Jackson, MS-A Neshoba County woman has been sentenced for embezzling from the Lauderdale and Clarke County child support program where she served as a clerk.  Judge Lester Williamson sentenced Cindy Phillips Truhett, of 1020 Road 709, Little Rock, MS 39337, to eight years behind bars with four suspended, four to serve and four years on post-release supervision.  She must also pay $1,000 to the Crime Victim Compensation Fund.  Furthermore, it is expected that the bonding company will file a civil suit against Truhett to recover the funds paid on her behalf due to this crime.   
  Truhett turned herself in to authorities in July after a Lauderdale County grand jury returned a true bill on an indictment (in Lauderdale County Circuit Court) for Embezzlement following an investigation by the Public Integrity Division of the Attorney General?s Office. Truhett was charged (?97-11-25) with embezzling $216,967.56 after writing unauthorized checks to herself from January 3, 2002 through April 10, 2007.
    “It is unfortunate that this woman?s greed resulted in the victimization of the children who depend on this child support money,” said Attorney General Jim Hood. “We worked with Lauderdale County to insure that the proper claims were made against Ms. Truhett?s bonding company to insure that all $216,967.56 was replenished. That was the most important element for me, especially after hearing from a grandfather on a fixed income who told me how difficult it had been on him and his wife struggling to help his daughter and granddaughter along until we were able to collect the funds to replenish the stolen child support.  The admission and assistance by the defendant and the county was crucial to a quick collection from the bonding company.”  In addition, Truhett?s plea bargain required her to reimburse the County for funds taken prior to the inclusive dates in the indictment which is approximately $25,000 in the event that the bonding company rejects the demand for any supplemental payments in this regard.              The Public Integrity Division of the Attorney General’s Office is charged with the responsibility of investigating and prosecuting public corruption and white collar crime.  Information can be reported by calling 601-359-3880.