Jackson County Prosecutor files 3 felony counts of theft against former utility employee

BROWNSTOWN, Ind. - Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Lynsey N. Fleetwood filed three Level 5 Felony Counts of Theft against Stephanie K. Austin on Friday, March 20, following an investigation by the Brownstown Police Department. Cash deposits were allegedly stolen from the Jackson County Water Utility.

According to the Probable Cause Affidavit and the filed charging information, the investigation began after discrepancies were identified during an audit of financial records. As part of the investigation, law enforcement reviewed financial documentation, audit findings, employee statements, and security footage.

The charges allege that between February 6, 2024, and February 25, 2026, the suspect stole cash belonging to the Jackson County Water Company, totaling approximately $160,142.

The charges are divided into three counts based on the following time periods:

• Count I: February 6, 2024, through January 31, 2025 - Alleged amount stolen: $53,685.33
• Count II: February 1, 2025, through September 2, 2025 - Alleged amount stolen: $50,933.54
• Count III: September 3, 2025, through February 25, 2026 - Alleged amount stolen: $55,523.91

According to the investigation, customer accounts were not impacted, as payments made to the utility were properly posted to their accounts.

These charges are formal allegations only. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.