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Local Woman Sentenced to 12 Years for Grand Theft in Santa Rosa County
Jessica McKinnon has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for grand theft after embezzling over $1 million from her employer in Santa Rosa County. She must also pay nearly $1.2 million in restitution.
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MILTON, Fla. — A local woman, Jessica McKinnon, has been sentenced to 12 years in state prison for grand theft, after embezzling over $1 million from her employer. The sentencing took place on July 27, 2026, in Santa Rosa County.
According to reports from the First District State Attorney’s Office, Judge Drake presided over the case and also ordered McKinnon to pay $1,194,386 in restitution to the victim, a local electrical contracting and construction company.
Details of the Embezzlement
McKinnon, who worked as a bookkeeper for the company, was found to have mismanaged payroll from 2019 to 2023, funneling funds into her personal bank account. Her activities went undetected until a new employee uncovered the discrepancies.
Spending of Stolen Funds
Investigations revealed that McKinnon used the embezzled money for various personal expenses, including purchases from major retailers and expenses related to travel and entertainment.
Legal Proceedings
The case was investigated by the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office, and Assistant State Attorney Robert Paul Gillespie handled the prosecution. McKinnon had previously entered a guilty plea on May 1, 2026, admitting to the charges against her.
This case highlights the significant issue of embezzlement within local businesses and the importance of financial oversight.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
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