Former Dorchester School District Two employee accused of embezzlement

 DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. – A Summerville woman accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from Dorchester School District Two was arrested Thursday.

Gemini Dempsey Cope, 58, allegedly embezzled more than $10,000 from the district, according to the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said Cope, a Facilities Financial Secretary at the time, had access to a Lowe’s Blanket contract through her position with the district and used this position to make unauthorized purchases of goods and gift cards.

The purchases were discovered during an internal audit conducted by the district in May.

“The district appreciates the swift response and support provided by our law enforcement partners,” a DD2 spokesperson said.

Cope worked at the district for about 13 years.

She is being held in the Dorchester County Detention Center. A bond hearing is scheduled for 3 p.m.

The investigation is ongoing.