Opening filled in DA's check office

By Staff
Melissa Cason, Franklin County Times
The Franklin County District Attorney's Office announced Friday that the position of worthless check coordinator has been filled by a long-time employee of the office and the courthouse.
Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said Ann Woodruff has been named the new coordinator of the Franklin County Worthless Check Unit, effective immediately.
Woodruff has been employed with the district attorney's office since 1994. Prior to joining the DA's team, she worked for 19 years in the probate judge's office.
"Our office decided to move Ann from our office to the Worthless Check Unit coordinator based on my knowledge of her honesty and character," Rushing said.
He added that there is no one he trusts more, and she has proved that throughout her career with his office.
"Even though I hate to lose Ann in my office, I know that her character is what the Worthless Check Unit needs in order to regain the public's trust," Rushing said.
The position was vacted more than a week ago when Rushing terminated Sommer Barnes from the position on the heels of an internal audit that revealed $11,000 in deposits were missing.
The funds have since been returned to the office, however, Rushing has turned the matter over to the state's Attorney General's office for futher investigation.
Rushing said he felt the public would be satisfied with the changes his offices has made and the new personnel he has placed in the check unit.
"I ask that the public will continue to use our office to collect their worthless checks," Rushing said.