OZARK, Mo. (AP) -- A former city clerk is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from this southwest Missouri town by writing herself checks and signing the mayor's name to them.

Julia Keithley, 38, is charged with four felonies. She was released from the Christian County Jail on Thursday night on $5,000 bond. Keithley had been employed by the city of Clever since 2004.

Christian County prosecutor Ron Cleek said Friday that Keithley took more than $12,000, but that amount could double as the investigation continues. A probable cause statement said Keithley deposited the money into her personal account and used it to pay bills.

The statement also said Keithley told officers she used $300 to $400 of the city money to pay for collect calls from her jailed husband, former Clever Mayor Mark Keithley.

Prosecutors say Mark Keithley, a convicted sex offender, was arrested in August on three child molestation counts. During the investigation into the alleged molestations, authorities discovered Mark Keithley owned more than 20 firearms. Convicted felons are prohibited from owning firearms.

Cleek said that the molestation charges were not pursued because with Keithley facing federal weapons charges, he felt there was no need to put the suspected victims through court testimony.

The affidavit says Julia Keithley told authorities about the guns after her husband's arrest and that she feared he would become violent if he were released from jail.

Court records show Mark Keithley pleaded guilty to possession of firearms in November. Mark Keithley served as Clever's mayor in 2004 and part of 2005 before resigning, according to his successor.

---

Information from: Springfield News-Leader, http://www.springfieldnews-leader.com