Wesleigh Gaddy, a former payroll manager for Troup County, Georgia, appeared in federal court facing charges of theft from a program receiving federal funds. According to U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg, Gaddy allegedly embezzled over $500,000 by exploiting the personal information of numerous former county employees.
“Gaddy allegedly stole more than half a million taxpayer dollars by exploiting the personal information of dozens of former Troup County employees,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Such corruption is outrageous, and our office is committed to prosecuting anyone who manipulates a position of public service for unlawful private benefit.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown commented on the situation: “Misappropriating public funds is a betrayal of the public trust and authorities granted with a role of public service.” He added that the FBI remains committed to holding accountable those who abuse their positions for personal gain.
Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman from IRS Criminal Investigation’s Atlanta Field Office stated, “As a public servant, Gaddy used her entrusted position to steal the identities of county employees to access taxpayers’ money for her benefit.” Hardeman emphasized that IRS Criminal Investigation special agents will continue investigating officials who exploit their roles at the expense of taxpayers.
The investigation revealed that between March 2023 and May 2025, while Gaddy was employed as Troup County’s payroll specialist, over $500,000 was improperly withdrawn from county funds under the guise of payments to more than 75 former employees. However, these funds were directed to just three bank accounts not associated with any current county employees. The complaint alleges that Gaddy controlled at least one account and admitted during an interview with law enforcement to misappropriating funds for personal use.
Authorities remind the public that charges are merely accusations at this stage; Gaddy is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
The case is being investigated by several agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). The Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office referred it for federal investigation.
Assistant United States Attorneys Bethany L. Rupert and Garrett Bradford are leading the prosecution efforts.
For additional details or inquiries, contact can be made through the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via email at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or phone at (404) 581-6185. More information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia can be found online at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
