July 27, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
(Santa Rosa County, Florida) Ginger Bowden Madden, State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida, announces on July 27, 2026, the Honorable Judge Drake sentenced Defendant, Jessica McKinnon, to 12 years state prison for the charge of Grand Theft over $100,000. Judge Drake ordered $1,194,386.00 in restitution to the victim. Defendant previously entered a guilty plea on May 1, 2026.
Defendant worked as a bookkeeper for a local electrical contracting and construction company. From 2019 to 2023, Defendant used her position in managing payroll to steal money from the business by making additional deposits into her personal bank account. Defendant embezzled $1.2 million in funds before a new employee discovered the theft. Defendant spent the stolen money on Amazon purchases, Apple purchases, Wind Creek Atmore Casino and Resort, Ulta, Louis Vuitton, DoorDash, bingo, auto loans, apparel, plastic surgeon payments, travel, boutiques purchases and various other expenses.
Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office Inv. Joshua Hargitt investigated the case. Assistant State Attorney Robert Paul Gillespie and the dedicated Economic Crime paralegals and staff prosecuted the case on behalf of State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden. Please contact ASA Gillespie at (850) 595-4200 with any questions.
