Former Garner Chamber director accused of embezzlement receives suspended sentence, probation

GARNER — The former director of the Garner Chamber of Commerce who was accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from the organization has been given a suspended sentence and probation.

52-year-old Rebecca Olson was the director of the Garner Chamber between January 2021 and April 2024. She was charged in July of last year 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.

A criminal complaint stated that bank statements and receipts showed that during the period of her employment, 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.

As part of a plea agreement, Olson pleaded guilty to second-degree theft, a Class D felony, with prosecutors agreeing to recommend a suspended five-year prison sentence, three years probation, and that she pay restitution.

District Judge Gregg Rosenbladt agreed with that recommendation when sentencing Olson last week.