News

Clay County woman accused of stealing $250,000 for kids' 'extracurricular activities'

Melinda Wilkes

CLAY COUNTY: Elevated levels of toxic algae in Doctors Lake
STORY: Man smothers aunt after she calls 'mooch,' police say

A Clay County woman, a former bookkeeper for a chiropractor’s office, is accused of embezzling more than $250,000 from the business.

An arrest report says that Melinda Dawn Wilkes used the money to fund her own two businesses — as well as “pay for extracurricular activities for her kids.”

Investigators determined cash was taken from 2009-2016. Wilkes, 45, was arrested Aug. 3, but records show the case began back in 2016.

BACK TO SCHOOL 2018: Start dates, parent hacks, deals and more

Wilkes, the daughter-in-law of recently deceased judge William Wilkes, is charged with grand theft and schemes to defraud.

According to the arrest warrant, Wilkes retained an attorney and declined to answer any questions or provide information.