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SCHUYLER COUNTY, MO. -- A former Heartland public official is facing a federal charge, after authorities say she embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars while in office. 

Kathy Roberts, 51, of Downing, Missouri, the long time Schuyler County Collector has been indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of mail fraud. 

According to the indictment, Roberts took approximately $550,000, between January of 1992 and August of 2011. It’s alleged in the indictment that Roberts took cash payments for county taxes and used those funds for her own personal purposes, and that Roberts issued receipts for the payment, but failed to deposit the money into the counties bank account. 

If convicted, Roberts could be sentenced up to 20 years in federal prison and/or fines up to $250,000. 

Statement from State Auditor Schweich Regarding Schuyler County Audit

JEFFERSON CITY (October 7, 2011) – State Auditor Tom Schweich today released the following statement regarding an ongoing audit of Schuyler County:

"On April 26, 2011, my office began a regular audit of Schuyler County. During the audit process, my staff detected what appeared to be a significant theft in the county collector's office totaling more than $500,000. My office immediately contacted the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) where an investigation was launched. 

"Following a joint investigation with the MSHP and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Schuyler County collector was indicted today by a federal grand jury. 

"At this time, it appears the theft took place over many years, and was detected as the volume of theft became much more significant since the last audit of Schuyler County four years ago by a prior administration. 

"Our audit of Schuyler County is continuing."