Lumpkin County Chief Registrar and Elections Manager Rhonda Sheppard has been placed on administrative leave while she is investigated for the theft of a large amount of money.
The county's Board of Elections and Board of Commissioners released a joint statement Friday morning, saying they were aware of the 54-year-old Sheppard's arrest. The statement pointed out that the alleged offense was not related to her work with the county.
Sheppard was arrested Thursday, according to information released by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Sheppard, who was acting as executor for a will, is accused of stealing $400,000 for her personal use from the estate of the deceased. The GBI said a large amount of the money was supposed to go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Special Projects Director Ashley Peck, who has nine years of previous leadership with the Lumpkin County Elections Office, has been named Interim Manager until further notice, according to the county announcement.
In addition, county officials said an audit will be conducted of the Elections Office to account for all public funds and equipment.
