UPDATED: Grayson County voting registrar charged with embezzlement

Grayson County’s voting registrar was arrested May 7 and charged with embezzlement and making a false statement to a criminal investigator, a Virginia State Police spokesman said.
Debra Phipps, 45, of Independence is accused of using a county credit card to make an unauthorized purchase, police said. The offense allegedly occurred on Dec. 6, 2011, according to court records.
Police said they were contacted by county officials in April about the matter.
“Given that this issue remains a personnel matter, I am unable to comment,” County Administrator Jonathan Sweet told the newspaper.
After a month-long investigation, a state police investigator served warrants May 7 charging Phipps with felony embezzlement of more than $200 — a felony. She also was charged with making a false statement to a criminal investigator — a misdemeanor.
Police seized an iPad from Phipps’ home, according to a search warrant filed in Grayson County Circuit Court.
Phipps was released on her own recognizance. She is represented by attorney Joe McGrady. A preliminary hearing has not been set.
The Wythe County Commonwealth Attorney’s office is prosecuting the case.
Phipps has worked in the Grayson County Registrar’s Office for 17 years and served as general registrar for about 14 years.
She is on paid administrative leave.