Hancock County, GA – In a stunning turn of events, Marva Rice, the Probate Judge for Hancock County, has pleaded guilty to embezzling federal funds. United States Attorney Michael J. Moore announced that Rice admitted to stealing from the county’s bank accounts, which receive federal funding.
The plea agreement reveals that Rice failed to deposit $43,864.70 in 2012 and used $20,000 of county funds for her personal legal fees in 2013, during an FBI investigation. Rice faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervised release.
Moore emphasized the gravity of Rice’s actions, stating, ‘To steal further funds to defend yourself when caught is simply reprehensible.’ The sentencing hearing is scheduled in approximately sixty days.
J. Britt Johnson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta Field Office, assured that the agency will aggressively pursue any public officials accused of similar crimes. ‘Today’s guilty plea will begin the process of holding Judge Rice responsible for her criminal actions,’ he said.
The investigation was led by Special Agent Gregory McClendon of the FBI, and Assistant United States Attorney Graham Thorpe prosecuted the case. For more information, contact Pamela Lightsey at (478) 621-2603.
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Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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