(Columbia) Nov. 19, 2004 - Columbia Police have charged Gloria Cooper of Irmo with embezzlement, computer crimes offense and financial identity theft. She worked as a Richland School District One payroll supervisor.

Columbia Police spokesman Skot Garrick says investigators discovered she used that position to transfer more than $50,000 for her personal use, "She also used the identity of a former employee and the Social Security number of a former employee to have the funds issued under."

In late September, the police department was contact by Richland 1 to look into Cooper's actions. The investigation continued for over a month, until Cooper turned herself in. School district officials refused to talk about the incident since it is under investigation.

Investigators say the embezzling began in September 2001 and continued until August of this year.

Cooper, an employee with the district since 2000, has been suspended. She was released on November 3rd from the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

By Angie Goff
Updated 6:22pm by BrettWitt