PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — A former Floyd County Conservation District program manager has been indicted on a felony charge involving nearly $192,000 in public money.

Earl Cook, 51, of Drift, was indicted Aug. 12 in Floyd Circuit Court on one count of abuse of public trust involving more than $100,000.

Prosecutors allege Cook used his position and access to district bank accounts to unlawfully obtain $191,952.41. The Kentucky Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigations investigated the case.

District officials said Cook resigned after being confronted and that all of the missing money has since been recovered through Cook’s bond.

The district is operating with a part-time interim program manager while searching for a permanent replacement.

The charge is a Class B felony and if convicted, Cook faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

An indictment means a person has been formally accused of a crime. Cook is presumed innocent unless he is convicted or pleads guilty.