Wesleigh Gaddy, a former payroll manager for Troup County, Georgia, has been charged with theft from a program receiving federal funds. The charges were announced after Gaddy appeared in federal court. U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated that Gaddy allegedly stole over $500,000 by using the personal information of former county employees.
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust and holding accountable those who abuse their positions for personal gain. Similarly, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman noted that Gaddy misused her position to access taxpayer money.
The investigation began when a discrepancy was reported by a Troup County Sheriff's Office deputy regarding his paycheck. A review revealed that between March 2023 and May 2025, payments totaling more than $500,000 were directed to accounts not associated with current employees.
Gaddy is alleged to have controlled at least one of these accounts and admitted to law enforcement officers that she had stolen funds from the county's payroll system. The case remains under investigation by several agencies including the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorneys Bethany L. Rupert and Garrett Bradford are leading the prosecution efforts.
The public is reminded that these are only charges and that Gaddy is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
For more details or inquiries, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185.