Former city clerk Michelle Jones pleaded guilty to 86 counts of theft Tuesday. She received a 10-year sentence, 1 year to serve incarcerated and 9 years to serve on probation. Conditions of the plea include that Jones pay restitution to the city of Kingston totaling $30,656 and she must have no contact with city officials. Jones must also pay $350 in attorney’s fees. Officials with the GBI say an investigation began in 2012 at the request of the city’s police chief. According to the indictment, Jones stole $30,000 from the city. She took money on a monthly basis in varying amounts ranging from $42.00 TO $1,900.00.
Jones was hired to replace former Kingston City Clerk Samantha Silvers. In 2010, Silvers received a 4-year prison sentence for stealing $62,000 from the city.