Former Troup County Payroll Specialist Sentenced for Stealing Over $550,000 in Taxpayer Funds

TROUP COUNTY, Georgia – A former Troup County payroll employee has been sentenced to federal prison after stealing more than $550,000 from county payroll accounts and misusing the personal information of dozens of former employees.

Wesleigh Gaddy, 36, of Hogansville, Georgia, was sentenced to one year and six months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $558,943.17 in restitution. Gaddy pleaded guilty on October 6, 2025, to theft from a program receiving federal funds.

“Gaddy stole more than half a million taxpayer dollars, misusing and abusing the personal information of dozens of former Troup County employees,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “We and our agency partners will hold accountable any public servant who manipulates his or her position for unlawful private benefit.”

According to prosecutors, the scheme was uncovered in April 2025 when a Troup County deputy sheriff discovered direct deposit payments reflected in his employee portal during a time when he was no longer employed by the county. A review of payroll data revealed that between May 2023 and April 2025, Gaddy, who served as the county’s Payroll and Benefits Specialist, issued hundreds of fraudulent paychecks in the names of more than 60 former employees. The payments totaled more than $550,000 and were deposited into accounts she controlled.

Authorities said Gaddy used the stolen funds to support her side business, Cedar Creek Ranch Boutique, with plans to expand into a feed store. She also paid for three horses, a horse trailer, a horse trainer, rodeo expenses, and personal purchases including clothing and dining. During the period of the theft, she and her then-husband also purchased a travel camper and a boat.

“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,” said Peter Ellis, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Georgia. “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 of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, called the case “a serious breach of public trust and a deliberate exploitation of her position for personal gain,” adding that the sentence “sends a clear message that public corruption and financial crimes will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.”

IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman also emphasized the broader impact. “As a public servant, her crime not only impacted hard working employees of the county, but it also undermines the integrity of government,” Hardeman said.

At sentencing, multiple Troup County employees submitted statements describing the fallout from the fraud, including tax complications after income was reported in their names that they never received. County officials testified that the theft shook public confidence and required significant efforts to restore trust and strengthen safeguards within the payroll system.

The case was investigated by the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bethany L. Rupert prosecuted the case.