Rio Grande City officials say a former employee stole more than $13,000 from the city's code enforcement department.

Cintya Yaneth Alanis, 29, worked for the city from November 2006 until April 3, when she was terminated for not turning in money from permit fees on time, said City Manager Juan Zuniga.

The city initiated an audit of the department, Zuniga said, and found a significant difference between the money in the coffers and the number of permits issued for which fees should have been collected.

Alanis turned herself in to the Starr County Sheriff's Department on May 21 after being informed that a warrant had been issued for her arrest on felony theft charges. She was released that evening on a $5,000 surety bond, according to officials at the Starr County Jail.

Her home in Roma does not have a listed phone number.

Zuniga said that he believes Alanis acted alone and was responsible for taking all of the missing money.

Sara Perkins covers Mission, western Hidalgo County, Starr County and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4472.