Marva Rice Sentenced

A devastating blow to the justice system was dealt today as former Hancock County Probate Judge Marva Rice was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for her role in stealing federal funds from the county.

According to the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, Michael J. Moore, Ms. Rice pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of federal funds from Hancock County on October 23, 2014. The sentence, handed down by the Honorable Judge Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Judge, in Macon, Georgia, also includes restitution in the amount of $63,864.70 to be paid to Hancock County.

The investigation, led by Special Agent Gregory McClendon of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, revealed that in 2012, Ms. Rice failed to deposit funds in the amount of $43,864.70 into the Probate Court bank account. Furthermore, in 2013, while the FBI was conducting its investigation, Ms. Rice used Hancock County funds to pay for her own personal legal fees in the amount of $20,000.

The guilty plea and subsequent sentencing serve as a stark reminder of the severity of Ms. Rice’s actions. As United States Attorney Michael Moore stated, “We count on the people who are sworn to uphold the law and administer justice to do just that. When Ms. Rice stole these funds, she not only took money she had no right to take, but she also violated the public trust. It is a sad day to see a judge go from wearing a black robe to wearing a federal prison uniform.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Graham Thorpe, and inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office at 478-621-2603. As the justice system continues to grapple with the fallout of Ms. Rice’s actions, one thing is clear: those who violate the public trust will be held accountable.

The sentence of 21 months in federal prison and $63,864.70 in restitution serves as a warning to others who would seek to exploit their positions of power for personal gain. The people of Hancock County deserve better, and it is the hope of the justice system that this sentence will serve as a step towards healing and rebuilding trust in the community.

In the end, the case of Marva Rice serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in our justice system. As the nation continues to watch the fallout of this case, one thing is clear: the justice system will not tolerate those who seek to undermine the public trust for their own personal gain.