State Auditor Stacey Pickering announced Wednesday the arrest of Martha Chrestman, former Secretary and Treasurer for the Board of Commissioners of the Coles Point Volunteer Fire Department for embezzlement of public funds. 

From January 2007 to March 2011, Chrestman embezzled a total of $30,979.73 in public funds from the CPVFD the announcement states.

“Ms. Chrestman was indicted for using the Fire Department checking account to pay her phone bills and to purchase items such as groceries, household items, computers, and cameras,” said Pickering.  “The Auditor’s Office is encouraged with the action of the Grand Jury and looks forward to final adjudication of this case.”

Chrestman, 63, of Batesville, was arrested Wednesday at the Panola County Sheriff’s Office. An arraignment has been set for Wednesday, September 25.