Former Marion Official Accused of Embezzling

The former longtime manager of Marion's water department faces federal charges that she bilked more than $500,000 from the southern Illinois city.
 
The indictment returned against Linda Heyde accuses her of three embezzlement counts related to her activities between the fiscal years 2009 and 2012.
 
Heyde managed the water department from 1996 until last year, when she was fired after suspicious transactions were discovered in her department.
 
The indictment alleges that after video cameras secretly installed by police in her office recorded some of her theft, Heyde was confronted by investigators and admitted stealing funds.
 
Heyde's initial court appearance and arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 5.