Kentucky bookkeeper collaborates with sheriff on embezzlement scheme
A former bookkeeper for Kentucky's Whitley County Sheriff's Office recently pleaded guilty to one felony charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Vicki Paul described how she helped then-sheriff Lawrence Hodge to embezzle tax collection funds and falsify records to cover their tracks, in court testimony. Together, the pair stole or laundered almost $223,000 from 2005 to 2008.
Hodge has pleaded guilty to using his position to take kickbacks and pay for personal expenses, as well as distribute drugs. He faces more than 20 felony charges in state court.
"It's really a slap in the face to all law enforcement when something like this happens," Whitley County chief deputy K.Y. Fuson told WYMT-TV.
Paul, who faces up to 10 years in prison, agreed to pay $25,000 in restitution. Hodge will serve a 15-and-a-half-year prison sentence and pay $50,000 to the federal government. The restitution he must pay to the county is yet to be determined.
Vicki Paul described how she helped then-sheriff Lawrence Hodge to embezzle tax collection funds and falsify records to cover their tracks, in court testimony. Together, the pair stole or laundered almost $223,000 from 2005 to 2008.
Hodge has pleaded guilty to using his position to take kickbacks and pay for personal expenses, as well as distribute drugs. He faces more than 20 felony charges in state court.
"It's really a slap in the face to all law enforcement when something like this happens," Whitley County chief deputy K.Y. Fuson told WYMT-TV.
Paul, who faces up to 10 years in prison, agreed to pay $25,000 in restitution. Hodge will serve a 15-and-a-half-year prison sentence and pay $50,000 to the federal government. The restitution he must pay to the county is yet to be determined.
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