A former University of Georgia employee is facing 56 felony counts of theft by taking after she allegedly mishandled funds for a statewide professional group, authorities said.
Melody Salome Kesler, 45, was informed of the charges Friday, according to a UGA police report.
Police said they began an investigation in November. They were notified by the executive board of the Georgia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers that the group’s treasurer, who was a UGA employee, “unlawfully” spent money from the association’s checking account without permission, police said.
The group submitted bank statements to support the allegation, according to the police report.
Kesler, who had been employed by UGA since 2003, was terminated Nov. 30, the Athens Banner-Herald reported. She surrendered to authorities and has bonded out of the Clarke County jail.
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