MANSFIELD, La. (AP) - A 12-year employee of the DeSoto Parish District Attorney’s office has been arrested on assorted charges related to misappropriation of public funds.
The Times reports (https://bit.ly/1bLFAUh ) Melanie Johnson Barber, 32, of Mansfield, was booked Tuesday on charges of monetary instrument abuse, malfeasance and filing or maintaining false public records.
A monthlong investigation by Mansfield police indicated Barber misappropriated funds from accounts related to worthless check collections and diversion fees. Barber devised a scheme where she would accept money orders for payments of fees and penalties, sign and cash them at a local business, according to a release from the DA’s office.
Police Chief Gary Hobbs estimated the missing funds to be “several thousands of dollars.” An exact number won’t be known until the investigation is complete. Internal auditors also will be called in to assist.
The charges filed Tuesday related to three separate money orders cashed within the past month totaling about $500. “Based on information uncovered during the investigation, it is believed that this activity has been going on for several years,” Hobbs said in a news release.
District Attorney Richard Z. Johnson Jr. expressed disappointment at the former employee’s actions.
Johnson will request the Attorney General’s office take over prosecution. “That decision is in keeping with ethical mandates, as a means to avoid conflict or the appearance of impropriety,” the release states.
Barber’s first court appearance has not been set.
It was unclear whether she has an attorney.
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Information from: The Times, https://www.shreveporttimes.com
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