Woman accused of stealing nearly $400K in taxpayer money from Lumpkin County

Written by: A. Smith

Published January 27, 2026 @ 10:25 AM ET

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. – A 52-year-old woman is facing felony charges after investigators say nearly $400,000 was stolen from the Lumpkin County Finance Department.

According to the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, the theft was reported on Nov. 4, 2025, prompting an investigation by the department’s Criminal Investigations Division. Authorities say a total of $399,416.33 in county funds was taken, leading to a felony charge of theft by deception under Georgia law.

Investigators said their work resulted in the recovery of $100,008.96 of the stolen funds and the identification of a suspect, later named as Magdalena Magadan, 52.

Sheriff’s officials said Magadan was located in Orlando, Florida, where she was taken into custody by local law enforcement. Extradition proceedings were initiated, and she was transported back to Georgia on Jan. 14, 2026. Upon her return, Magadan was booked into the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.

During her initial court appearance, a judge denied bond, and Magadan remains in custody as the case moves forward. Authorities have not released additional details about how the funds were allegedly taken or Magadan’s connection to the county finance department.

The investigation remains active, and officials said additional information could be released as the case develops.