Local woman Morgan Rouse, 25, was arraigned Wednesday on charges of forgery and theft in a case of embezzlement from her employer, the Dogwood Water Association.
Rouse has a prior felony history with the Blytheville Police Department, and is currently on bond for aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a minor, and carrying a weapon. The new charges of forgery and theft are linked to a total amount of over $50,000 that she allegedly stole from the defendant.
On Friday, July 20, representatives from Dogwood Water Association came to the police department to report an employee theft of several thousand dollars. Deposit receipts and copies of forged checks indicated that Rouse had embezzled at least $31,784.52. Rouse's supervisor reported that she questioned Rouse about the discrepancies, but received no explanation. Later the same day, Rouse left work saying that she felt unwell, and did not return. She was terminated that day.
Additional documentation was provided which indicated cash discrepancies in the total amount of $23,198.66 during the year of 2011. The total theft amount was approximately $53,000.
Warrants for forgery and theft were issued for Rouse on Monday, July 23, and detectives were later contacted by her attorney, who said that she would surrender herself prior to her court date Wednesday. She was set a $10,000 signature bond and is set to reappear in court on these charges on Aug. 27. Rouse will also be reappearing in circuit court on July 30 regarding the charges of aggravated assault and carrying a weapon, from an incident unrelated to the theft and forgery.
sharris@blythevillecourier.com