A former South San Antonio Independent School District secretary accused of embezzling football game revenues was sentenced to eight years in prison Thursday, despite a last-minute attempt to spread blame to the district's controversial ex-athletic director.
Several school board trustees and Superintendent Rebecca Robinson lingered inside the courtroom after the hearing to watch as deputies led Silvia Gallegos Neira, 58, away in handcuffs.
“It's been a long two years,” board President Rose Marie Martinez said, referring to a 2011 audit of athletic funds that eventually resulted in the criminal charge. “The precedent has been set here. If anybody's thinking of doing this in any other district, they better think twice because justice has been served here.”
Neira was indicted last year on charges of stealing $22,420 from the district over a three-year period, taking advantage of her position as the person who collected and deposited athletic event revenues.
She pleaded no contest to theft in April in exchange for an eight-year term. Because she arrived at court Thursday with a check for $11,000 to repay the district, prosecutors agreed to not call witnesses or argue against her as she asked state District Judge Maria Teresa Herr to let her serve the sentence on probation.
Although Herr denied the request, she did retain jurisdiction of the case — a strong indicator that the judge might consider altering the sentence to shock probation after Neira spends about six months in prison.
Neira admitted to the judge that she stole and said she intends to pay back the entire $22,420. But she wasn't the only person to have participated in the scheme, she said. She would drop off cash for then-athletic director Gary Durbon, the son of then-Superintendent Ron Durbon, she alleged.
“I tried very hard to get away from that office four different times, but I couldn't because I was told by his father ... I was never to leave there,” Neira said. “In that school district, you can't turn to no one without being threatened ... and retaliated against.”
District officials in attendance declined to comment on the claims.
Durbon has not been charged. He repeatedly has denied wrongdoing.
“In Texas, we need to corroborate what would essentially be accomplice witness testimony,” said Adriana Biggs, chief of the district attorney's white-collar-crimes division. “Absent that, we don't have a case. If there's information presented to us that ties Mr. Durbon to the theft, then certainly we would re-open the investigation.”
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Friday, May 31, 2013
Former school principal’s trial for embezzlement re-scheduled in Mississippi
Former Olive Branch Middle School principal Mike McCoy, who was indicted on conspiracy and embezzlement charges, will be now be tried in August.
The Commercial Appeal reports McCoy’s trial was scheduled for trial next week.
McCoy’s trial date is now set for Aug. 19 in DeSoto County Circuit Court in Hernando. If he enters a plea, the plea date has been set for Aug. 13.
McCoy, former assistant principal Audrey Brooke Phillips and former bookkeeper Kelli McGowen were indicted for conspiracy to embezzle and embezzlement by a public employee.
The three are accused of taking more than $10,000 from various school accounts.
McGowen and Phillips have each applied for DeSoto County’s Pretrial Diversion program for nonviolent, first-time offenders. Their applications are pending.
The Commercial Appeal reports McCoy’s trial was scheduled for trial next week.
McCoy’s trial date is now set for Aug. 19 in DeSoto County Circuit Court in Hernando. If he enters a plea, the plea date has been set for Aug. 13.
McCoy, former assistant principal Audrey Brooke Phillips and former bookkeeper Kelli McGowen were indicted for conspiracy to embezzle and embezzlement by a public employee.
The three are accused of taking more than $10,000 from various school accounts.
McGowen and Phillips have each applied for DeSoto County’s Pretrial Diversion program for nonviolent, first-time offenders. Their applications are pending.
Church Embezzlement (and six ways to guard against it
FROM: http://www.worshipfacilities.com/go.php/editorial/20887
By Mark Brooks -
The numbers just did not add up. A few years back I was working with a church that was struggling financially, yet their giving was strong. They shouldn't have been struggling to make budget. I remember telling the pastor that I thought he should get an audit. He dismissed my advice as being unnecessary. Recently this church made headlines when it was revealed that the financial secretary was embezzling funds from the church. Suddenly it all made sense—including why she always made getting their data difficult. Thieves never like working in the light.
Recent headlines throughout the country are reporting similar incidents. It should be noted that the press loves a bad story and they will always highlight any shortcomings in the church. Thus, while incidents like the one I encountered are rare, they nonetheless do occur.
A scandal involving the finances of the church results in more than bad press, it discourages giving. One of the top reasons stated in surveys of why people give to an institution is that they trust that institution with their money. If you lose that trust, it is difficult and sometimes impossible to ever win it back. A wise church takes steps ahead of time to avoid this kind of fiasco.
Here are some basic steps your church can take to avoid the above examples.
1.) First, establish good accounting systems. There are scores of good church accounting software that is affordable and effective in tracking your giving and spending.
