After a sudden retirement in February, former political science professor Dr. Claude Barnes now faces charges of embezzlement, identity theft and obtaining property under false pretenses, according to court documents obtained by The A&T Register.
Barnes was declared the executor of neighbor Betty Burton’s almost $400,000 estate on Nov. 20, 2008. Burton died on Oct. 8 at the age of 76. Barnes is accused of embezzling about $140,000 in cash, an annuity account, and credit cards for his personal use.
Greensboro Police Department have also charged Koretta King, Burton’s live-in nurse, and Andrea Lee Barksdale in connection with the case.
In the documents, Lynda Burton, the deceased’s daughter, petitioned the courts to revoke Barnes authority as executor of Burton’s estate based on the claims of Barnes’ inappropriate management of funds, and personal usage.
King is accused of using fraudulent signatures to take control of a trust fund and the deed Burton’s home and property.
According to county tax records, the home is valued at about $200,000. This is not King’s first charge of financial malfeasance.
In an interview with the News & Record, Greensboro police Capt. Janice Rogers said that they learned of the scheme because King was on federal probation for other financial charges.
Rogers said that since King was on probation previously, when things came up in her name it brought red flags to their attention. King’s current address is listed as Burton’s home.
All parties were released from jail on bond.
Barnes is best known for his involvement and part in the Civil Rights Movement and the incidents of 1969 at Dudley High School which led to the revolt on the campus of North Carolina A&T.
Barnes was denied his position as student government president at Dudley because the administration felt as though his platform was too radical. The events quickly spread past Dudley, with the students marching to A&T’s campus.
When contacted by The A&T Register, Barnes declined to comment other than to maintain his innocence.
A court date has not been set at this time.
- Dexter R. Mullins