Former Executive Director of Jackson County Homeless Shelter Indicted on 10 Felony Counts in $100,000 Embezzlement Case

Gretta Michelle Worley, the former executive director of HERE in Jackson County, Inc., a nonprofit organization providing emergency shelter and housing support to the homeless in Jackson County, North Carolina, has been indicted on 10 felony charges of obtaining property by false pretenses. The indictment alleges that Worley and her family members used credit cards issued in the name of the organization for personal expenses, resulting in fraudulent charges exceeding $100,000 over a period spanning from January 2023 to October 2025.

According to court records and the indictment, Worley exploited her position as executive director to obtain and use multiple credit cards that were legally obligated to HERE in Jackson County, Inc., but were instead used for unauthorized personal expenditures by herself and her relatives. The HERE Board of Directors terminated her employment on October 23, 2025, after placing her on investigatory leave on October 14, 2025, following an internal investigation that uncovered evidence of financial mismanagement. The board subsequently referred the matter to the Sylva Police Department, which led to the criminal investigation and subsequent indictment.

The charges stem from allegations that Worley knowingly and intentionally obtained property through false pretenses by misusing organizational funds. Court documents detail multiple transaction dates in 2025 where the fraudulent use of credit cards occurred, with the total value of unauthorized purchases surpassing $100,000. Rady Large, chair of the HERE Board of Directors, confirmed the board’s actions and emphasized the organization’s continued commitment to operating with integrity and serving the community despite the incident.

HERE in Jackson County, Inc. Continues to provide emergency shelter and housing support to individuals experiencing homelessness in the region. The organization has not issued any further public statements regarding leadership changes or internal reforms following the indictment.

Key Takeaways

• Gretta Michelle Worley, former executive director of HERE in Jackson County, Inc., faces 10 felony charges related to the alleged misuse of organizational credit cards.
• The indictment accuses Worley and her family of accumulating over $100,000 in fraudulent charges between January 2023 and October 2025.
• The HERE Board of Directors terminated her employment in October 2025 after an internal investigation and referred the case to law enforcement.
• All financial obligations tied to the credit cards were legally the responsibility of HERE in Jackson County, Inc., but were used for unauthorized personal expenses.
• The organization continues to operate and provide services to the homeless population in Jackson County, North Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific charges is Gretta Worley facing?

Gretta Worley is facing 10 felony counts of obtaining property by false pretenses, each tied to the alleged unauthorized use of credit cards issued in the name of HERE in Jackson County, Inc.

When did the alleged fraudulent activity occur?

The fraudulent use of organizational credit cards occurred between January 2023 and October 2025, according to court documents and the indictment.

What action did the HERE Board of Directors take?

The HERE Board of Directors placed Gretta Worley on investigatory leave on October 14, 2025 and terminated her employment on October 23, 2025, after uncovering evidence of financial mismanagement. The board then involved the Sylva Police Department in a criminal investigation.

Is HERE in Jackson County, Inc. Still operating?

Yes, HERE in Jackson County, Inc. Continues to provide emergency shelter and housing support to homeless individuals in Jackson County, North Carolina, despite the leadership change and ongoing legal proceedings.