2.) Set up internal accountability. You should have a lay team of qualified people serving as your finance team. This team should have full access to all records. Any hired staff member that handles money should regularly report to this lay team.
3.) Always have more than one person handling the collected offering and counting what comes in. The more eyes on the prize the less likely someone is tempted to have itching fingers.
4.) Require more than one signature on all checks. It might be a hassle, but two signatures help keep everyone honest, especially if one of the signatures is a non-staff person.
5.) Yearly do a simple audit using an outside agency. A simple review is not that expensive, but having a yearly review might help you avoid anyone dipping their hand into the kitty.
6.) Every three to five years do an extensive audit. You can never be too careful. While more costly, an extensive review will help your members have the utmost confidence in your finances. I might add that I would do this every time a financial secretary leaves their position.
There is no guarantee that any of the above will keep you from a highly motivated, dishonest person—but it will help make it more difficult. Getting people to give to a church is hard enough as it is without a scandal; take steps now to avoid any hint of impropriety.
By Mark Brooks -
The numbers just did not add up. A few years back I was working with a church that was struggling financially, yet their giving was strong. They shouldn't have been struggling to make budget. I remember telling the pastor that I thought he should get an audit. He dismissed my advice as being unnecessary. Recently this church made headlines when it was revealed that the financial secretary was embezzling funds from the church. Suddenly it all made sense—including why she always made getting their data difficult. Thieves never like working in the light.
Recent headlines throughout the country are reporting similar incidents. It should be noted that the press loves a bad story and they will always highlight any shortcomings in the church. Thus, while incidents like the one I encountered are rare, they nonetheless do occur.
A scandal involving the finances of the church results in more than bad press, it discourages giving. One of the top reasons stated in surveys of why people give to an institution is that they trust that institution with their money. If you lose that trust, it is difficult and sometimes impossible to ever win it back. A wise church takes steps ahead of time to avoid this kind of fiasco.
Here are some basic steps your church can take to avoid the above examples.
1.) First, establish good accounting systems. There are scores of good church accounting software that is affordable and effective in tracking your giving and spending.
2.) Set up internal accountability. You should have a lay team of qualified people serving as your finance team. This team should have full access to all records. Any hired staff member that handles money should regularly report to this lay team.
3.) Always have more than one person handling the collected offering and counting what comes in. The more eyes on the prize the less likely someone is tempted to have itching fingers.
4.) Require more than one signature on all checks. It might be a hassle, but two signatures help keep everyone honest, especially if one of the signatures is a non-staff person.
5.) Yearly do a simple audit using an outside agency. A simple review is not that expensive, but having a yearly review might help you avoid anyone dipping their hand into the kitty.
6.) Every three to five years do an extensive audit. You can never be too careful. While more costly, an extensive review will help your members have the utmost confidence in your finances. I might add that I would do this every time a financial secretary leaves their position.
There is no guarantee that any of the above will keep you from a highly motivated, dishonest person—but it will help make it more difficult. Getting people to give to a church is hard enough as it is without a scandal; take steps now to avoid any hint of impropriety.
South Bend teacher accused of embezzlement in Indiana
South Bend Police are investigating a possible embezzlement case
involving a teacher at Dickinson Intermediate Fine Arts Academy. The
police report shows the case stems from money collected for the school's
yearbook.
"There was some discrepancy about where the funds had landed so they filed a report for us to look into that and the case is very much in its infancy right now,” said Sergeant Ian McQueen of the South Bend Police Department.
The police report states the principal, Mr. Sims arranged for teacher Dan Santos to collect money for this year's yearbooks.
On May 21st the principal discovered that Santos had put the money into his personal bank account and there were no invoices or any other documentation of any sales.
The following day Santos returned with a personal check for $3416 to cover the entire cost of every yearbook ordered and also handed over $400 in cash.
But the school would not accept the check and decided to have the cops investigate. They filed the police report last Friday.
The South Bend School Corporation is not willing to issue a statement or speak about the matter.
Santos said he cannot comment because that is the police of the school district.
School board member Bill Sniadecki is wondering why school officials didn't inform the board about this case until Thursday.
"It's a little shocking to me that for one the board did not hear about this,” said Sniadecki.
Principal Sims ordered us off of the property while we were talking to parents and students who seemed to be defending Mr. Santos.
"I signed up for year book and he's a really, really, really nice teacher. And he is a good teacher too,” said Vinson.
South Bend Police say at this point they're not sure whether this case is a criminal or civil case.
"There was some discrepancy about where the funds had landed so they filed a report for us to look into that and the case is very much in its infancy right now,” said Sergeant Ian McQueen of the South Bend Police Department.
