Ex-Montgomery Co. sheriff’s office clerk charged with theft

ROCKVILLE — A former Montgomery County sheriff’s office clerk is accused of a scam that authorities say diverted more than $4,200 into her pocket.

Joyce Saunders, a former civilian employee in the sheriff’s office at the county Circuit Court, was charged late last week with running a theft scheme.

Authorities say when people would approach the office to have documents delivered to another party in a court case, Saunders would offer to have her private company handle the process faster — but for more money.

She’s accused of diverting more than $4,200 that should have gone to the sheriff’s office. She was caught in a sting operation.

Court records don’t list a lawyer for the Frederick woman. A phone listing couldn’t be found.

County Sheriff Darren Popkin calls the alleged crimes outrageous.