Jackson County ex-employee admits to embezzlement

Former Jackson County employee Jonathan Smith has been found guilty of two counts of embezzlement, State Auditor Shad White announced.

Smith was arrested on embezzlement charges last year after he stole road maintenance equipment and two catalytic converters from Jackson County taxpayers. He was also issued a demand letter for $3,549.79. Most of the equipment has since been recovered and returned to the county.

Smith has been convicted of a felony offense and is prohibited from handling public money again. Judge Jackson’s sentencing order is available for public inspection at the Jackson County Circuit Clerk’s office.

District Attorney Angel McIlrath’s office prosecuted the case in Judge Kathy King Jackson’s courtroom.