Wesleigh Gaddy, former payroll and benefits specialist for Troup County, Georgia, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after stealing more than $500,000 from the county’s payroll accounts. The sentencing follows her guilty plea to theft from a program receiving federal funds.
According to court records, between May 2023 and April 2025, Gaddy withdrew over $550,000 by issuing paychecks in the names of more than 60 former Troup County employees. None of these individuals were employed by the county at the time of payment; all funds were deposited into accounts controlled by Gaddy. The scheme was discovered when a deputy sheriff noticed unauthorized direct deposits listed in his employee portal.
Investigators found that Gaddy used the stolen money for personal expenses, including funding her business Cedar Creek Ranch Boutique, purchasing horses and related equipment, paying for rodeo expenses, and buying a travel camper and boat with her then-husband.
At sentencing, multiple affected employees submitted statements describing how Gaddy’s actions led to incorrect tax filings and forced them to pay taxes on income they never received. Troup County Manager Eric Mosley and Human Resources Director Valerie Heard testified that the incident damaged public trust in local officials. They stated that since Gaddy’s arrest, they have worked to restore confidence among residents and implement safeguards against similar crimes.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg commented: “Gaddy stole more than half a million taxpayer dollars, misusing and abusing the personal information of dozens of former Troup County employees. We and our agency partners will hold accountable any public servant who manipulates his or her position for unlawful private benefit.”
Peter Ellis, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Georgia said: “While Wesleigh Gaddy’s crime may not have caused physical harm, it severely impacted the lives of Troup County residents by betraying the public trust. The FBI is committed to holding accountable those who steal from the public, and this sentence underscores the seriousness of such actions.”
Chris Hosey, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation added: “Wesleigh Gaddy’s actions represent a serious breach of public trust and a deliberate exploitation of her position for personal gain. This sentence sends a clear message that public corruption and financial crimes will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in partnership with our federal and local partners.”
Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman from IRS Criminal Investigation stated: “Wesleigh Gaddy’s theft of public funds is a grave betrayal of trust. As a public servant, her crime not only impacted hard working employees of the county, but it also undermines the integrity of government. Be assured that IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to ensuring those who disregard the public trust for personal financial gain will be investigated and held accountable.”
Gaddy was ordered to pay restitution totaling $558,943.17 along with serving one year under supervised release following imprisonment.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bethany L. Rupert prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia serves as the principal federal law enforcement agency for north Georgia—including Atlanta suburbs—and represents approximately 7.5 million residents across its region according to its official website. The office enforces federal criminal laws such as those involving threats like terrorism or civil rights violations while collaborating with law enforcement agencies to protect public safety. It also handles cases with national or international scope and coordinates prosecutions. Theodore S. Hertzberg is currently serving as United States Attorney for this district as noted on their site.
For additional information about this case or other matters handled by this office visit the official website.
