Former Clinton County Deputy Sheriff charged with Theft

FRANKFORT, KY (Wednesday, January 19, 2005) – Attorney General Greg Stumbo announced today that his office has charged former Clinton County Deputy Sheriff Cynthia Moreland with four counts of theft following work done by the State Auditor’s office and a criminal investigation conducted by the Kentucky State Police.

The investigation began in early 2004, after auditors discovered public monies missing from accounts holding real property tax fees paid by Clinton County property owners to the Clinton County Sheriff’s office. Following a criminal investigation conducted by the Kentucky State Police, it is alleged that Ms. Moreland – daughter of then Clinton County Sheriff Kay Riddle – stole over $10,000 in property tax receipts which were paid to the Clinton County Sheriff’s office. In addition, she is alleged to have stolen over $30,000 from the Clinton County Sheriff’s fee account by writing herself checks for monies to which she was not entitled.

Stumbo stated that Clinton County Sheriff Kay Riddle resigned from office on October 1, 2004 and Moreland is no longer employed by the Clinton County Sheriff’s office. Stumbo’s Special Prosecutions Division will be handling the prosecution of the case.

Moreland was charged by “information” today in Clinton County Circuit Court. A charge by information is an accusation of a criminal offense the same as an indictment except that it is filed by the attorney for the Commonwealth instead of a grand jury.