Diana F. (Ramirez) Valadez, former Kleberg County deputy clerk, was indicted for theft by a public servant by the Kleberg County Grand Jury Thursday afternoon.

Valadez was indicted for theft of about $12,000, which is a third degree felony, according to John Hubert, Kleberg-Kenedy District Attorney. Texas Ranger James Bennett conducted the investigation.

Her arraignment date has been set for Feb. 4, and at the time her trial dates will be determined.

“It was disturbing to see a county employee who we all knew get involved in these charges,” said Hubert Thursday afternoon.

A conviction of a third degree felony is punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Valadez, who served as Kleberg County Chief Deputy for about four years, worked for the city of Kingsville as city secretary for 22 years before retiring in 2003. After her retirement, she worked for the Visitors Center before applying for the chief deputy position. A five-member committee, who reviewed the applications and interviewed the candidates, unanimously selected Valadez. She began work on Dec. 6, 2004.

After some bank statement discrepancies were discovered by Melissa Munoz, Kleberg County Auditor, and Leo Alarcon, Kleberg County Clerk, Valadez was placed on administrative leave. Munoz reported the financial discrepancies to Alarcon who was Valdez’s boss. Alarcon placed Valadez on administrative leave and fired her April 24, 2009.

Both the county auditor’s office and county clerk’s office conducted their own investigations and all agreed on the estimated amount of theft.

“I think that the auditor’s office in conjunction with the county clerk Leo Alarcon did an excellent job in uncovering what they uncovered,” De La Garza stated in a May 2009 interview.

De La Garza especially commended Alarcon for doing the research at the bank once Munoz notified him of the situation. In September 2003, an elected official and three employees working at the Kleberg County Clerk’s office were convicted on felony theft charges.