Former Ellaville City Manager Accused of $400K Theft Found Dead

Donna Lynn McChargue faced 29 counts of theft by taking before her death.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Donna Lynn McChargue, the former city manager of Ellaville, Georgia, was found dead at her residence on February 22, 2026. McChargue was facing 29 counts of theft by taking after a GBI investigation uncovered suspicious purchases and withdrawals totaling approximately $460,000 from city funds during her tenure as city manager.

Why it matters

The alleged theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars from the city's coffers is a major breach of public trust and raises concerns about financial oversight and accountability in local government. McChargue's death also leaves unanswered questions about the full extent of the alleged crimes and whether any accomplices may have been involved.

The details

McChargue was fired from her position as Ellaville city manager after the GBI investigation found that she had allegedly stolen between $400,000 and $1 million from city funds through suspicious purchases and withdrawals. She was arrested on January 22, 2026 and charged with 29 counts of theft by taking, but was found dead at her residence just a month later.

  • McChargue was arrested on January 22, 2026.
  • McChargue was found dead at her residence on February 22, 2026.

The players

Donna Lynn McChargue

The former city manager of Ellaville, Georgia who was accused of stealing between $400,000 and $1 million from city funds.

Shane Tondee

The mayor of Ellaville, Georgia who had previously raised questions about certain purchases made by McChargue.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was just some different things that she was paying that I questioned what this was for. She would explain it, but I just had a thing in the back of my head saying something isn't jiving.”

— Shane Tondee, Mayor of Ellaville (wtvm.com)

“She was a well liked employee and many people find it hard to believe she charged with stealing so much money from the city.”

— Shane Tondee, Mayor of Ellaville (wtvm.com)

What’s next

The GBI investigation into McChargue's death is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the full extent of the alleged theft from city funds.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strong financial oversight and accountability measures in local government to prevent abuse of public funds. The tragic death of the former city manager also raises questions about the personal and professional consequences of such alleged crimes.