Probate employee charged with
stealing tens of thousands of dollars
by Brian
Anderson
banderson@annistonstar.com Anniston Star
banderson@annistonstar.com Anniston Star
Apr 03, 2013 | 10106 views |
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The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday
charged a county employee with stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of
attorney fees from a public office.
Sherre Johnson Wells, 51, of Pleasant Valley, was charged with theft of property after allegedly stealing between $10,000 and $50,000 from the Calhoun County Probate Office, said Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Matthew Wade.
Wade said Wells, an assistant at the Probate Office, had “developed a scheme” in which she redirected into her personal account state funds meant to cover attorney fees for the probate office.
“This isn’t like reaching into somebody’s pocket and taking their wallet,” Wade said. “This is thousands of dollars she stole over time from various accounts.”
Wade said Probate Judge Alice Martin called the Sheriff’s Office on March 6 to report money had been stolen after she requested an audit for missing funds from the state examiner’s office.
Wade said investigators were still working the case, and the exact amount of money missing was unknown Wednesday.
Martin declined to comment Wednesday, citing the continuing investigation. She also would not comment on the status of Wells’ employment.
The Sheriff’s Office issued warrants for Wells’ arrest and she turned herself in late Tuesday, Wade said. She was released after posting a $30,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on May 2.
Staff writer Brian Anderson: 256-235-3546. On Twitter @BAnderson_Star.
Sherre Johnson Wells, 51, of Pleasant Valley, was charged with theft of property after allegedly stealing between $10,000 and $50,000 from the Calhoun County Probate Office, said Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Matthew Wade.
Wade said Wells, an assistant at the Probate Office, had “developed a scheme” in which she redirected into her personal account state funds meant to cover attorney fees for the probate office.
“This isn’t like reaching into somebody’s pocket and taking their wallet,” Wade said. “This is thousands of dollars she stole over time from various accounts.”
Wade said Probate Judge Alice Martin called the Sheriff’s Office on March 6 to report money had been stolen after she requested an audit for missing funds from the state examiner’s office.
Wade said investigators were still working the case, and the exact amount of money missing was unknown Wednesday.
Martin declined to comment Wednesday, citing the continuing investigation. She also would not comment on the status of Wells’ employment.
The Sheriff’s Office issued warrants for Wells’ arrest and she turned herself in late Tuesday, Wade said. She was released after posting a $30,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on May 2.
Staff writer Brian Anderson: 256-235-3546. On Twitter @BAnderson_Star.
Read more: Anniston Star
http://annistonstar.com/bookmark/22149587-Probate-employee-charged-with-stealing-tens-of-thousands-of-dollars
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