The LeFlore County district attorney on Tuesday (Nov. 12) dropped a felony embezzlement charge against Shaloa Edwards, the Sallisaw police chief who is resigning at the end of this month.
“I believe it to be the best resolution for all parties involved,” said Margaret Nicholson, LeFlore County deputy district attorney.
Edwards had been scheduled to appear before Special Judge Holli Wells on Tuesday for a preliminary hearing.
Edwards was arrested in April on one count of embezzlement of public money, according to court documents. He is accused of taking less than $100 from the department’s petty cash drawer in November 2012. Edwards never denied taking the money and said he left an I.O.U. in the cash drawer.
During a special meeting Nov. 8, the Sallisaw City Council voted unanimously to approve his decision to retire. Edwards’ retirement becomes effective Nov. 30.
Citing the reason for his retirement, Edwards said, “It’s been a rocky road the past year, and I’ve just decided it’s time to go.”
Edwards was stripped of his duties as chief but reinstated in August by a Sequoyah County judge.
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