Former Lily Pad Director Cassandra Wright indicted on forgery, theft charges

ALBANY — A Dougherty County grand jury on Tuesday indicted former Lily Pad Executive Director Cassandra Renee Wright on five counts of forgery and two counts of theft by taking from her former place of employment.

According to the indictment, the incidents of forgery and theft took place from January 2013 to August of 2013. Wright was the center’s director for just over a year before being terminated in August of last year.

She is accused of forging the signatures of Dougherty County Probate Judge Nancy Stephenson and Lily Pad board members on contracts for grant applications and theft of money, some of which was used to purchase a Walmart gift card for personal purchases.

The indictment did not state a dollar amount in the alleged thefts, but a source said Wednesday it was less than $500.

According to Dougherty County District Attorney Greg Edwards, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation handled the case. He said Wright was arrested on a bench warrant in March and released on a $25,000 bond. Edwards added that the indictment, which was handed down Tuesday, merely formalized the charges.

The Lily Pad provides support services to more than 300 child victims of sexual and physical abuse, and 150 adults each year.