Former Palestine ISD Employee Accused of Embezzling Thousands

PALESTINE – A former Palestine ISD employee has been indicted and arrested on accusations of embezzling a large amount of money. According to KETK, Anderson County District Attorney Allyson Mitchell says Paula Barnes was indicted on December 7 for theft greater than $30,000 and less than $150,000. The exact amount allegedly stolen by Barnes could not be released. Barnes was an administrative assistant to Palestine ISD Chief Financial Officer David Atkeisson during the time of the alleged crime. An audit from an outside firm and an investigation by the Texas Rangers confirmed the alleged theft, according to Mitchell. Palestine ISD was not immediately available for comment.