The police report states the principal, Mr. Sims arranged for teacher Dan Santos to collect money for this year's yearbooks.
On May 21st the principal discovered that Santos had put the money into his personal bank account and there were no invoices or any other documentation of any sales.
The following day Santos returned with a personal check for $3416 to cover the entire cost of every yearbook ordered and also handed over $400 in cash.
But the school would not accept the check and decided to have the cops investigate. They filed the police report last Friday.
The South Bend School Corporation is not willing to issue a statement or speak about the matter.
Santos said he cannot comment because that is the police of the school district.
School board member Bill Sniadecki is wondering why school officials didn't inform the board about this case until Thursday.
"It's a little shocking to me that for one the board did not hear about this,” said Sniadecki.
Principal Sims ordered us off of the property while we were talking to parents and students who seemed to be defending Mr. Santos.
"I signed up for year book and he's a really, really, really nice teacher. And he is a good teacher too,” said Vinson.
South Bend Police say at this point they're not sure whether this case is a criminal or civil case.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
School staffer accused of embezzling; parents want changes in Virginia
FROM WCAX.COM -
Outcry in Richford over a Parent-Teacher Organization treasurer and teacher accused of embezzling thousands from PTO funds. Now some residents are calling for the woman's husband to resign from the school board.
Shawna Steinhour denied the embezzlement charges last week, but court records show her husband, who sits on the Richford School Board, may have had a hand in the money issues, too. Wally Steinhour is not facing any charges. That's something that's not sitting well with the PTO and some parents.
According to the board, Wally Steinhour has recused himself since his wife was accused of embezzlement. Some members of the PTO feel that's not enough.
"When somebody takes out a loan to cover up monies that have been stolen-- and they were stolen; it's a fact-- it just doesn't sit right with us," said PTO member Marie Destefano.
Some at the meeting called for Wally Steinhour to be fired since court documents revealed he took out a personal loan and used it to pay back the thousands of dollars his wife, Shawna, is accused of embezzling. She is both a first-grade teacher and elementary school PTO treasurer. Prosecutors say she used the money to shop online and go to the hair salon. Parents say if he tried to cover it up, he can't be trusted anymore.
"It was kind of slipped in there and none of us knew until we checked bank records," Destefano explained. "And that's where we found it a little under the table," she says of Steinhour's actions.
But Franklin Northeast Supervisory Union Superintendent Jay Nichols made it clear there's nothing anyone can do to remove Wally Steinhour from his position.
"From a legal perspective, any elected official or school board member is an elected official. Unless they resign or lose in the next election, they have a right to that seat," Nichols said at the meeting.
Technically, Wally Steinhour could resume his position at any time, but he wouldn't be allowed to take part in hearings about his wife's standing as an employee. She's on paid administrative leave.
Though Wally Steinhour's position is safe, the board could decide to fire Shawna Steinhour because she is an employee, not an elected official, regardless of the outcome of the criminal charges.
"If they can prove just cause they can terminate an employee," Nichols explained. "The employee can be found innocent or guilty-- doesn't matter. The board still has the right to make that decision."
Wednesday night, in a closed-door executive session, the superintendent gave his recommendation to the board on what to do about Shawna Steinhour. The board could decide to keep her on paid administrative leave, to terminate her contract, to ask her to resign, or could return her to regular status. It's a process that will require hearings and could take quite some time. Wally Steinhour is not facing any criminal charges at this time.
Outcry in Richford over a Parent-Teacher Organization treasurer and teacher accused of embezzling thousands from PTO funds. Now some residents are calling for the woman's husband to resign from the school board.
Shawna Steinhour denied the embezzlement charges last week, but court records show her husband, who sits on the Richford School Board, may have had a hand in the money issues, too. Wally Steinhour is not facing any charges. That's something that's not sitting well with the PTO and some parents.
According to the board, Wally Steinhour has recused himself since his wife was accused of embezzlement. Some members of the PTO feel that's not enough.
"When somebody takes out a loan to cover up monies that have been stolen-- and they were stolen; it's a fact-- it just doesn't sit right with us," said PTO member Marie Destefano.
Some at the meeting called for Wally Steinhour to be fired since court documents revealed he took out a personal loan and used it to pay back the thousands of dollars his wife, Shawna, is accused of embezzling. She is both a first-grade teacher and elementary school PTO treasurer. Prosecutors say she used the money to shop online and go to the hair salon. Parents say if he tried to cover it up, he can't be trusted anymore.
"It was kind of slipped in there and none of us knew until we checked bank records," Destefano explained. "And that's where we found it a little under the table," she says of Steinhour's actions.
