BY EMILY R. COLLINS/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
emily.collins@tidewaternews.com

FRANLIN—A Franklin woman has admitted to stealing checks totaling $14,387 from her employer and depositing them into her checking account, according to records in Franklin General District Court.

Deborah Edwards, 45, gave an oral and written statement admitting to stealing more than 46 checks from Family Practice Associates between October 2009 and March 2010, according to court records.

Edwards, of 161 Covey Circle, faces one count of felony embezzlement.

A preliminary hearing is set for 10 a.m. Monday, March 7, in Franklin General District Court. The hearing will be held to determine whether there is enough evidence against Edwards to continue the case.

Edwards did not attend her arraignment Monday; her attorney appeared on her behalf.

Police began an investigation after they were notified in May. Edwards was arrested Jan. 12.