A former Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Director has pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years probation following a plea deal agreement Wednesday morning. Patty Hornbuckle appeared in court Wednesday and pleaded guilty to count two, theft/deception of greater than $500 but less than $10,000.  A separate theft charge (count one) of $100K-$500K was dismissed as part of the plea deal. 

Hornbuckle was sentenced to first offender, second chance probation for 24 months with other terms included with fines and fees.  She had been arrested following an investigation into the Taylorville Chamber of Commerce.  According to Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler, the Chamber of Commerce contacted Taylorville Police regarding misconduct and theft.  After meeting with the chamber, police learned that the CEO had resigned abruptly, after running the chamber from 2012-2021. She was arrested in March of 2023. 

Fayette County State's Attorney Brenda Mathis led the case for the state.