County Employee Suspended After Arrest for Theft

Melissa Deneen Strozier, an employee at the Jasper County Senior Center, was arrested last Wednesday, Oct. 28, and charged for theft by conversion, for allegedly diverting funds through the Jasper County Care Corps.

Mrs. Strozier worked for the agency which provides help for citizens in need. The Care Corps issued a statement last week, saying that when it received information from an employee with the city of Monticello about funds possibly being misused, the local Sheriff’s Office was contacted, and they in turn contacted the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

The Care Corps has implemented new rules for the application process, and now all applications will be reviewed by a committee. There will be no emergency assistance. Those with questions about the Jasper County Care Corps may contact Sandra Carter, coordinator, at 706-468-4959.

The warrant for Mrs. Strozier’s arrest was taken by Special Agent Jacqueline Gittins with the GBI, and does not specify an amount. The Jasper County Care Corps paid $11,000 to the city during the period on the warrant, which is January 10, 2015 until August 17, 2015. Mrs. Strozier is now free on $5,000 bond.

County Manager Mike Benton said that Mrs. Strozier is on administrative leave/suspended without pay until further notice.

Others booked into the Jasper County Detention Center in the last week include:

•James Bret Alexander, 53, North Judson, Ind.—probation violation.

•Antonio Dwayne Dumas, 34, Monticello—burglary, aggravated assault and probation violation.

•Roderick Deon Dumas, 29, Monticello — burglary and probation violation.

•Robert Allen Pope, 34, Newborn—tampering with evidence and burglary.

•Russell Clay Mincy, 56, Monticello—aggravated assault and tampering with evidence.

•Antonio Ashton Juhan, 24, Monticello—battery, cruelty to children third degree and probation violation.

•Ricky Dale Johnson, 37, Monticello—possession of methamphetamine, drug related objects and probation violation.

•Kaneesha Bleshette Anderson, 25, Sparta—obstruction or hindering a law enforcement officer.

•Adam Clark Glanton, 44, Monticello—possession of a firearm by a convicted felon