Teacher Steals Prom Money, Tries to Cover Tracks
A former teacher in Ohio has been charged with allegedly stealing almost a thousand dollars that was made from selling prom tickets.
Heather Schoell-Schroeder, 45, who was a teacher at Lakota East High School in southwestern Ohio, , arranged to meet with Butler County sheriff's detectives accompanied by her lawyer.
After the two sides discussed the events surrounding the theft, Schoell-Schroeder was served with a summons for theft of money which was under $1,000, according the sheriff's office.
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Schoell-Schroeder, who was a respected teacher at Lakota East High School, resigned her position while the criminal investigation of the theft was underway.
A spokesperson for the school district explained that a relative had come forth and paid the district $160 of the $800 missing from the sale of the prom tickets, according to the Dayton Daily News.
"We acted with urgency to handle this situation appropriately. We are cooperating fully with the sheriff's office," said Superintendent Karen Mantia.
Sgt. Monte Mayer with the Butler County sheriff's stated the sheriff's office began its investigation on May 9.
Lakota East's prom was held on April 28. The school conducted its own internal investigation after a few students on prom night complained about having trouble gaining admission to the dance.
According to the school district, the teacher on the prom committee allegedly scammed the ticket sale process by encouraging students to pay the teacher directly.
Students also explained that when they confronted the teacher about the tickets, the teacher had asked the students not to report the incidents.
A long-term substitute has taken over her classroom duties for the remainder of the school year according to the school district.
Schoell-Schroder has already been scheduled to appear next month in Butler County Area II Court.
Lakota said it is reviewing its ticket sales procedure for next year's prom.
