OAK GROVE, Ky. (WBKO) – A City of Oak Grove payroll employee has been arrested following a months-long investigation into fraudulent payroll activities.
Hailey A. Bamford, 38, of Fort Campbell, who worked as a payroll accountant and human resources staff member for the city, was taken into custody after Kentucky State Police Post 2 uncovered a pattern of payroll fraud dating back to May 2022.
According to investigators, Bamford falsified time entries, altered time sheets, and tampered with payroll records over an 18-month period, resulting in a loss of at least $6,208.75 in city funds. The fraudulent activity continued until October 2023.
An audit conducted by the KSP Special Investigations Auditor confirmed multiple instances of record falsification, deletion, and destruction of official documents related to the city’s payroll.
On April 11, 2025, a Christian County Grand Jury returned a True Bill, indicting Bamford on the following charges:
1 count of Abuse of Public Trust under $10,000
14 counts of Tampering with Public Records
An arrest warrant was issued on April 14, and Bamford was taken into custody at Oak Grove City Hall. She is currently lodged in the Christian County Detention Center.
The investigation was led by KSP Detective Jacob Stephens in collaboration with Auditor Billianne Withers from the Drug Enforcement Special Investigation East division.
