3 AL women accused of stealing up to $5.5 million from Troy business

PIKE CO., AL (WSFA) - Three south Alabama women have been arrested and charged with first-degree theft in what Pike County District Attorney Tom Anderson is calling "the largest theft case believed to have ever been reported..." in the county.

Investigators say Marjorie Beasley, of Troy, as well as Honoraville residents Karron White and Jeanette Holliday, used a scheme to steal more than $1.8 million over the last four years from Whaley Construction Company, based in Troy.

Beasley and White were employed by the company.

Based on an audit of the business' books, and using figures from those specific years, authorities estimate the total amount stolen from the company balloons to more than $5.5 million.

The Troy Police Department's investigation also found that despite not being an employee, Holliday, who is Beasley's sister and White's mother, used the company's employee insurance program, and the business paid more than $78,000 in premiums she was not entitled to.

Beasley is also facing a first-degree theft of property charge related to money allegedly taken from the Whaley's personal finances. An audit showed more than $500,000 was taken while she handled their accounts.

"It's unfortunate that a law suit had to be filed," said Rhon Jones, the Whaley's attorney. "We both have faith in the civil justice system."

White's bond is set at $25,000. Beasley's bond is set at $100,000.

The investigation is ongoing.