Former court clerk indicted for theft

By Misty Shultz/Staff Writer

May 01, 2007 02:14 pm

— A grand jury indicted Karen Lynn Redding, 41, of Cleburne on Thursday on a charge of theft of property between $20,000 and $100,000 by a public servant. Redding, the former justice court clerk for the Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace office, allegedly embezzled money while working for the county.
District Attorney Dale Hanna said $60,000 to $70,000 is missing from county funds.
If convicted, Redding faces two to 20 years in prison. Because she has no prior convictions, Redding would be eligible for probation.
Justice of the Peace Ronny McBroom said the embezzlement began in 2005, before he began his position.
“When I came in, we changed a few procedures and became aware of the situation,” he said.
McBroom said he discovered the discrepancies in January and turned evidence over to the district attorney’s office then.
“I am interested in making sure the county gets its money back,” Hanna said.
Hanna said he is determining the appropriate punishment recommendation.
“Because Redding is a public servant, that enhances the punishment one level from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony,” Hanna said.
Redding could not be reached by telephone at her home.

Misty Shultz can be reached at 817-645-2441, ext. 2336,
or reporter2@trcle.com.