Former Garner Chamber director accused of embezzling pleads guilty to lesser charge

GARNER — The former director of the Garner Chamber of Commerce who was accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from the organization has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors.

52-year-old Rebecca Olson was charged last July with ongoing criminal conduct, a Class B felony, as well as first-degree theft, unauthorized use of a credit card over $10,000, third-degree criminal mischief, and committing a sales tax violation without a retail sale permit. Olson was the director of the Garner Chamber between January 2021 and April 2024.

A criminal complaint states that bank statements and receipts showed that during that time period, Olson made multiple unauthorized purchases using the Chamber’s checking and credit card accounts as well as with a local grocery store account. The amounts taken out of the checking and credit card accounts each was over $10,000.

Olson on Tuesday pleaded guilty to second-degree theft, a Class D felony. Prosecutors will recommend a suspended five-year prison sentence, three years probation, and that Olson pays restitution.

Olson is scheduled to be sentenced on August 19th in Hancock County District Court.