JACKSON- State Auditor Stacey Pickering announced today that Melanie Nobles has pled guilty to embezzlement following an investigation by the State Auditor’s Office.

Nobles pled guilty to illegally issuing payroll checks to herself while working as the Clerk for the Perry County Soil and Water Conservation District during 2008. The total amount embezzled was $7,153.74.

“I appreciate Circuit Judge Bob Helfrich for taking a stand with the taxpayers to ensure that all cases of embezzlement are punished to the full extent of the law,” said State Auditor Stacey Pickering. “Nobles was ordered to 5 years probation and will have a felony conviction on her record following her completion of probation and payment of restitution.”

Nobles is no longer employed by the Soil and Water Conservation District but has repaid the entity the total amount embezzled. Nobles was ordered today to pay the investigative expense and interest on the amount embezzled along with court fees. Investigative costs and interest total $2,861.24. Other fees include a $1000 fine, $250 public defender fee and court costs. Nobles must complete community service while on probation.

###