Wesleigh Gaddy, a former payroll and benefits specialist for Troup County, Georgia, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after admitting to embezzling more than $500,000 from the county’s payroll accounts. Gaddy was also ordered to pay $558,943.17 in restitution and will serve one year of supervised release following her prison term.
According to court documents and statements from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, between May 2023 and April 2025, Gaddy used her position to divert hundreds of paychecks intended for over 60 former county employees into accounts she controlled. The scheme was uncovered when a deputy sheriff noticed direct deposit payments in his employee portal that he had not received during a period when he was not working for the county.
The stolen funds were used by Gaddy to support her side business, Cedar Creek Ranch Boutique, which she planned to expand into a feed store. She also spent money on horses, a horse trailer, training expenses for rodeos, clothing, dining out, as well as purchasing a travel camper and boat with her then-husband.
At sentencing, several Troup County employees described how Gaddy’s actions affected them directly—causing incorrect tax filings and forcing them to pay taxes on income they never received but that was reported under their names. Troup County Manager Eric Mosley and Human Resources Director Valerie Heard testified that the theft damaged public trust in local officials.
Since Gaddy’s arrest, Mosley and Heard have responded to concerns from residents upset about the misuse of taxpayer funds. They stated that measures are being taken by the Board of Commissioners to prevent similar incidents in the future.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said: “Gaddy stole more than half a million taxpayer dollars, misusing and abusing the personal information of dozens of former Troup County employees. We and our agency partners will hold accountable any public servant who manipulates his or her position for unlawful private benefit.”
Peter Ellis, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Georgia added: “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 at 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 said: “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.”
The case was investigated by multiple 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.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia serves as principal federal law enforcement agency across north Georgia—including Atlanta suburbs—and represents federal interests both locally and nationally (official website). The office coordinates cases with nationwide dimensions while prioritizing prosecution against threats like terrorism or civil rights violations (official website). U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg currently leads this office (official website).
For further information contact USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.
