a confession from City Treasurer Cindy Wingrove, who admitted to altering timesheets to overpay a city employee by more than $5,000.
The investigation began on March 10, 2025, when Corporal S.M. Thompson was assigned to look into alleged embezzlement within the city’s payroll system. Officials, including Mayor Michael Kessinger and City Superintendent Brandon Sheets, raised concerns over maintenance employee Antonio Robertson’s persistent tardiness and absenteeism. In 2023, Robertson submitted a falsified doctor’s excuse, prompting Sheets to push for his termination. However, Wingrove intervened, preventing his dismissal. Wingrove’s daughter is the mother of Mr. Robertson’s child.
Suspicions grew, leading Sheets to request Robertson’s payroll records in February 2025. When Wingrove initially refused, the mayor and city attorney stepped in. Upon review, discrepancies emerged—Robertson’s recorded hours exceeded his actual work time on at least 156 occasions, inflating his paychecks through the city’s payroll system.
Further investigation revealed that payroll data from the city’s Capesoft Time Clocks system did not match the altered records processed through Accufund, the city’s payroll software.
On March 28, Wingrove provided a Mirandized audio and video statement admitting the falsifications.
Wingrove is charged with embezzlement and falsification of accounts. She was released on a 10,000 dollar bond. She is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 15, 2025, at 9:45 am, with Sam Parsons.
Mount Hope Mayor Mike Kessinger tells Lootpress that Wingrove is no longer employed.
