By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

A secretary with the 40th Judicial District Court in St. John the Baptist Parish was arrested Wednesday morning after authorities say she allegedly stole money from the court.

State Police Troopers in the Bureau of Investigations arrested Cheryl Gaudet, 56, of Edgard on charges of theft, bank fraud, forgery and malfeasance in office, said Trooper Melissa Matey, spokesperson for State Police Troop B. Gaudet was employed as a judicial assistant for Judge Madeline Jasmine.

Matey said State Police began an investigation earlier this year after an audit conducted on two court bank accounts uncovered discrepancies. Detectives found that Gaudet forged checks, ultimately making herself the payee, and cashed the checks without the court’s knowledge. Gaudet is accused of stealing more than $5,500.

Gaudet was booked into the Sherman Walker Correctional Facility in LaPlace and was released late Wednesday after posting a $45,000 bond.