PETERSBURG, Va. -- A man vying for a spot on Petersburg’s city council is now in trouble with the law.
Michael Edwards was arrested and accused of embezzlement at his former employers, Brockwell Limousine.
"Yes, I was arrested on Tuesday for embezzlement from my former employer,” said Edwards.
Edwards said he turned himself into the police early Tuesday morning.
"I was released today, I was not put on any bond,” Edwards said.
30-year-old was running for the 4th Ward seat on Petersburg City Council,
The 30-year-old was running for the 4th Ward seat on Petersburg City Council, but he said his arrest won't derail the campaign.
"I still believe I can be the best candidate,” Edwards said.
The investigation began in Prince George County just after Memorial Day.
"We were contacted by a local limousine company about two weeks ago regarding a potential embezzlement case,” Capt. Brian Kei, Prince George County Police said.
Edwards worked for Brockwell Limousine for about five years.
The company policy is payment is made by check and written out to the company but Edwards admitted in this case a check was made out to him.
"That was not our company policy, it was poor judgment on my end,” he said. “When the check was written to me, I should have told them no, it should be written to the company."
Edwards also said the check was made out for more than the original agreed upon price.
"We will work through this, I will let the justice system do its job and we are all innocent until proven guilty,’ he said.
Edwards has three previous larceny convictions from about a decade ago.
"Based off the investigation, Mr. Edwards was charged with one count of felony embezzlement, meaning the amount of money was allegedly taken was over $200,” said Capt. Brian Kei, Prince George County Police.
Edwards said he'll meet with his campaign committee later this week.
The owner of Brockwell Limousine has released this response that reads,
"I am sorry this has happened. The limo business was a service to the Tri-Cities area. I started in 2010, but in recent years, its only employee was Michael Edwards. As a result of what has happened, i have shut down the limo business."
