A former DeSoto Parish District Attorney’s office employee faces criminal prosecution after a Louisiana Legislative Audit revealed Monday indicates 32-year old Melanie Barber of Mansfield cashed some 580 money orders totaling more than $136,000 payable to, or intended for the DA’s office.

She is alleged to have used the money for her own personal use during the past decade.

Barber was arrested in February last year and charged with monetary instrument abuse, malfeasance in office and filing or maintaining false public records.

She has pleaded not guilty.

A status conference is set for Feb. 12 in DeSoto District Court.

The Mansfield Police Department has completed its investigation and the file has been turned over to the state attorney general’s office, which is prosecuting Barber.