MEIGS – Meigs Mayor Linda Harris was arrested Wednesday night and charged with theft by taking and violation of oath of office.

According to Meigs Police Chief Gary Price, an intern clerk, not a city employee, was collecting water payments at Meigs’ City Hall on Wednesday. She was accepting cash. At the end of the day, she noticed $80 was missing.

Price said the clerk tried to call Harris, but when she could not be reached, the clerk reported the missing money to Price.

Price said Harris had changed the lock on City Hall and had disconnected the surveillance system earlier in the day.

“Ironically, the money went missing,” Price said.

About two hours later, he said, Harris showed up at City Hall with irate family members in tow.

Price said Harris created a scene and had to be treated for anxiety at the scene because of high blood pressure. Thomas County deputies were called to the scene.

She told Price that she had made an “executive decision” and Jimmy Layton, a Meigs City Council member and former Meigs police chief, had told her she could take the money with her for a retreat/conference she was to attend weekend. Layton denied that accusation, however.

Price said Harris refused to get in the patrol car after being arrested. She was transported to Archbold Memorial Hospital to receive additional treatment for anxiety.

Price said following treatment she would be transported to the Thomas County Jail.