ELLISVILLE, Miss. (AP) — A former deputy city clerk for the town of Ellisville pleaded guilty Wednesday to a charge of embezzlement for altering customers' cash water payments after they were entered and then taking the cash, state officials said.

State Auditor Shad White said Emerald Wuertz entered the plea and was sentenced by the Jones County Circuit Court to eight years in prison, with four years suspended.

“My office will always hold the line on illegal spending and hold accountable those who don’t follow the rules," White said in a news release.

Wuertz was arrested last September and served with a $41,246 demand letter. She paid $43,955 at the time of sentencing, which covers restitution, court costs and fines, White's office said.