JONESBORO, Ark. — A former Valley View Agri employee accused of stealing nearly $1 million from the business has pleaded guilty to felony theft and received 13 years of probation.
Jennifer Renee Latham, 54, entered a negotiated guilty plea Oct. 20 to theft of property valued at $25,000 or more, a Class B felony. Circuit Judge Randy Philhours accepted the plea and ordered Latham to pay $529,147.44 in restitution.
No prison time was imposed. The probation order specifies that 36 months of the 156-month term will be supervised.
Prosecutors dropped the two remaining charges: fraudulent use of a credit or debit card involving $25,000 or more and criminal use of property.
The order also assessed $440 in court costs and fees and lists monthly payments of $100 beginning Nov. 1, 2026. A $10 monthly payment plan fee applies.
The investigation began May 12, 2025, when the owner of Valley View Agri contacted the Craighead County Sheriff’s Department about money allegedly stolen by a former employee, according to the probable cause affidavit.
The owner told investigators the business initially arranged a promissory note requiring Latham to repay $413,451.86. She had been making weekly payments of $1,000, according to the affidavit.
The business later discovered allegations of additional unauthorized spending involving company credit cards. Investigators reported $642,194.38 in charges, alleging Latham used the cards for personal purchases and to stock her business, My Affordable Abode.
Detective David Bailey wrote that records indicated Latham sold merchandise purchased with Valley View Agri credit cards and used the cards to pay utilities at her business before her employment was terminated.
Latham was arrested May 28, 2025. Her bond was set at $5,000 cash or surety.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jessica Thomason represented the state in the plea proceedings. Randel Miller represented Latham.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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