THOMASVILLE — A former Meigs mayor was sentenced to probation and restitution upon entering a guilty plea to one count of felony theft by taking involving City of Meigs revenue.

Cynthia Chaney entered a guilty plea to being in unlawful possession of Meigs water revenue account money.

She was indicted in February 2017 on 17 counts of felony theft by taking involving Meigs revenue.

Thomas County Superior Court Judge Harry Jay Altman sentenced Chaney to five years probation, a $1,500 fine and restitution of $4,606 to be paid to the City of Meigs.

Chaney, who was represented by Bainbridge lawyer Gil Murrah, cannot seek public office while on probation.

The remaining 16 indictments on counts of similar money-related charges were nolle-prossed.

Chaney was sentenced under the first offender act. If she successfully completes the sentence, she can be discharged by the court and not adjudicated guilty.

Thomas County clerk of court records show the offenses took place between May and December 2013 while Chaney was mayor.

Indictments were returned after Thomasville Georgia Bureau of Investigation office agents made a special presentment to a Thomas County grand jury.

The title of a vehicle purchased at a Florida auction with city funds was placed in Chaney’s name, Lt. Tim Watkins, Thomas County Sheriff’s Office chief investigator, said in 2017.

Another count involved Chaney using city money to pay a personal laundry bill, Watkins added.

Jamy Steinberg, special agent in charge of the Thomasville GBI office, said last year the Chaney case had been open for almost two years.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820