Clay Music Co. seeks $236K in embezzled money

CHARLESTON -- A music company is suing its former employee to recover money he embezzled.

Clay Music Company filed a lawsuit May 30 in Kanawha County Circuit Court against former employee Eddie Wayne Chapman, citing embezzlement, fraud, breach of contract and wanton conduct.

The lawsuit states Chapman was entrusted with possessing, delivering and accounting for cash proceeds for the company during his employment from June 20, 2002, until Oct. 23, 2012. The company filed a criminal complaint in the Magistrate Court of Kanawha County on Oct. 28, 2012, charging Chapman with embezzlement on belief he stole $236,000 in cash, the complaint states. Chapman pleaded guilty in court on May 13, 2013, and the judge sentenced him to five years supervised probation.

The music company is seeking damages of $236,000 plus pre and pos- judgment interest, court costs and punitive damages.

It is being represented by John W. Alderman III of the Law Offices of John W. Alderman of Charleston.

Kanawha Circuit Court Case No. 14-C-1007