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Former Mason City Clerk indicted for stealing money

By Justin Hanson - bio | email | Twitter | Facebook

MASON, TN (WMC-TV) - Word spread quickly last week in the tiny town of Mason, after former town clerk Arnita Mitchell was indicted by a Tipton County Grand Jury for stealing nearly $100,000 from city coffers.

"Oh yeah, I know her. I've been knowing her all her life.  I know her entire family. They're God-fearing individuals. They are church goers," said resident Tommie Terry.

Between January 2007 and June 2009, state auditors found that Mitchell took $96,000 of city taxpayer money for personal use. 

Auditors also found that, without paying, Mitchell received more than $100,000 worth of town water and gas services for herself and someone else.

"I'd heard she lost her job and everything," Terry said. "I've been praying for her and I talked to her once or twice and let her know she had my support."

Terry, who pastors the Church of Another Chance, believes Arnita Mitchell deserves just that.  He hopes Mitchell is found innocent in court. 

Several Mason City Board members and other residents didn't want to go on camera, but they all tell Action News 5 that Arnita Mitchell is highly respected in the town of Mason. 

Even a city hall employee was surprised to hear what happened.

Mason's mayor, David Ward, is out of town, but said in a statement, "I don't want the citizens of Mason to be discouraged or set back as I am sure when this goes to trial that justice will be served."

Action News 5's calls to Arnita Mitchell were not returned. She's expected to appear in court again in Tipton County November 30th. 

For more information on Arnita Mitchell's indictment, click here.