Former employee pleads guilty to embezzlement, forgery charges

By Carey Phillips

Amy Thornton, 25, of Selma, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of embezzlement, 59 counts of forgery and 59 counts of uttering last week in Jackson County Superior Court.

Judge Marlene Hyatt handed down eight separate sentences of not less than five nor more than six months. Each sentence was suspended for 36 months, and Thornton was placed on supervised probation. She was ordered to make restitution of $19,738.91 and perform 120 hours community service. Thornton was also ordered to pay court costs on all eight judgments.

Thornton was charged with taking money from Diversified Personnel, a medical staffing company, where she served as office manager.

Dan Schaeffer, who owned Diversified Personnel, closed the business March 17, one week after he noticed a discrepancy with the company's books. Thornton was indicated July 22 by the Jackson County Grand Jury and was arrested Aug. 12.

Last week's court term was mainly for civil cases, but there was one other criminal case heard.

John Edward Bradley, 29, of Columbus George Road, Cherokee, admitted to a probation violation. His probation was revoked, and a sentence of not less than six nor more than eight months was activated. Bradley was given credit for 18 days served.

Back to Archive: 12/19/02.