WASHINGTON, Ga. - A former Washington Police Department secretary is accused of embezzling more than $40,000.

Tammy Land is charged with theft by taking. She also worked as Clerk of Court for Wilkes County.

GBI agents tell NBC Augusta 26 News a routine audit led to the investigation.

During Land’s time as Clerk of Court in Wilkes County `she worked with several judges and lawyers.

The ones we spoke to say they can't believe the allegations against her.

"I'm stunned and I'm startled. It just doesn't seem like the Tammy Land I know would do," said Michael Horgan, attorney.

"I worked for her for six years as judge and she was clerk of the court and it was an impeccable relationship," said Irvin Cheney, former judge.

Land is innocent until proven guilty, however if the allegations are true, people who know her say they'd be devastated.

"It would break my heart...that's all I can tell you, it would just break my heart," said Cheney.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is still working on the case.

They say Land took the money over the course of two years.

Land's charge is a felony and if convicted, she could be sentenced to 20 years in prison.