A former Town of Ball employee is charged with theft from the public’s till. 

According to a news release, on August 29 the administration of the town contacted the Sheriff’s Office in reference to a possible misappropriation of town funds. 

According to Ball administrators, an internal audit was conducted following the release of an employee, identified as Shinitria Daniel Gaines, 48, of Pineville. 

Once the audit identified possible financial discrepancies, the investigation was turned over to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office for criminal investigation. 

From their investigation, which included interviews and financial analysis, detectives determined probable cause was established to obtain warrants for the arrest of Gaines for one count theft $5,000-$25,000. 

On Thursday, she was arrested without incident, transported and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center. 

Gaines remains in jail Thursday evening as no bond has been set. 

Sheriff’s Detectives say their investigation is still ongoing.  If anyone has any information on this crime, they are asked to contact RPSO Criminal Investigation Division at 318-473-6727.