A former secretary is charged with stealing just over $44,000 from a North Georgia church.

Mary Ann Lee, 75, of Cleveland, left her job at Central Baptist Church in May, but she allegedly managed to continue to steal from the church even after resigning, Gainesville police spokesman Sgt. Kevin Holbrook confirmed.

Police say they believe she stole the money over a four-year period, from January 2015 through August 2019.

The initial investigation looked into $150,000 missing from the church, according to Holbrook. It’s unclear where the remaining money is.

Lee is charged with felony theft by taking, Holbrook said.

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

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