School secretary charged with embezzlement in West Virginia

FROM NEWSANDSENTINEL.COM -

A secretary at Blennerhassett Middle School has been charged with embezzling from the school more than $13,000 over a four-year period.

Melissa G. Lott, 45, of Parkersburg was arrested by West Virginia State Police last month and charged with theft "in excess of $13,000 belonging to Blennerhassett Middle School," according to the criminal complaint in Wood County Magistrate Court.
The complaint alleges Lott admitted to embezzling the money during a recorded interview with law enforcement where she was advised of her Miranda rights.
According to the complaint, Lott obtained checks from the school and cashed them at various location throughout Parkersburg and Wood County.
"Lott admitted she took money and cashed checks," the complaint states.
The complaint alleges Lott told investigators she committed the crime from July 2007 until May 2011. She has worked for the county school system since November 2001.
Bob Harris, assistant superintendent of personnel, said school officials discovered missing funds during an annual audit.
"The matter was turned over to the prosecuting attorney's office," he said.
Pat Law, superintendent of Wood County Schools, was out of town Friday and unavailable for comment.
Last month Lott was arraigned in magistrate court where her bond was set at $5,000. She requested a public defender and has been assigned John Oshoway as counsel.
Lott waived a Aug. 10 preliminary hearing, and the case is awaiting presentation to a grand jury. If convicted, Lott faces 1-10 years in prison.
Next week, the Wood County Board of Education will act to continue Lott's suspension without pay for another 30 days. Lott was placed on 30-day suspension by the board on June 29.
In July, the board refused to approve a resignation request by Lott. Harris confirmed Lott's suspension was the result of the embezzlement investigation.