Treasurer Charged with Embezzlement

Police have arrested the now former treasurer of a local charity on allegations she embezzled church and charitable funds.

Chief Tommy Culpepper said in a news release Nicole Abernathy, 35, of Emerson was arrested in connection with the theft of about $20,500 from the in Cartersville.

Abernathy served as treasurer of the church's God’s Little Sprouts outreach ministry, which holds consignment sales for children twice a year, the profits of which benefit Trinity programs, local charities and the needy.

Police say Abernathy embezzled funds from the organization's account from June 2010 through August of this year.

She was charged with 55 counts of theft by conversion and taken to the , where she is awaiting a bond hearing.