Woman charged with embezzling $17,000 from Reynolds church

ASHEVILLE – A city woman is facing an embezzlement charge after police say she stole more than $17,000 from Reynolds Baptist Church.

Tracy Spencer McLaughlin, 45, of Charlotte Highway, was charged Tuesday with the offense, according to a warrant at the Buncombe County magistrate's office.

While employed at the church at 520 Rose Hill Road in the Reynolds community, McLaughlin is accused of embezzling $17,496.81 between June 2012 and July 2014, according to the warrant. Buncombe sheriff's officers investigated.

McLaughlin was released on a written promise to appear in court.