For the purposes of this article, we are withholding a name for now.
The reason is simple: the name is the only piece not confirmed by multiple whispers. If you’re reading this and realize this article is about you, consider this your one and only warning, fix the situation. Because when the whispers confirm your name to our satisfaction, we will publish it.
The allegations are serious.
Someone tied to Pendleton County Search & Rescue is accused of ripping off a local auto related store, a fellow first responder and skimming from the donation boot for personal use. According to one whisper, an auto related store is owed $600. The person in question bought a car, a Volvo and asked to have it transferred into their name before the payments were completed. Because of this person’s role in the community, the gesture seemed safe. It wasn’t.
The individual allegedly involved a police officer and claimed they had paid in full, cutting the auto related store off and refusing to pay the rest. When word got back, the auto related store banned them outright.
That same scam or a close variation, was reportedly pulled on another first responder, who lost $3,000.
And it doesn’t stop there.
Another whisper says cigarettes and alcohol were bought using donation boot funds. If true, it makes you wonder, how often is that boot passed around to fund habits instead of help? Pendleton County Search & Rescue, you have done some great things, it may be time to clean your house.
This is an emerging story. The whispers are watching. And listening. And when the name is locked, it’ll be lights out.
Whisper One Out.