by SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Angela Sides
LIMESTONE COUNTY — A Limestone County woman is facing multiple felony charges after a Limestone County Sheriff’s Office investigation uncovered what authorities say was a financial scheme involving thousands of dollars stolen from a local business.
The case began in late February when investigators received a complaint after an internal audit revealed significant funds missing from company accounts. Detectives worked with local businesses and financial institutions to build the case over the following weeks.
Following the investigation, authorities established probable cause to obtain warrants for 51-year-old Angela Sides. She is charged with five counts of identity theft and first-degree theft of property — both felonies under Alabama law. Sides was located and taken into custody Thursday, April 24, and was later released on a $17,500 bond.
Limestone County Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin said the case reflects his office’s commitment to pursuing financial crimes that are often harder to detect than violent offenses. “Crimes involving financial exploitation and abuse of trust will be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible will be held accountable,” McLaughlin said. “I’m proud of the work our investigators put into uncovering this scheme and ensuring justice for the victims involved.”
Identity theft and financial fraud disproportionately impact small businesses and working families who often lack the legal and financial resources to recover losses quickly. First-degree theft of property in Alabama involves property valued at $2,500 or more and carries penalties of up to 10 years in prison upon conviction.
Sides is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation is ongoing.
Source: Limestone County Sheriff’s Office