Woman charged with stealing from local church

By Staff
Melissa Cason
A Russellville woman charged with stealing from a local church turned herself into police Tuesday, officials said.
Kathy James, 61, of 134 Mattie Street in Russellville, was indicted on 17 counts of theft during the May grand jury session. Authorities said James is charged with taking more than $30,000 from Waco Baptist Church.
Alabama Bureau of Investigation Investigator Lt. Marc McCormick said James reported to the Franklin County Detention Center Tuesday morning.
"Ms. James was arrested and charged with numerous counts of theft for taking money from a Russellville business," McCormick said, referring to a separate case earlier this year in which James was accused of stealing from her employer.
"These charges stem from a second investigation and these are separate charges," McCormick said.
The alleged theft from the church occurred from February 2003 to November 2007, officials said. James was released Tuesday afternoon from the Franklin County Detention Center.