Former Troup County payroll manager Wesleigh Gaddy sentenced to prison for $550K theft

ATLANTA – A former Troup County payroll manager has admitted to stealing more than $500,000 in taxpayer money by diverting paychecks meant for former employees, federal prosecutors said.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, Wesleigh Gaddy, 35, of Hogansville, pleaded guilty to theft from a program receiving federal funds. A federal judge sentenced her to 18 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release. She was also ordered to repay $558,943.17 in restitution.

Investigators said Gaddy redirected payroll funds to bank accounts under her control. The scheme came to light after a Troup County deputy noticed multiple direct deposit statements for wages he never received. Authorities later confirmed he was not employed by the county when the payments were issued.

Gaddy was arrested in 2025 after a joint investigation by the IRS and FBI. A review of payroll records found that from March 2023 through May 2025, she used the names of more than 75 former county employees to withdraw more than $500,000. Officials said the money was deposited into three bank accounts, including one controlled by Gaddy.

Troup County Manager Eric Mosley and Human Resources Director Valerie Heard said they have fielded numerous calls from residents concerned about the theft. County officials said new safeguards are being put in place to prevent similar misconduct in the future.