Judge: BB&T must rehire Ponzi scheme whistleblower

By MIKE BAKER Associated Press Writer

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - An administrative law judge has ordered BB&T Corp. to rehire a former company investigator who says she was fired after exposing a North Carolina development scheme.

Judge Jeffrey Tureck said in his decision this week that Amy Stroupe should be reinstated to her position with back pay. Stroupe said in an interview that she feels vindicated and hopes to return to her job.

BB&T didn't immediately return a call seeking comment Friday.

Stroupe says she called the FBI about the development scam because the Winston-Salem-based bank refused to take action. Investigators now say the Village of Penland development was a Ponzi scheme. Tureck said in his ruling the bank was aiding the fraud by making loans to investors in the community.