JACKSON- State Auditor Stacey Pickering announced today that Natalie Brooke Ward, former deputy Chancery Clerk in Jones County, has been indicted on two counts, embezzlement by a public employee and alteration of record, following an investigation into the missing funds from the Jones County Land Redemption account.

It was determined by the State Auditor’s investigation that Ward did willfully divert funds for her personal use from the account beginning in November 2004 and lasting through January 2008. She was employed in the Chancery Clerk’s Office from August 1, 2002 – February 13, 2008 when she resigned as deputy Chancery Clerk.

In addition to the two-count indictment, Ward was also issued a demand from the State Auditor in the amount of $218,024.59 for funds missing from the Land Redemption Account. In addition to the principle amount, the demanded amount includes $57,271.37 in interest calculated from the date the funds were taken and $32,689.52 in investigative costs incurred by the State Auditor’s Office, all totaling $307,985.48.

“This case has one of the largest financial figures of any case we have worked in our office since I was sworn in as State Auditor in January of this year,” said State Auditor Stacey Pickering. “I am disappointed in Ward’s actions and her lack of respect for the taxpayers of Jones County. Rest assured, with the assistance of District Attorney Tony Buckley, Ward will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and will be held accountable for her actions.”

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