Barrow Co. Tax Official Stole $25K+: Sheriff

WINDER — The Barrow County chief deputy tax commissioner was arrested Thursday on felony theft by taking charges after being accused of taking at least $25,000 from a Motor Vehicle account, authorities said.

Barrow County Tax Commissioner Jessica Garrett on Nov. 2 noticed some cash receipts were missing from the account totaling more than $25,000 and contacted authorities, according to the Barrow County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities investigated and secured a warrant for the arrest of Patricia Ritchie, 59, of Winder. She had no bond as of Thursday.

None of the other accounts in the tax commissioner's office seemed to be compromised, authorities said.

"All motor vehicle transactions were processed correctly, and everyone’s tags are valid,” Garrett said in a news release.