PORT BARRE - St. Landry Parish sheriff's deputies have arrested a Port Barre traffic clerk accused of stealing more than $19,000 from the town.

A sheriff's spokesman says an investigation began after the town clerk reportedly suspected employee Nicole R. Duff of theft.

One of Duff's duties was to retrieve bond money from the Port Barre Police Department. KLFY-TV reports an internal review showed that Duff collected $24,079 between Oct. 7, 2015 and May 2. But, bank records and signed spreadsheets show she only deposited $4,332. Authorities say Duff could not account for the missing $19,747.

Duff faces 32 counts of felony theft, malfeasance in office and two counts of injuring public re cords. Bond was set at $31,000. It was unknown if she is represented by an attorney.