Former Miner store manager accused of stealing $50K; prior embezzlement case surfaces

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

MINER, Mo., (KBSI) – A former store manager at a Miner flea market is accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from her employer, authorities said.

Police said they were called to Country Pickins’ Flea Market at the Sikeston Outlet Mall on Aug. 19 after the owner reported that discrepancies between sales reports and bank deposits revealed missing funds. The manager, identified as Kathy J. Fifer, 56, of Essex, was responsible for making daily deposits.

According to police, the owner said Fifer left the state after being questioned and admitted over the phone to still having four days of deposits totaling $9,179.82. The owner reported a total of $32,335.24 missing between July 1 and Aug. 17, with losses possibly reaching $50,000 after further review of the business records.

A warrant was issued through Scott County Circuit Court charging Fifer with four counts of stealing more than $750, related to the missing deposits. Her bond was set at $10,000 cash only. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.

Fifer also faces charges in Stoddard County after authorities said animals left unattended at her residence died. She was charged with two counts of animal neglect or abandonment, with bond set at $1,500 cash or surety.

Court documents also reference prior charges against Fifer in Florida. According to news reports, she was accused in 2018 of embezzling more than $93,000 from an employer in The Villages, Florida. She was later sentenced to 60 days in jail and 15 years of probation.