Former Cole Co. sheriff's dept. employee charged with stealing

Thursday, May 17, 2012

A former Cole County Sheriff’s Department jail clerk has been charged with one count of felony theft for taking money from the department.

Gina Freeman, 35, 4804 Westport Drive, was charged Thursday.

A sheriff’s department probable cause statement shows Freeman admitted to taking money from the department, Wednesday.

In an interview with investigators, Freeman said part of her duties included managing all the bonds that are received by the jail and manage inmate accounts.

Freeman admitted to stealing money from four separate cash bonds received by the jail on Wednesday.

A detective recovered the money which totaled $342.50.

As part of their initial investigation, authorities did an informal and preliminary audit of the cash bonds received by the jail.

It was determined that there was over $500 missing or unaccounted for from April through May.

Freeman was asked about the money discrepancy and admitted to stealing the money.

Authorities said a more thorough audit will be conducted as soon as possible to determine the total amount embezzled by Freeman.

Sheriff Greg White said Freeman was let go from the department as of 6 p.m. Wednesday night.

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