Wesleigh Gaddy, a 35-year-old resident of Hogansville, Georgia, appeared in federal court facing charges related to theft from a program receiving federal funds. The accusations involve embezzling over $500,000 by exploiting the personal information of former Troup County employees.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg commented on the case: “Gaddy allegedly stole more than half a million taxpayer dollars by exploiting the personal information of dozens of former Troup County employees.” He emphasized the seriousness of such corruption and the commitment to prosecuting those who misuse public service positions for personal gain.
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown also addressed the issue: “Misappropriating public funds is a betrayal of the public trust and authorities granted with a role of public service.”
Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman from IRS Criminal Investigation noted that Gaddy used her position as a payroll specialist to steal identities and access taxpayer money. Hardeman stated, “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents will continue investigating public officials and servants who steal from the taxpayers they are supposed to serve.”
The investigation began when a discrepancy was reported by a Troup County Sheriff’s Office deputy regarding his paycheck. It was discovered that between March 2023 and May 2025, hundreds of payments totaling over $500,000 were misdirected to accounts controlled by Gaddy while she served as Troup County’s payroll specialist.
Despite these allegations, it is important to note that Gaddy is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation are handling this case with assistance from Assistant United States Attorneys Bethany L. Rupert and Garrett Bradford.
For further inquiries, contact can be made through U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via email or phone provided above.
