Former chamber official faces preliminary hearing
Former Coweta chamber official faces preliminary hearing

Published: June 20, 2008

WAGONER -- A former Coweta Chamber of Commerce executive and ex-beauty queen faces a July 8 preliminary hearing for allegedly helping herself to more than $30,000 in chamber funds.

Wagoner County prosecutors have filed 10 felony counts against Misty Dawn Edwards, who remains free on $10,000 bond.

Edwards, of Porter, was charged June 3 with seven counts of embezzlement totaling $28,500 and three counts of obtaining cash by bogus check or false pretenses totaling $2,705.

The crimes were committed over several months through November, court documents allege.

A former Miss Coweta Fall Festival, Edwards resigned Nov. 19 citing personal reasons after serving as the chamber's executive director since May 2006, reports show.

Edwards surrendered to police after a warrant for her arrest was issued the day prosecutors charged her.

Edwards' hearing will be before Special District Judge Holli Pursley.

As for the chamber, members of the board say they want to restore public confidence in the organization.

"I don't know how long that will take, but I do know we had a successful and fun banquet," board President Greg Miller said. "We had over 200 there. We had a great response."

The board has hired former Executive Director Martha Sewell to replace Edwards.