Woman draws 57 counts of theft

By Staff
Melissa Cason
A Russellville woman has been charged with 57 counts of theft after allegedly stealing money from her workplace for more than four years.
Catherine H. James, 60, of 134 Mattie St., Russellville, was arrested Thursday and charged with six counts of first-degree theft of property and 51 counts of second-degree theft of property, officials said.
Reports indicate James worked at the business from 2003 until 2007.
"We were contacted by Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing in October about some missing money at a Russellville business," Alabama Bureau of Investigation Lt. Mark McCormick said.
"We began to investigate and found that a significant amount of money was taken from the business over a period of four years."
McCormick said ABI Agent Rodney Knight investigated the matter and found evidence that James had taken money from a local business where she worked.
Investigators did not specify exactly how much money was taken but noted the overall amount was staggering and in excess of $100,000.
"All I can say is that it was a very substantial amount of money," McCormick said.
According to the Alabama Criminal Code, first-degree theft of property is a Class B felony, punishable by two to 20 years in prison and the second-degree theft of property charges are Class C felonies, punishable by one year and one day to 10 years in prison on each count if convicted. She was released from jail on $75,000 bond.