Hickory Woman Appealing Prison Sentence

A Hickory woman who was the property manager of an apartment complex in the city has been sentenced to at least eight months in prison for embezzling more than $200,000. 42-year-old Brandy Martyna Hoyle is appealing the verdict, according to published reports.

Hoyle was initially charged with felony embezzlement greater than $100,000 in December 2022. She was the property manager at The Gates at Highland located on the 1700 block of Eighth Street Drive NE. On Sept. 11, Hoyle pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of felony embezzlement. Reports state she managed The Gates at Highland from February 2019 until October 2022.

Hoyle was charged with stealing rent money in the total amount of $211,200. She reportedly took payments from three renters at The Gates. The renters told the Hickory Police Department they always paid their rent in cash and directly to Hoyle. Hoyle was given a prison sentence of eight to 19 months on October 9. According to published reports, Hoyle gave notice of appeal on that same date. A decision from the Court of Appeals had not been announced.

Story: Rob Eastswood-WHKY