Local

Georgia woman charged with stealing $400K, including donation for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital

ATLANTA — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested a Georgia woman accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations.

Rhonda Sheppard, 54, of Dahlonega, was charged on Thursday with theft by taking from authorities. She was booked into the Lumpkin County Detention Center.

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The GBI was asked to investigate by the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office in August when Sheriff Stacy Jarrard learned from a citizen that the terms of a local residents’ will were not carried out by the executor, Sheppard. One of the terms involved a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. 

During the investigation, Jarrard requested the GBI to look into the case. At this point, the investigation revealed that Sheppard took over $400,000 for personal use.

The GBI investigation is ongoing. There may be additional charges relating to the case. 

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The case will be provided to the Enotah Judicial Circuit District Attorney for prosecution.