Embezzlement cases on the rise

The Ellis County Press

ENNIS - The abundance of cases out of Ennis with money laundering are increasing.

Last month, Ellen Prude, a resident of Palmer, was arrested after Ennis police received documentation of unauthorized direct deposits into her personal bank account.

Prude, 57, worked as a payroll clerk for Ennis Paint and had allegedly made off with nearly $428,000 before someone took notice.

Her son, Christopher Clark, of Red Oak, was also a recipient of the money siphoning, according to police. Then, Ennis Daily News’ now former office manager Peggy Motley, turned herself into Ennis authorities on Dec. 2 on the advice of her attorney for similar allegations.

Motley is accused of stealing more than $100,000 from the publication and is being charged with a second degree felony.