FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2021
For press inquiries only, contact:
Mike Lewis (334) 353-2199
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Attorney General Steve Marshall Announces Conviction and Sentencing of Troy
City Schools Employee for Theft
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the conviction and sentencing of Sherry Hassey Tucker, 53, of Ramer, for stealing from the Troy City Schools District.
Tucker, a former bookkeeper with Troy City Schools appeared before the Pike County Circuit Court on Wednesday to plead guilty on information to theft of property in the first degree. The Court sentenced Tucker to forty-six months imprisonment, which was suspended based upon Alabama’s presumptive sentencing guidelines, as well as to two years of supervised probation. Tucker was also ordered to pay $26,800.20 in restitution to Troy City Schools. Immediately following the sentencing hearing, Tucker paid $20,000 toward her court-ordered restitution.
During the sentencing hearing, Tucker admitted that, in her capacity as a bookkeeper, she collected money from teachers and parents for certain school events and unlawfully pocketed that money for her own benefit. She further admitted to concealing her thefts by using a fake receipt book.
“Ms. Tucker stole money provided by parents and teachers to further educational objectives,” said Attorney General Marshall. “Public employees working in Alabama’s schools must be honest when handling public money. Her conviction should send a clear message that abuses like hers will not be tolerated.”
Attorney General Marshall thanked the staff of his Special Prosecutions Division, noting in particular Assistant Attorney General Kyle Beckman and the Division’s investigators. Attorney General Marshall also expressed his appreciation to the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts, which uncovered the theft during an audit.
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