JACKSON- Angie Tidwell, former bookkeeper for the Winston County Tax Collector’s Office, pled guilty to two counts of embezzlement by a public employee.

State Auditor Stacey Pickering issued Tidwell a $260,228.54 demand for funds embezzled from garbage fees and motor vehicle taxes from the Winston County Tax Collector’s Office from October 2003 through March 2007. The amount represents $188,200.46, principle; $50,472.32 in interest; and $21,555.76 in investigative costs incurred by the State Auditor’s Office.

“Embezzlement in government agencies continues to be an issue we deal with in the State Auditor’s Office, and our auditors and special agents work diligently to investigate the cases and recover any funds lost to the taxpayers,” said State Auditor Stacey Pickering. “Having recovered $2.4 million in embezzled and misappropriated taxpayer funds since 2008, the State Auditor’s Office works with the local district attorneys to prosecute these individuals to the fullest extent of the law.

“Tax Assessor/Collector Brenda Miles was very helpful in initiating the investigation and assisting our investigators. We also appreciate District Attorney Doug Evans for his work in prosecuting this case.”

Tidwell is sentenced to serve 4 years in prison and will serve 36 years of probation. She was also ordered to pay $188,200.46 in restitution.

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