Embezzlement issue

Last year I embezzled money from my employer and was caught. Because I paid the money back on the same day I was confronted, he agreed not to prosecute me, and told me he would tell people I left the office because I needed a job with benefits that he couldn't provide me. Then I found out he told one of the girls in the office what happened, and I then found out that 2 days later she told all the girls in the office the real reason, swearing them to secrecy. Now, 18 months later, this girl has accused me of spreading rumors about her and my former employer, saying they are having an affair, etc. So she in turn got copies of the emails that went back & forth between him & I at the time of my discharge and send out a mass email with said emails attached letting everyone know the "real" reason I didn't work there anymore. I found out the person who told someone else in the office these things (and doesn't work there anymore) told her it wasn't me, it was her own friend that said these things about her. But she is insisting her friend wouldn't do that to her, that it MUST of came from me. I tried emailing my ex employer to tell him I had no part in this whatsoever, that she is mistaken that I am spreading these rumors, and to PLEASE talk to this other girl and she will verify just who it was that told her. But I am getting no response. My question is this, can he still prosecute me for the embezzelment even tho I have an email from him thanking me for paying the money back, and how he will tell everyone the above mentioned cover story on how I left? And, do I have any recourse of action against this girl viciously slandering my name to my friends and family and everyone else she could get ahold of's email address? Even if what she said is true about why I left, I have more than paid for this horrible mistake, and thought it was behind me. Now everyone knows, and I am embarrassed to see or talk to anyone. What was once a confidential agreement between two people has now made front page news.

Technically he can yes but the longer he waits the more difficult it would be a for a prosecutor to proceed.