Two more school districts have money stolen

At least $200k stolen from Grape Creek ISD

SAN ANGELO, Texas — Local law enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating more than 50 unauthorized online bank transactions made from the Grape Creek ISD last week.

At least $200,000 had been stolen as of Monday afternoon through 64 automated clearinghouse withdraws, which allow funds to be transferred without use of a check. Investigators are attempting to determine the final amount of funds withdrawn and where they were deposited, said Lt. Ron Sanders, of the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office.

School district officials first reported the unauthorized transactions to the Sheriff’s Office on Thursday.

The district is working closely with the Sheriff’s Office to identify and prosecute those involved with the unauthorized transaction, GCISD Superintendent David Hale said.

More at http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2014/jun/23/at-least-200k-stolen-from-grape-creek-isd/?partner=popular

Former Lohn ISD business manager admits to stealing more than $500K

SAN ANGELO, Texas — Patty E. Smith faces up to 15 years in federal prison and paying full restitution after embezzling more than $500,000 from the Lohn ISD, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Smith, 58, pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion and one count of theft from an organization receiving federal funds before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Lane on Friday in Austin.

Lohn is approximately 85 miles east of San Angelo.

According to the factual basis filed in this case, Smith did not have signature authority over any LISD financial accounts. She did, however, have the trust of the person with the authority to sign checks. That person signed blank checks Smith would later complete and make payable to either “cash” or fictitious payees, according to a news release. Smith concealed her activities by recording false check amounts in the check register.

More at http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2014/jun/23/former-lohn-isd-business-manager-admits-to-more/?partner=popular .