Former Pemiscot County School Employee Admits Embezzling $1.46 Million

CAPE GIRARDEAU - A former employee of the North Pemiscot County R-1 School District on Tuesday admitted embezzling $1.46 million from the district.

Tammy Louise Barnes, 64, of Pemiscot County, Missouri, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to three counts of bank fraud. Barnes admitted that between Dec. 13, 2018, and June 3, 2024, she transferred money from the district's bank account to her own account in about 57 different electronic transactions. In total, she stole $1,467,247.49, her plea says. As an employee, Barnes had access to the district's bank account to pay legitimate school expenses.

The Missouri United School Insurance Council (MUSIC) covered $1 million of the loss. At sentencing, Barnes will be ordered to repay the money. She'll first have to reimburse the district $467,247 and then repay MUSIC, her plea says.

Barnes is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 18, 2027. Each charge carries a potential penalty of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million or both prison and a fine.

The FBI and the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Hahn is prosecuting the case.