State worker accused of taking child support money

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- A state employee in Olympia who handled child support payments has been accused of taking $24,000 and spending the money at casinos.

Thurston County prosecutors say 28-year-old Patricia Jones of Olympia stole money that was supposed to go to children by erasing money orders and inserting her name.

She was charged yesterday with 15 counts of theft.

The Department of Social and Health Services child-support division in Olympia processes about $685 million in payments every year.