But Franklin Northeast Supervisory Union Superintendent Jay Nichols made it clear there's nothing anyone can do to remove Wally Steinhour from his position.
"From a legal perspective, any elected official or school board member is an elected official. Unless they resign or lose in the next election, they have a right to that seat," Nichols said at the meeting.
Technically, Wally Steinhour could resume his position at any time, but he wouldn't be allowed to take part in hearings about his wife's standing as an employee. She's on paid administrative leave.
Though Wally Steinhour's position is safe, the board could decide to fire Shawna Steinhour because she is an employee, not an elected official, regardless of the outcome of the criminal charges.
"If they can prove just cause they can terminate an employee," Nichols explained. "The employee can be found innocent or guilty-- doesn't matter. The board still has the right to make that decision."
Wednesday night, in a closed-door executive session, the superintendent gave his recommendation to the board on what to do about Shawna Steinhour. The board could decide to keep her on paid administrative leave, to terminate her contract, to ask her to resign, or could return her to regular status. It's a process that will require hearings and could take quite some time. Wally Steinhour is not facing any criminal charges at this time.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Ex-administrator sentenced for church embezzlement in Indiana
FROM TECHNOLOGYINSIGHT.COM
A judge says a former administrator of a Muncie church was brazen in embezzling more than $130,000 over a nine-year period.
The judge sentenced 42-year-old Angela Renee Linder of Yorktown to 17 months in prison during a federal court hearing Tuesday in Indianapolis.
The Star Press reports Linder testified she suffers from bipolar disorder that caused her to go out of control with credit cards from Muncie's Union Chapel United Methodist Church.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gayle Helart says Linder used the church's money for personal expenses ranging from trips and home renovation projects to fees at fertility and weight-loss clinics.
Linder called her actions "appalling and deeply wounding." She apologized to the church and her family for the shame she caused.
Just because an organization is a nonprofit doesn't mean it shouldn't be doing all it can to manage its finances. Especially for agencies that have more restrictive budgets and intend to provide their communities with services, it is critical that internal operations run smoothly to prevent crimes before they occur.
The Star Press reported that a former administrator at a Muncie, Indiana, church was recently sentenced to 17 months in prison on embezzlement charges. Angela Linder stole more than $130,000 from Muncie's Union Chapel United Methodist Church over the course of nine years. She is also required to pay $138,000 in restitution, split between the church and an insurance company that compensated the organization for its losses.
The news provider noted that Linder stole the funds using several credit cards in addition to checks from the church's accounts. The money was used for personal expenses, including home renovations, vacation trips, and visits to fertility and weight loss clinics.
According to Managing Your Church, there are a few major ways that nonprofits can prevent embezzlement from taking a toll on their ability to serve the public. First, it is key that employees are compensated fairly, as one reason workers may misappropriate funds is that they feel they are underpaid. Another important step to take is to make sure internal controls are well-managed, and this includes not leaving just one person in charge of money.
Additionally, using audit solutions is critical. The source explained that leaders should not underestimate the positive effect internal and external audits can have on a nonprofit establishment. External audits are valuable because experts may be able to catch wind of loopholes or compliance issues that employees might not initially notice, while internal audits can be performed more frequently by staff to make sure all procedures and policies are working correctly.
A judge says a former administrator of a Muncie church was brazen in embezzling more than $130,000 over a nine-year period.
The judge sentenced 42-year-old Angela Renee Linder of Yorktown to 17 months in prison during a federal court hearing Tuesday in Indianapolis.
The Star Press reports Linder testified she suffers from bipolar disorder that caused her to go out of control with credit cards from Muncie's Union Chapel United Methodist Church.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gayle Helart says Linder used the church's money for personal expenses ranging from trips and home renovation projects to fees at fertility and weight-loss clinics.
Linder called her actions "appalling and deeply wounding." She apologized to the church and her family for the shame she caused.
Just because an organization is a nonprofit doesn't mean it shouldn't be doing all it can to manage its finances. Especially for agencies that have more restrictive budgets and intend to provide their communities with services, it is critical that internal operations run smoothly to prevent crimes before they occur.
The Star Press reported that a former administrator at a Muncie, Indiana, church was recently sentenced to 17 months in prison on embezzlement charges. Angela Linder stole more than $130,000 from Muncie's Union Chapel United Methodist Church over the course of nine years. She is also required to pay $138,000 in restitution, split between the church and an insurance company that compensated the organization for its losses.
The news provider noted that Linder stole the funds using several credit cards in addition to checks from the church's accounts. The money was used for personal expenses, including home renovations, vacation trips, and visits to fertility and weight loss clinics.
