Wesleigh Gaddy, a 35-year-old resident of Hogansville, Georgia, has been charged with theft from a program receiving federal funds. The former payroll manager for Troup County is accused of embezzling over $500,000 by exploiting the personal information of more than 75 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 stated, “Misappropriating public funds is a betrayal of the public trust and authorities granted with a role of public service. The FBI is committed to holding those accountable who abuse this trust and their position for their own gain.”
Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman from IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office, added, “As a public servant, Gaddy used her entrusted position to steal the identities of county employees to access taxpayers’ money for her benefit. 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 deputy from the Troup County Sheriff’s Office reported discrepancies in his paycheck. This led to an examination that revealed hundreds of unauthorized payments made between March 2023 and May 2025 while Gaddy was employed as Troup County’s payroll specialist. These payments were directed into three bank accounts linked to Gaddy.
The charges against Gaddy include controlling at least one recipient account where stolen funds were deposited. When interviewed by law enforcement officers, she reportedly admitted to stealing money from Troup County's payroll system.
Members of the public are reminded that these are only charges at this stage; Gaddy remains innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt during trial proceedings.
This case involves investigations conducted by multiple agencies including Federal Bureau Investigations (FBI), Georgia Bureau Investigations (GBI), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CID). It was referred federally by Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors handling this matter include Assistant United States Attorneys Bethany L Rupert & Garrett Bradford.
For further details or inquiries about ongoing proceedings related thereto please contact U.S Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via email USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or phone number (404)581–6185 . More information can be found on their official website http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga
