VIDALIA — A 10-member grand jury issued seven “true bill” indictments against former Ridgecrest Town Clerk Dana DeLaughter and eight “true bill” indictments against former Ridgecrest Mayor Kevin Graham regarding several discrepancies in the town’s bookkeeping.

The original 11-member grand jury heard evidence regarding the case Monday and Tuesday, but one juror was absent Wednesday morning during the indictment readings.

A “true bill” means there is sufficient evidence to justify the trial of the suspects.

The indictments against DeLaughter and Graham include malfeasance in office, filing and maintain false public records and theft of town funds greater than $1,500.

An audit conducted by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor revealed that DeLaughter may have violated state law by failing to deposit $56,679 in utility payments, intentionally overstating $27,814 of utility collections to the town’s board of aldermen and issuing herself three extra payroll checks totaling $1,865.

The audit also stated that Graham used state grant funds to purchase a water pump and accessories totaling $4,055.

In early November, Graham resigned and DeLaughter and was placed on administrative leave before being terminated by the board in January.