Sheriff's Office Bookkeeper Tracy Meredith Accused Of Theft

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. -- Clayton County Sheriff Kem Kimbrough told Channel 2’s Mark Winne that he has arrested one of his own.

Bookkeeper Tracy Lynn Meredith, 40, is accused of stealing money from fines and bond forfeitures, the Sheriff’s Office said.

According to warrants, Meredith took 14 cash bonds without permission. She would delete the names of the arrested parties and take the cash bonds associated with them for her own personal use, the warrants stated.

Kimbrough said an accounting supervisor noticed money was missing, and the department launched an inteal investigation several months ago.

The cash amounted to $5,800, officials said.

Investigators said Meredith admitted to stealing the money to cover her everyday expenses and told authorities that she does not have any money left.

Meredith is charged with eight counts of felony theft by conversion.

Meredith was released from jail on a $32,000 bond. Channel 2's GA Daily News spoke to a bondsman who deputies said posted a bond and the money was stolen. Maria Castillo said she had no idea the money was stolen.

Meredith is on administrative leave.