Stoddard County worker accused of embezzling

Associated Press

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A worker for Stoddard County's collector has been accused of embezzling nearly $50,000 in taxpayer money and making personal use of it.

Natalie Metcalf, 34, of Bloomfield, was charged last week with three felony stealing counts. After her arraignment, she was ordered to appear July 1 for a preliminary hearing.

She is free on $30,000 bond.

Between 2001 and 2003, authorities said, Metcalf took the money in various amounts, totaling $48,648.

County Collector Carla Moore said she discovered the alleged discrepancies in her office at the end of March after examining tax receipts and records.

"I thought it was a mistake. We all make mistakes," she said. "I kept looking and thinking for the next two weeks, then something else came up and I started checking closer."