MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A former clerk from Marion, Arkansas District Court, accused of stealing more than $300,000 in court fines, had her own court hearing on Friday.
Megan Goudy was fired two years ago and charged with theft and forgery.
While Goudy was at the Poinsett County Circuit Court, a plea offer and a plea negotiation hearing fell through.
Former clerk accused of stealing $320K from Marion court
“I was under the impression she would plea today, that we would dispose of the case. But I anticipated the plea might not go through for various reasons and it didn’t,” Jimmy Turnbow, Prosecuting Attorney, Poinsett County.
Goudy allegedly misappropriated over $320,000 in court fines while she was a clerk at District Court in Marion Arkansas between 2019 and 2022. A state audit put the amount involved closer to $415,000.
Goudy agreed to plead guilty under Arkansas’ First Offender Act, make restitution, and have her charges dismissed. But the judge said no, noting it could take twenty years for Goudy to repay hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“So I then asked the Defendant if they wanted to plead not under the “first offender act” and she didn’t want to do that,” Turnbow said. “So we withdrew the plea arraignment and we’re set for a jury trial.”
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Marion’s Mayor was also at the hearing anxious for a resolution to the case.
“My top priority is that the citizens of Marion, Crittenden County, and the State of Arkansas recoup their money, however, that happens. If Ms. Goudy is found guilty in a jury trial, she goes to jail. I hope there’s some restitution involved,” said Tracy Brick, Mayor of Marion, Arkansas.
“If we can’t recoup it, she can go to prison,” said Chris Crain, City Attorney in Marion, Arkansas.
A jury trial is slated for the October jury term in Marion.
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