Missing woman now wanted for embezzlement

Linda Gale Reed

CRYSTAL SPRINGS  – (AP) Linda Gale Reed, a Copiah County woman last seen on April 29, is now wanted for embezzlement of $20,000 from her employer.

Linda Gale Reed

Sheriff Harold Jones said Tuesday at a news conference that the 65-year-old Reed had “sole control” of the petty cash fund at Moore’s Fabrications. Jones said an accountant hired by the company and a FBI forensic accountant found the money missing from 2010 petty cash fund.

She was the company’s bookkeeper. She had worked for the company since 1999.

“Nobody at Moore’s Fabrications had anything to do with that money except Ms. Reed,” Jones said

Jones said investigators believe Reed took the money and went on the run.

“We’ve upgraded her status from missing to wanted for embezzlement,” Jones said.

Reed was last seen leaving a Walmart in Hazlehurst at 7:45 p.m. April 29, authorities said. The next day, her GMC Envoy was found in a wooded area on Interstate 55 near the south Crystal Springs exit. The vehicle didn’t appear to be damaged, and Reed’s purse, cellphone and keys were found inside, Jones said.

The sheriff said there has been no activity on the cellphones or credit cards Reed was known to have.

Jones would not speculate as to where Reed might be.

Reed lived in Carrollton but during the week worked and stayed in a mobile home on her employer’s property.

Reed’s husband James and other family members were kept out of the news conference. James Reed said he still believes his wife was abducted.

Reed said his wife had enough money and an aging mother and had no reason to steal.

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