A January 28 trial date is scheduled in Newton County Circuit Court for former Joplin High School Project Graduation president Melanie Dawn Patterson, 44, Joplin, who is charged with stealing.
A pre-trial conference is set for 1:30 p.m. December 18 before Judge Kevin Selby.
Patterson allegedly embezzled at least $1,400 from Project Graduation.
The withdrawals were made on September 15, September 30, October 12 and October 13, 2022
From the probable cause statement:
Melanie D. Patterson was the president of Joplin High School Project Graduation Inc. Class of 2023 and was issued a Debit Card (last #9478) through Southwest Missouri Bank.
The treasurer for Joplin Project Graduation noticed suspicious activity on the account and upon going through bank records noticed five withdrawals that had not been approved by the organization. The withdrawals had been made with card #9478 at the ATM located at 1102 E 32nd St on the following dates for the following amounts:
1. 09-15-2022 for $150 at 1244 hours
2. 09-30-2022 for $150 at 1731 hours
3. 10-12-2022 for $500 at 1356 hours
4. 10-13-2022 for $300 at 1738 hours
5. 10-20-2022 for $300 at 1214 hours
Video obtained from the ATM confirmed that Melanie D. Patterson withdrew money on each occasion as she exited her vehicle registered to her, and she was the only one present during each transaction.
Patterson was contacted via phone and stated that the debit card in question was stolen a while back and she had nothing to do with the thefts and refused to speak with officers further on the matter.
Melanie Dawn Patterson, this worthless piece of crap, was originally charged on 12/06/2022 and she will not go to trial unit January 2025. Does Justice have to go this slow? She stole money out of this Account it is on Video - she needs to go to Jail. Stop the slaps on the Wrist and Probation, put her ASS IN JAIL. I don't care if she has a Gambling, Drug, or Alcoholic Problem - We have to Stop being Soft on Crimes and Criminals.
ReplyDeleteYes it goes slow because when you waive your rights to a speedy trial this is what happens.
DeleteWhat kind of person steals money from a High School Non-Profit, on Five different occasions? Melanie Patterson, says her card was stolen, yet she is caught on video withdrawing the money, please send this stupid lying woman to jail.
ReplyDeleteThis is a tactic used by attorneys, and tolerated and played into by the prosecutors offices. Victims get tired of showing up for court that gets continued, witnesses disappear or become uncooperative. Justice delayed is justice denied.
ReplyDelete