Former Marion Court Clerk sentenced for embezzling over $300,000

Goudy receives four months in prison, must make restitution

By Ralph Hardin

news@theeveningtimes.com

When investigating a crime, an old detective’s adage is, “Follow the money.”

And when the money goes missing?

That’s when you call the Arkansas State Police, who investigated money missing — to the tune of up to $400,000 — from the Crittenden County Circuit court treasury. Ultimately, the police were able to come up with a suspect and make an arrest. Now, more than a year later, there has been a conviction in the case.

A former court clerk has been sentenced to four months in jail after pleading guilty to stealing more than $300,000 in court fines while serving at the Marion District Court.

Megan Goudy, 33, of West Memphis, was arrested in July 2023 and charged with eight counts of forgery and one count of theft of property.

The investigation, conducted by the Arkansas State Police, revealed that Goudy misappropriated the funds between 2019 and 2022.

An audit initiated by the state uncovered discrepancies in court fine collections, leading to a closer examination of Goudy’s activities. The total amount of stolen funds is estimated to be as high as $415,000.

On Monday, Goudy pleaded guilty in Crittenden County court. In addition to her jail sentence, she was placed on 20 years of probation and ordered to pay $384,000 in restitution to the City of Marion.

Restitution payments are set at $500 monthly, commencing within 90 days of her release or upon starting a new job.

As Goudy's arrest unfolded, it has sparked reactions throughout the community, with local social media platforms buzzing with mixed opinions about her alleged misconduct.

Some community members called for patience as the legal process unfolded, while others expressed outrage at a breach of trust from someone in a position of authority.

“Allegedly, people. No real proof that she did this, so let the story develop before jumping to conclusions” – to damning – “She’s already bailed out? Girl had some cash laying around.”

Prosecutors indicated that this was not Goudy’s first offense; she allegedly stole from previous employers as well.

GOUDY