MARION COUNTY, Miss. ( WHLT ) – A 54-year-old woman was sentenced on Friday on multiple charges, including embezzlement, in Mississippi.

According to 15th Circuit Court District Attorney Hal Kittrell, Joy Beth Harden was sentenced to serve 30 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC). She was sentenced on charges of embezzlement by a public employee, alteration of records and embezzlement from an employer.

Ten years of her sentenced has been suspended. She was also ordered to pay fines, fees, restitution to the victims and extradition expenses incurred by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in transporting Harden from a federal prison in Florida.

While working as a Marion County Deputy Circuit Clerk in Spring 2021, prosecutors said Harden altered records on several restitution payments received by her, converting the money to her own use. Later that same year, Harden was employed by Bug Me Pest Control, where she embezzled several thousand dollars.

Harden pled guilty in both cases earlier this month. Her pleas in Marion County Circuit Court shortly followed her 18-month sentence served in federal prison for healthcare fraud.

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