Ex-advocate for city’s beer industry accused of embezzlement

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) - A former advocate for the beer industry in a North Carolina city is accused of defrauding her previous employer.

News outlets report authorities said 42-year-old Kendra Penland Turner, former executive director of the Asheville Brewers Alliance, has been charged with embezzlement and financial card fraud. While Buncombe County court records don’t indicate how much she’s accused of taking, financial card fraud is a felony charge at $500.

An incident report shows the alliance reported embezzlement in August to the Asheville Police Department. Mike Rangel, the alliance’s interim executive director, directed questions to the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office.

Turner’s attorney, George Hyler, declined to comment Friday.

Formed in 2009, the Asheville Brewers Alliance is a trade and membership organization that promotes western North Carolina craft beer and breweries.