David Powell, Former Partnership Executive Accused Of Embezzlement, Found Dead

The former Triad economic development executive who was accused of embezzling from the Piedmont Triad Partnership has committed suicide.

David M. Powell was found dead in his parents' home Saturday morning in Kure Beach.

The News and Record reports that Powell, who was 52, had lived in Wilmington for the past year under the name Finley Powell. He was managing a local theater and pursuing other business interests.

Powell was charged in January 2016 with two counts of embezzling more than $240,000 from the partnership, which is the Triad's main economic development agency.

The case was on hold as outside investigations continued.

Powell's attorney, Locke Clifford, said in a statement Sunday that Powell was suffering from depression and killed himself. Clifford declined to say how Powell died.