The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Allyson Smith, a jail accounts clerk, after an audit uncovered that she allegedly stole more than $40,000 from the Calhoun County Jail Accounts Office.
Audit Uncovers Fraud
Earlier this year, the Alabama Examiners of Public Accounts Office conducted a routine audit of the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. The audit flagged delays in deposits, prompting a closer investigation when a vendor reported payment delays.
Findings revealed that:
Deposits were being made weeks late beyond standard accounting practices.
Account balances were insufficient to cover liabilities.
A supplemental audit confirmed that $47,036.20 was missing from the jail accounts.
Smith Admits to Theft
Investigators determined that Smith had been stealing a portion of cash deposits each week. She was subsequently charged with first-degree theft.
Restitution & Legal Proceedings
A claim was filed through an insurance policy to recover the stolen funds, and the account has since been restored. The examiner’s office has closed its investigation, but criminal proceedings against Smith are still underway. A restitution plan is in place to repay the stolen funds.
Smith now faces serious legal consequences as authorities work to hold her accountable for the missing money.
