The former treasurer of the City of Zeigler has been sentenced after pleading guilty to wire fraud and embezzlement.
The U.S. attorney's office says 44-year-old Ryan Thorpe received four years in federal prison after he admitted to stealing more than 321-thousand dollars when he worked as the treasurer for Zeigler from 2013 to 2017.
Thorpe says he concealed the thefts by altering copies of the checks that were sent to the city each month. Then, he submitted false monthly reports to the City Council.
As part of his plea agreement, Thorpe agreed to provide the city with several items he purchased with the embezzled funds. They include two motorcycles; a lady's diamond ring, several firearms and a drone. He also agreed to forfeit assets, such as six vacant lots and two retirement accounts.