According to Managing Your Church, there are a few major ways that nonprofits can prevent embezzlement from taking a toll on their ability to serve the public. First, it is key that employees are compensated fairly, as one reason workers may misappropriate funds is that they feel they are underpaid. Another important step to take is to make sure internal controls are well-managed, and this includes not leaving just one person in charge of money.
Additionally, using audit solutions is critical. The source explained that leaders should not underestimate the positive effect internal and external audits can have on a nonprofit establishment. External audits are valuable because experts may be able to catch wind of loopholes or compliance issues that employees might not initially notice, while internal audits can be performed more frequently by staff to make sure all procedures and policies are working correctly.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Kentucky Woman pleads guilty to theft from local groups, stole from youth teams, school organizations.
A former Perrysburg woman admitted in Wood County Common Pleas Court to stealing more than $110,000 from the bank accounts of school, community, and youth baseball groups and using the money on personal expenses and services.
Kiki Lorann, 36, who now lives in Tiffin, pleaded guilty Friday to four counts of grand theft and three counts of theft. When sentenced July 16 by Judge Robert Pollex, who handled her pleas to the felonies, she faces up to eight years in prison.
Assistant Prosecutor Tom Matuszak said she took the position of volunteer treasurer in six Perrysburg-area groups from 2010 to 2012. He said she had the authority to pay the legitimate expenses of the organizations, but instead misspent money in their accounts on personal items and services.
Two Perrysburg school groups sustained the largest financial loss from Lorann’s embezzlement: Perrysburg Elementary Parents Association lost $48,728, and Toth Parents Club had $43,793 taken from its account.
The other victims and the amount of money stolen are: Perrysburg Sting baseball team, $3,067; Perrysburg Gold travel baseball team, $9,944; Perrysburg Amateur Baseball and Softball Commission, $2,600, and Perrysburg Dirtbag baseball travel team, $1,915.
Mr. Matuszak said the thefts were carried out by Lorann writing checks on accounts held by the groups and purchasing personal goods and services on credit and debit cards. He said she often made interbank transfers of funds to conceal the fraudulent transactions.
The assistant prosecutor said representatives of the groups will be allowed to make victim-impact statements at the woman’s sentencing. He said he will ask Judge Pollex for a sentence that includes Lorann making restitution to the organizations. None of the organizations had representatives at the hearing.
Perrysburg Schools Superintendent Tom Hosler said the crimes committed by Lorann damage the trust of volunteers and parents who unselfishly give their time and money.
“I think that any time there is a theft like this, it really stirs and shakes the core group of people who have worked so hard to improve the quality of education and the experiences the kids have in the schools,” he said.
Mr. Hosler said that after learning about the embezzled funds the school district took steps to work with leaders of school support groups to improve financial accounting and ensure that there are safeguards to discourage theft.
Kiki Lorann, 36, who now lives in Tiffin, pleaded guilty Friday to four counts of grand theft and three counts of theft. When sentenced July 16 by Judge Robert Pollex, who handled her pleas to the felonies, she faces up to eight years in prison.
Assistant Prosecutor Tom Matuszak said she took the position of volunteer treasurer in six Perrysburg-area groups from 2010 to 2012. He said she had the authority to pay the legitimate expenses of the organizations, but instead misspent money in their accounts on personal items and services.
Two Perrysburg school groups sustained the largest financial loss from Lorann’s embezzlement: Perrysburg Elementary Parents Association lost $48,728, and Toth Parents Club had $43,793 taken from its account.
The other victims and the amount of money stolen are: Perrysburg Sting baseball team, $3,067; Perrysburg Gold travel baseball team, $9,944; Perrysburg Amateur Baseball and Softball Commission, $2,600, and Perrysburg Dirtbag baseball travel team, $1,915.
Mr. Matuszak said the thefts were carried out by Lorann writing checks on accounts held by the groups and purchasing personal goods and services on credit and debit cards. He said she often made interbank transfers of funds to conceal the fraudulent transactions.
The assistant prosecutor said representatives of the groups will be allowed to make victim-impact statements at the woman’s sentencing. He said he will ask Judge Pollex for a sentence that includes Lorann making restitution to the organizations. None of the organizations had representatives at the hearing.
Perrysburg Schools Superintendent Tom Hosler said the crimes committed by Lorann damage the trust of volunteers and parents who unselfishly give their time and money.
“I think that any time there is a theft like this, it really stirs and shakes the core group of people who have worked so hard to improve the quality of education and the experiences the kids have in the schools,” he said.
Mr. Hosler said that after learning about the embezzled funds the school district took steps to work with leaders of school support groups to improve financial accounting and ensure that there are safeguards to discourage theft.
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