SLED investigates Landrum Rescue Squad

Agents with the State Law Enforcement Division are investigating the misappropriation of money from the Landrum Rescue Squad.

A source close to the investigation, who asked not to be named, said the total taken from three rescue squad accounts was nearly $50,000.

Bruce Cogdell, captain of the all-volunteer squad, said he and other members discovered the loss when they noticed no interest was being paid on the rescue unit's two savings accounts.

"We went to the bank and found out all our money was gone from two savings accounts and our checking account," Cogdell said. "It's going to put us in a bind to continue."

No charges had been filed Wednesday.

SLED spokeswoman Kathryn Richardson confirmed the investigation but would give no details.

Cogdell said SLED's investigation is focused on the squad's treasurer, Beth Lell. He said Lell had held the treasurer's job for about four years.

Lell, also known as Nita Lell, did not return messages left on her home answering machine Wednesday.

Landrum Police Chief Bruce Shelnut said he asked SLED to enter the investigation after a couple of rescue squad members came to him to tell him there were "supposedly some funds missing."

"I turned it over to SLED because I had a conflict," Shelnut said. "The one being accused, her husband works for me."

Shelnut said he put Lell's husband, reserve officer Gary Lell, on administrative leave when the investigation began.

"He's been cleared," Shelnut said, "so he can come back to work."

Shelnut said additional questions should be addressed to SLED.

Staying afloat

Cogdell said some of the missing money was set aside to pay for insurance on the squad's building, equipment and vehicles.

"We do not have the money to pay it now," Cogdell said. "The members are making up money to pay it, but I'm sure we'll have to float a loan."

The squad is funded by $2,400 it receives annually from the Town of Landrum, $9,000 from Spartanburg County and donations from the community. It also charges for its services.

"We had a complete audit five years ago and came up correct to the exact penny," Cogdell said.

Cogdell said the disappearance of the funds has been personally difficult for him because so many of his family have served as volunteers since his father founded the rescue unit 35 years ago. His son also is a member of the squad.

"It hurts because you're family and trust people," Cogdell said. "This reflects on all of us in the squad, and we're not at fault. We work hard to serve and do what we do."

Gary Henderson can be reached at 562-7230 or gary.henderson@shj.com.

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