Wesleigh Gaddy, a former payroll and benefits specialist for Troup County, Georgia, has been sentenced after admitting to embezzling more than $500,000 from the county’s payroll accounts. Gaddy, 36, of Hogansville, was ordered to serve one year and six months in prison followed by one year of supervised release. She must also pay restitution totaling $558,943.17.
According to court documents and statements from U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg, Gaddy misused personal information of over 60 former county employees between May 2023 and April 2025 to divert hundreds of paychecks into her own accounts. The theft was discovered when a deputy sheriff noticed unauthorized direct deposit payments in his employee portal.
“Gaddy stole more than half a million taxpayer dollars, misusing and abusing the personal information of dozens of former Troup County employees,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “We and our agency partners will hold accountable any public servant who manipulates his or her position for unlawful private benefit.”
The funds were used by Gaddy for business expenses related to Cedar Creek Ranch Boutique as well as personal purchases including horses, rodeo costs, clothing, dining out, a travel camper and a boat.
Peter Ellis, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Georgia stated: “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 commented: “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 added: “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.”
Written statements from affected county employees at sentencing described problems including incorrect tax filings due to income reported in their names without their knowledge or receipt.
Troup County Manager Eric Mosley and Human Resources Director Valerie Heard testified about broader impacts on community confidence in local officials following news about Gaddy’s actions. They said efforts are underway to restore trust among citizens by strengthening safeguards against similar incidents.
The case was investigated by several agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS CI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Bethany L. Rupert prosecuted.
Theodore S. Hertzberg served as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia during these proceedings (official website). The office acts as principal federal law enforcement agency within its district (official website), enforcing criminal laws while representing federal interests in civil matters (official website). It serves approximately 7.5 million residents across northern Georgia regions (official website) while coordinating cases with national or international scope (official website).
For further details contact USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or call (404) 581-6016.
