Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Former Court Clerk In Mississippi Charged With $200K Embezzlement

Natalie Brooke Ward, 30, the former deputy clerk at the Jones County Court in Laurel, Mississippi, was indicted yesterday on two felony charges alleging she embezzled more than $200,000 from the county. County officials noticed that funds were missing from the County land redemption account, sparking an investigation. Ward served as deputy chancery clerk from Aug. 1, 2002, until Feb. 13, 2008, when she resigned after being implicated in the case. The alleged thefts occurred between November 2004 and January 2008, during which time Ward is alleged to have stolen $218,024.59, according to prosecutors. Ward was specifically charged with "embezzlement by a public employee" and "alteration of record." Authorities are seeking restitution of more than $300,000 including interest and investigative costs. She faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted on both counts.

Read the story here, here and here.

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