A former Madison County deputy clerk has been sentenced to two years in prison and 10 years of probation a week after she pleaded guilty to two counts of felony theft.

Superior Court Judge Thomas Hodges also ordered Melinda Spence to repay the $85,982.47 she took from the county.

Spence was arrested in December on two counts of theft and charged with taking money from 2004 to 2008.

County Finance Director Kathy Clark and bank officials testified that Spence took cash from county deposits. Clark said the differences showed up on actual bank receipts and copies that Spence doctored.

Spence apologized before she was sentenced on Tuesday.

———

Information from: Athens Banner-Herald, http://www.onlineathens.com

Featured

Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC