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The following was taken from a press release distributed by the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office on November 16, 2023:
BARROW COUNTY, Ga. – Barrow County Sheriff’s deputies arrested the Chief Deputy Tax Commissioner Thursday on charges of Felony Theft by Taking. Patricia Ritchie (59) of Winder was taken into custody by deputies and transported to the Barrow County Detention Center.
Bond has not been set as of the writing of this release. The Barrow County Tax Commissioner, Jessica Garrett, contacted the Sheriff’s Office on November 2, 2023, after she noticed that there were missing cash receipts from the Motor Vehicle account.
The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division has been actively investigating the allegations and secured a single arrest warrant for Theft by Taking (Felony). According to investigators, no other accounts associated with the Barrow County Tax Commissioner’s Office appear to have been compromised, however the investigation is ongoing.
Precise amounts resulting from the thefts are not known at this time, however investigators have confirmed the amount to be “more than $25,000.” Barrow County Tax Commissioner Jessica Garrett wanted residents to know that “all motor vehicle transactions were processed correctly and everyone’s tags are valid.”
Media inquiries may be directed to Sheriff Jud Smith at jud.smith@barrowsheriff.com or (770) 307-3081.
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