A Jayess couple — who are both former employees of the Jayess Topeka-Tilton Water Association — has been indicted by a Lawrence County grand jury following a nearly three-year investigation into an embezzlement claim.

Tina King, 49, was charged late Monday with embezzlement and her husband, Randy, 56, was charged with accessory after the fact, said Ryan Everett, chief investigator with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office.

Everett could release few details of the case, but said the amount taken was “quite a substantial sum of money.” He said in 2015 an employee at the bank the water association used noticed something odd about a signature on a check.

“Just by chance, a signature caught her attention,” Everett said.

The water association board member, whom the investigator did not name, verified the signature was forged. That led to an audit being conducted.

At that time, Tina King was secretary and bookkeeper. She  also handled payroll.

Randy King worked for the water association in a non-office job.

Everett said his office investigated the pair as far back as 2008.

The Jayess Topeka-Tilton Water Association is a non-profit entity which serves about 1,360 customers, Everett said.

Randy King was released on a $5,000 bond. Tina King was released on a $10,000 bond.