SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. (WGNS News) - A former Shelbyville Municipal Court clerk has been arrested after investigators determined that at least $23,382 in cash paid by members of the public for citations was allegedly misappropriated over a period of nearly three years.

Lillia Torres, a former employee of the Shelbyville Police Department, was indicted by a Bedford County Grand Jury on four counts, including theft of property over $10,000 but under $60,000, official misconduct, destruction of and tampering with government records, and tampering with evidence.

According to the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury's Office, investigators determined Torres worked in the Shelbyville Police Department's administrative office for approximately 10 years. Her duties included collecting citation payments, processing court records and entering payment information into the department's computerized cashiering system.

Investigators determined Torres allegedly diverted cash received from members of the public who were paying citations and kept some or all of the money for herself. According to the Comptroller's Office, the alleged activity occurred between January 2023 and September 2025 and involved at least $23,382.

The Shelbyville Police Department reported that the investigation began in September 2025, when financial discrepancies were discovered during an internal review. Police said an internal investigation was immediately launched, and the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury was notified. Investigators with the Comptroller's Office then conducted a parallel investigation.

During the investigation, Torres was placed on administrative leave. She later resigned from her position with the Shelbyville Police Department.

The case was subsequently presented to a Bedford County Grand Jury, which returned the four-count indictment on August 17, 2026. Torres was arrested in connection with the indictment and is expected to appear in Bedford County Circuit Court at a later date.

Shelbyville Police Chief Jan Phillips and Deputy Chief Pat Mathis said the department will continue cooperating with the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury and the Office of the District Attorney General as the case proceeds through the court system.

Police officials said the department began investigating as soon as the financial discrepancies were identified and emphasized its commitment to maintaining integrity, accountability and public trust.

The Shelbyville Police Department said no additional information is being released at this time because the criminal case remains active.

The charges contained in an indictment are allegations. Torres is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.