A former Newton County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher has been arrested and charged with embezzlement and fraud in public office.
Shannon Taylor was taken into custody by special agents from the State Auditor’s Office on Wednesday after an investigation revealed that she allegedly altered her timesheets after they were approved by her supervisor.
Taylor was served with a $16,263.72 demand letter at the time of her arrest.
“Thank you to the investigators on my team and the prosecutors for putting a stop to this scheme,” State Auditor Shad White stated. “As I have said, no matter the amount, my office will keep watch over your tax dollars.”
The former employee faces up to 10 years in prison and $5,000 in fines if convicted.
No surety bond covers Taylor’s employment at the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. Surety bonds are similar to insurance designed to protect taxpayers from corruption.
