Ridgecrest woman allegedly embezzled $100,000

Published 12:01 am Saturday, December 23, 2017

NATCHEZ — Adams County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a Ridgecrest woman Thursday after she allegedly embezzled more than $100,000 from a Natchez independent contractor.

Brittany Leigh Anders, 37, 100 Circle Drive, Ridgecrest, was charged with nine counts embezzlement for allegedly opening multiple lines of credit under the name of her employer — Danny Smith General Contractor — without permission, the sheriff’s office reported.

Anders has been accused of opening credit lines with companies including Chase, American Express and Wayfair, leading to tens of thousands of dollars in embezzled funds, sheriff’s deputies estimated Friday afternoon.

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Anders had reportedly worked as the bookkeeper at the company for the past two years.

Officials with the construction company for whom Anders previously worked said they were shocked by the discovery of the crimes, particularly by someone who had been a trusted employee.

The company said it was cooperating with authorities as they investigated the case against Anders and planned to carry on its long-standing business as it has for many decades.

“We are continuing to work, and we are going to provide the quality of work for our customers that we’ve always done,” a spokesperson for the business said.

The company reportedly prompted an investigation after discovering the alleged impropriety. ACSO Lt. Cal Green said the sheriff’s office received a report that led to the investigation on Dec. 11.

As of Friday evening, Anders was being held at the Adams County Jail without a set bond.

The case remains under investigation.