LEAGUE CITY — A former employee of Clear Lake Emergency Medical Corps is facing a first-degree felony charge after investigators say she stole more than $380,000 from the organization over several years.

According to the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, the Major Crimes Unit was contacted on August 7, 2024, by board members and administrative staff with Clear Lake Emergency Medical Corps after suspected financial irregularities were discovered during a routine review of payroll and bookkeeping records.

Investigators say the review uncovered multiple unauthorized transactions from CLEMC bank accounts to the personal account of a recently terminated employee, identified as 47-year-old Melissa Anderson, also known as Melissa Tomford. Documentation supporting the suspected unauthorized transfers was turned over to detectives.

Following an extensive investigation, authorities determined Anderson allegedly stole 46 checks from CLEMC and issued them to herself, depositing $88,548.17 into her personal bank account. Detectives further determined Anderson allegedly made an additional 137 unauthorized electronic payments to herself, totaling approximately $292,942.17.

According to investigators, the alleged thefts occurred over a period spanning from December 2019 through April 2024. The total amount stolen during that timeframe is estimated at approximately $381,490.34.

On December 15, 2025, a warrant was issued for Anderson charging her with theft of $300,000 or more. Her bond was set at $150,000. Under Texas law, theft involving amounts exceeding $300,000 is classified as a first-degree felony.