Woman Accused of Embezzlement Scheme at College Bookstore in Tennessee

 A woman that was entrusted with handling college students' money for years, pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of dollars from the Jackson Community College Book Store where she worked as a store manager.

Investigator Chad French with Jackson Police told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News that this case is arguably one of the largest amounts of money taken from a business in Jackson more than a two year period. French said police were contacted after an audit revealed more than $94,000 were missing from the bookstore.

"She was able to manipulate the paperwork accounting systems so when the cash came in she was able to manipulate the system and keep the cash for personal use," said Inv. French. "Generally it's caught before this amount but because of her position there, she was she was trusted and able to run up that amount."

Police said Nebraska Booking Company that owns the bookstore actually conducted the audit then reported the crime to authorities. School officials said the company is financially separate from the school.

"I mean I'm surprised to be honest with you that they let that go on so long that somebody could embezzle that amount of money, nearly $100,000, good heavens," said Dr. Bruce Blanding. President of Jackson State Community College.

School officials said they are doing everything they can to make sure Jackson State students are not affected, but there are concerns about the price of textbooks increasing due to theft.

"Our concern is our students receiving first class assistance in terms of having books provided to when they need them, at a reasonable cost," said Dr. Blanding.

President Blanding told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News that the college will review its contract with the bookstore to make sure students are being taken care of at the best price.

Moody entered a guilty plea to felony theft of more than $60,000. According to the judgment, she is expected to pay back $50,000 in restitution to Nebraska Book Company, serve 11 months and 29 days in jail, 200 hours of community service and nine years of probation.