Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Employee embezzles over $80,000 from church

A police report states an employee embezzled $80,000 from Broadmeadow United Methodist Church in Fondren. The report states she wrote "checks in her name from the Broadmeadow Methodist Church checking account" for over $80,000.  JPD told JJ an arrest warrant was issued for the suspect (initials "L.L.") but it is not known if the suspect was ever taken into custody. The police report is posted below. 

39 comments:

Anonymous said...

How could someone be so dumb as to embezzle by writing $80,000 in checks to yourself ....yet smart enough to avoid going to jail...with his/her obvious connections to avoid jail, maybe robbing a bank could be next.

Both of my children attended Broadmeadow pre-school and hate that such a horrible thing happened to such a lovely church.

Anonymous said...

If she has been charged with the crime of embezzlement, why has her name not been released? Just curious

Anonymous said...

Looks like Lucy got away with the perfect crime...$80K and no jail

Anonymous said...

I think that it is awful but most embezzlers get off scott free. I know two right now that when the crime was discovered were just fired and no charges pressed. The problem is that one of them did it at her next job. She was fired there too and moved out of state to take another job.

Anonymous said...

I grew up at Broadmeadow and know that losing $80000 puts a big hurt on them. I hope that they have insurance that will help them recover it.

S. F. said...

I too would like to know the purpose of redacting the name from the police report. And why does JJ continue that silliness by using the person's initials. How many people with those initials do you reckon work in the church office?

Anonymous said...

The devil works 24x7

Anonymous said...

Just spell it out: Lucy Leatherwood

Do something before she does it to someone else.

Anonymous said...

Has she been convicted or admitted to this?
What if there's another side to the story?
I'm not saying there is but being charged with a crime doesn't always mean that person is guilty.

Kingfish said...

Usually on these cases they have you nailed. You either wrote the checks or you didn't. Kind of like real estate or mortgage fraud. most of those don't go to trial either as its in black and white.

Anonymous said...

10:30:

the devil? really? so it isnt the thief's fault... you are a criminal defens atty's dream juror.

Anonymous said...

Why publish this story now? The police report is dated May.

Kingfish said...

Just found out about it. No one else covered it, and I thought it was worth reporting.

Anonymous said...

Impressive research, kingfish. That's what I love about this website. It's news the media missed or ignored.

Anonymous said...

It's news the media missed or ignored.


Or in some cases suppresses because they don't want the public to know.

Shadowfax said...

So, if it was ignored, missed, lost or suppressed, what's the outcome? Now THAT would be a scoop worthy of the blog. It's been over half a year already. She's had time to spend three months in a half-way house and pass through purgatory twice.

Anonymous said...

embezzlement is a bit harder to prove than you apparently believe, especially in less sophisticated enterprises such as churches and medium sized businesses. often more than one employee has access to the money and there may not be proof beyond a reasonable doubt which one did the taking. forensic handwriting analysis is not a trustworthy forensic science anymore, really never was. you nearly always need a forensic accountant which are in real short supply in MS. I'll bet this lady wasn't bonded, you can't insure such a risk, that's the purpose of a bond, not an insurance policy. this case is pending, so Fish, you might want to keep an ear to the ground to see what happens.

Anonymous said...

Question for you, Kingfish: Why was Linda Reed, the lady who was blasted all over the media for embezzling from Moore's Fabrication in Copiah arrested and jailed for stealing $20,000 and Lucy Leatherwood appears to go scott free for stealing over $80,000 from a small church...is it the DA, Sheriff, JPD, Attorney...why the inconsistency here?

Anonymous said...

Linda let her family and friends anguish over her disappearance, thinking that she was killed, while in actuality she fled with the money. The police mounted an investigation, only for her to be found in another state alive and well.

Billy said...

Daddy always said them Mississippi girls were evil.

KaptKangaroo said...

I swear, if someone said it was raining, Shadow, you would argue they must be in a desert and rain is technically just humidity.

Anonymous said...

Oh, KaptK, I soooo totally agree with you!

Anonymous said...

4:46 bonds don't cover theft, but there are insurance policies that cover employee theft.

Anonymous said...

Wow Kingfish! I just saw where WAPT ran this story on the embezzlement on the 10pm news tonight, after you broke the story this morning...I guess everyone, including WAPT must be a Kingfish follower

Kingfish said...

They do but unlike WLBT, they refuse to ever give me any credit or attribution whatsoever.

ShadowCritic said...

Not sure what about my post gets Kangaroots panties bunched up. Several others made similar suggestions. I've suggested that with the passage of time, surely there is more to report. That's not exactly complaining that it's not raining. And I said I thought it was silly to use a perp's initials instead of her name.

Now it's been suggested by 6:42 that the difference in the two embezzlement cases is that the Copiah case was pursued 'because she let her family think she was dead'. How crazy is that analyzis?

Something else occurs to me: It's fine that we can critique every line in every Clarion Ledger edition and every statement made in the Free Press. But, critique something on this blog and incur the wrath of the true believers. I'm realizing Kingfish has his special brand of 'Interns'.

Anonymous said...

Over the years, we have NEVER had the DA prosecute an embezzlement in our business in Hinds County. Never. Going from 20+ years ago to last year. They just refuse to do it even when the case is cut and dried.

Anonymous said...

6:06am: Thanks for the tip. Next time I get strapped for cash, I will take a job working at First Baptist Church in the financial office. With a church that size, I could embezzle millions and never serve time. But unlike Lucy Leatherwood, I would at least apologize for my crime.

KaptKangaroo said...

You are correct SFX. Your role as an intern is amusing to watch.

Anonymous said...

He who throws the first stone.....is without sin? Let it be.

Anonymous said...

Right ... we're all embezzlers.

Anonymous said...

Has this person been arrested? Everyone keeps referencing Lucy Leatherwood...I take it she worked at the church at some point?

Anonymous said...

When you "let it be", the person goes on to do this again, because there are NO consequences. Geesh.

Anonymous said...

Where does she work now?

ShadowIntern said...

Maybe an attorney can weigh in on this. I find it hard to believe that embezzlement is not prosecuted in this state. That's alarming. It sure as hell is prosecuted in county and city government. Just ask all the water department clerks and chancery clerks who have served time, lost their jobs, wrecked their reputations and embarrassed hell out of their families. In the case of privately held businesses (and churches),unlike in government offices, the owner has to file charges. Is that the difference?

Lucy Leatherwood would make a great name for a porn star.

Anonymous said...

The last I heard disbarred attorney Mike Brown was being held in the Rankin County jail without bond and is supposed to stand trial in January if he doesn't plead guilty. He was indicted for several counts of embezzlement.

Anonymous said...

"Lucy Leatherwood would make a great name for a porn star. "

My first thought too - especially a porn star in a church.

Anonymous said...

Family money talks and the law looks away. I high school friend of mine was in charge of a branch of Regions in Terry many years ago. He stole 60 to 80K got on a plane flew to France got arrested and brought back. Went before a Judge and nothing. His momma got him off the hook, got him a new SS number and did a name change and lives is SC now. WOW! Facebook buddies, go figure, lol

Anonymous said...

And who can forget THIS embezzler who was never punished sufficiently.

http://kingfish1935.blogspot.com/2007/06/leapord-cant-change-his-spots-can-jere.html



Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.