A worker at Abbey Hospice in Social Circle was arrested Monday and charged with stealing roughly $1.2 million from the business.

Christine Joy Rahl, 45, was charged with theft by deception. She began work at the hospice around 2000 and the theft began around 2008, according to Social Circle Department of Public Safety Director Tom Fox.

Fox said in a press release that the owners of the hospice contacted the Social Circle Police Department June 25 regarding the alleged theft. They, along with the Walton County District Attorney's Office, began their investigation.

Rahl worked as the office manager for the hospice. According to the press release, they believe she acted alone; however, the case is still under investigation.