The former Lincoln County tax office employee who was accused of embezzlement pleaded guilty to the charge in court Tuesday.

Lindsey Grace Mulligan, 28, was the former deputy clerk in the office of the Lincoln County Tax Assessor/Collector. She was indicted for allegedly embezzling at least $16,000 in taxpayer money.

A grand jury indicted Mulligan, of 961 Old Rifle Range Road, Petal, July 15 for embezzling approximately $16,215.12 during her employment in the tax office from April 21, 2009 to Nov. 9, 2009.

Mulligan was arrested on July 18. Embezzlement by a public employee is not subject to a statute of limitations and carries penalties up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.

She is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday. The District Attorney’s Office recommended that she serve six years, with five years suspended, one year in an intensive supervision program and five years of post-release supervision, according to court documents.  The office also recommends that she pay back the money, plus court costs, at a minimum of $250 per month until paid in full.

Other pleas:

• Robert Elmo January, 26, pleaded guilty to uttering forgery.

• Ronald Douglas Carson, 43, pleaded guilty to possession of 40 dosage units of hydrocodone with intent to distribute.