Stumbo Announces Guilty Plea by Former Clinton County Deputy Sheriff

FRANKFORT, KY (February 22, 2005) - Attorney General Greg Stumbo announced today that former Clinton County Deputy Sheriff, Cynthia Moreland, has entered a plea of guilty to four counts of Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition over $300 earlier today in the Russell Circuit Court.

Moreland’s guilty plea follows charges filed against her by Stumbo’s Special Prosecutions Division last month. The guilty plea was entered in the Russell Circuit Court following assignment of Russell Circuit Court Judge Vernon Miniard’s appointment as a Special Judge in the case.

The investigation began in early 2004, after the Kentucky State Auditor’s office 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 more than $10,000 in property tax receipts which were paid to the Clinton County Sheriff’s office. In addition, she is alleged to have stolen more than $30,000 from the Clinton County Sheriff’s fee account by writing herself checks for monies to which she was not entitled.

“It is critical that the people of Kentucky have confidence in officials who are in positions of public trust. This case presents yet another reminder that officials who violate the public trust by misappropriation of public monies will be held accountable,” Stumbo said.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Moreland will be sentenced to one year imprisonment on each of the four counts of theft, to be served concurrently, for a total sentence of one (1) year imprisonment. Moreland will be required to serve at least sixty (60) days in the county jail.

Moreland will also be required to pay restitution to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office in the amount of $45,159.44. Moreland made an initial payment of $10,000 towards the required restitution after entering her guilty plea today.

Moreland resigned from the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office in the summer of 2004. Clinton County Sheriff Kay Riddle resigned as sheriff effective October 1, 2004. She will surrender to the Clinton County Jailer on Friday, February 25th in order to begin serving her sentence. Final sentencing is scheduled for March 22nd, 2005 .