A Halifax County woman allegedly stole more than $426,000 from her own father’s farming business over several years — and allegedly got away with it for decades.
According to the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, Sarah Sykes, 58, was arrested and hit with five counts of embezzlement along with one felony count of embezzlement involving more than $100,000.
Investigators say the alleged scheme dates back to between 1997 and 2002.
Authorities claim Sykes illegally took approximately $426,739 from Jack H. Winslow Farms, Inc., a longtime Halifax County farming operation founded by her late father, Jack Winslow.
Deputies say the investigation didn’t begin until late last year after law enforcement received allegations that a former employee had drained money from company bank accounts.
Online business records reportedly show Sykes served as an officer for the farm during the same years investigators claim the money vanished.
Authorities have not publicly explained how the alleged missing money stayed hidden for more than 20 years.
Sykes, 58, was booked into custody before later posting a $50,000 secured bond.
She is expected back in court on July 23.
