JACKSON- State Auditor Stacey Pickering announced today that Shawn Strahan, former justice court clerk in George County has been indicted for embezzlement.

The investigation began after auditors with the State Auditor’s Office discovered a cash shortage during a routine audit.

“Our special agents went in to investigate in April 2009 following a call from our auditors reporting what appeared to be a cash shortage in the justice court of George County,” said State Auditor Stacey Pickering. “Our investigation determined that $15,848.42 was missing, and the funds were taken from October 2008 until April 2009 when the investigation began.”

Shawn Strahan, 39, was employed with the county from 1993 – April 21, 2009. In addition to the principle of $15,848.42, the State Auditor’s assessed $4,422.40 in investigative costs and an additional $631.74 in interest. Restitution in the amount of $9,083 has been repaid along with $6,807.48 of funds that were returned to George County by Strahan. The remaining balance owed is $5,012.08. She surrendered to George County authorities on April 28, 2010 and was released on bond.

The State Auditor’s Office issued a demand letter on April 28, 2010 for the remaining balance of $5,012.08.

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